1. How long have you been doing CrossFit?
I started participating in CrossFit classes in August 2013.
2. What, if any, training did you do prior to CrossFit?
I competed in high school basketball and football, and strength/conditioning for those sports. During and after college I went to the gym and did your typical exercises for each body part certain days of the week, mixing in some running. The workouts tended to be sporadic and not consistent from month to month to see the results I wanted.
3. What motivates you to keep coming back to 5 Alarm each day?
I enjoy the different workouts given day to day, week to week. It’s never the same and it gives you a goal to work toward: learning a new skill, beating a previous time, competing with a fellow athlete. The friendships I have made keep the workouts and environment fun instead of suffering by yourself.
4. What is your favorite/least favorite movement and WoD?
My favorite lift is the clean and least favorite is the snatch. My favorite workouts usually include some running aspect or a chipper workout. Workouts like Helen or Nancy are some I like.
5. What’s one thing you hope to accomplish in the gym in the upcoming year?
Be more consistent getting ring muscle-ups.
6. What one piece of advice would you give to somebody just starting out?
These workouts can be for anyone and everyone. All workouts are scalable, so ask the coaches. Be consistent and you will surprise yourself with what you can do.
What are others in the gym saying about Zach?
As the adage goes, “hard work pays off,” and this could not be more true of Zach. Being a longer-tenured member of the gym, I have had the opportunity to see his consistent drive and will to improve take him from being a CrossFit beginner to one of the stronger all-around athletes in the gym, all while remaining humble about his accomplishments. Zach is always a pleasure to be around and workout with, always supporting others and pushing them to do their best. – Nick Jefferson
Zach Maxwell continues to grow as an athlete every day he is in the gym. He has a great competitive spirit and is encouraging to his fellow athletes. When he first started he was the “strong, silent” athlete that did his work and went on with his day. Now, Zach has become a vital part of the core of our CrossFit community and it brings a smile to my face, as one of his coaches, to see the hard work he puts in pay off. Keep inspiring others, Zach! – Coach Erica Piwinsky
I have had the pleasure of getting to know Zach as part of the 5am crew. During his time in the gym, I have watched him grow in strength and confidence. Zach is an excellent role model for other young men as his priorities are being a good husband and father. He works extremely hard and has become one of the best all-around athletes in the gym. It is always great to partner with Zach because he will push you to do your best. I often see him putting in additional work, even after some of our most challenging workouts. What I like most about Zach is you can always count on him to bring strong energy and a positive attitude. – “Coach,” Barry Reilly
Over the last year, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know Zach as both an athlete and a person. He’s one of the first athletes in at the 5 am class and always has a smile on his face and a positive attitude to match. In the last few months, Zach’s athletic performance has skyrocketed. He’s setting PR after PR, killing the workouts, and even got his first ring muscle-up! Zach is a great example of what hard work and dedication looks like, both in and out of the gym, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for him. Keep up the great work, Zach! – Coach Leah Wheeler
