Our Story

Valor didn’t begin with a business plan. It began with a belief: that strength is more than muscle —it’s the ability to show up for yourself, to grow through movement, and to live life with intention.

-Mak Issa, Founder & Owner

That belief took root in Mak Issa, a local Ann Arbor native who grew up immersed in athletics, community, and service. After playing football at the University of Michigan and earning his degree in Movement Science, Mak continued to expand his understanding of the human body and performance through a Master’s in Medical Physiology from Case Western Reserve University.

But Mak knew there was still a missing link.

In gyms and clinics alike, he saw the same disconnect: athletes pushed to perform without proper care, patients sent home without sustainable strength, and everyday people unsure where to begin. He envisioned something different—a place that doesn’t just treat injuries or deliver workouts, but brings it all together in one powerful, elevated experience.

That vision became Valor Strength & Performance, officially opening in Ann Arbor in 2023.

Valor is a movement: toward sustainable wellness, empowered movement, and high-level support.

An indoor basketball court with a basketball on the floor and black padded walls.

What Makes Valor Different?

From the moment you walk in, Valor doesn’t feel like a gym—and that’s the point. It’s a curated performance space where expert physical therapists, strength coaches, Pilates instructors, and wellness professionals work in harmony to guide your journey. Whether you’re recovering, training, or simply seeking a better way to move through life, you’ll find a program designed just for you.

This is where rehabilitation meets performance, and where intentional coaching replaces guesswork. It’s a place for athletes, professionals, parents, and beginners alike—a space where every body is respected, and every goal is supported.