Member of the Month: Zach Sullivan

We are excited to announce our newest member of the month, Zach Sullivan! Zach has been a hard-working, dedicated member here since day one. He is extremely coachable and is always looking to improve as an athlete, and help others. He was an absolute rockstar judge and helping hand at the Showdown last year and is always willing to lend a helping hand. You’ll often find him in the pain cave squatting, so don’t be afraid to say hello and get to know him. Congratulations, Zach!

How did you get involved in CrossFit? What was your first WOD/experience?
I got involved with CrossFit in the August of 2013, while catching a repeat of the CrossFit Games on ESPN. After that I entered into the black hole of online CrossFit videos and information (which at this point has become an obsession of mine- some people have their Kardashians and I like to watch people workout) that is out there to find out more. At this point one of my offices was in Southie that I was overseeing and decided to walk into CFS on a whim. Turned out to be one of the best decisions I have ever made. My intro WOD was so ridiculous I am honestly embarrassed to share. We had the traditional workout and Christina and Amy were coaching the class. We completed the workout in the parking lot near the 300-meter line and actually used PVC pipes instead of barbells and plates. There were some burpees and running involved if I can remember and after the 7 minutes I was toast. Christina was explaining some information on how to sign up and I was coughing so hard from the workout I had to walk away because I was a mess. Signed up the next day.
My first workout was an interesting one because it was 1 rep max Clean and Jerk. HA! After about 10 minutes of deciding what to load up the barbell with Amy said, “why don’t you just practice with an empty barbell today?” That was the second of many times I was humbled here in Southie.

When did you start coming to CrossFit Southie?
I started coming to CrossFit Southie in September of 2013.

Is this the first CrossFit you’ve worked out at / how long have you been CrossFitting for?
This is the first CrossFit box I have ever worked out at and at this point I have been here for 2 years!

When did you realize that CrossFit was right for you?
I realized that this was right for me before I even walked into the gym. I had always been a gym rat through high school and college and was really looking to break out of the Back-Bis, Chest-Tris, and Shoulders routine. Like everyone, I wish I found this while in college! Imagine where I would be then!

What are you short-term and long-term CrossFit goals?
Short-term goals are to get my wife to join! She attends the “Bring a Friend” day with me each time, hears me talk about it constantly, but has yet to commit! Maybe this will change her mind????
Long-term goals are to coach. I would consider myself a coach/mentor in my current job now and to pair that with something I love seems like a no brainer.

What is your biggest accomplishment?
My biggest accomplishment regarding workouts has been the implementation of the Hatch program. Haley introduced me to it when I needed to improve squat strength and I showed some unreal improvement! I am now on my third time through the program and it has helped every part of my fitness. You will find me twice a week on a platform in the corner.
My biggest accomplishment outside of a movement is definitely attaining my Level 1 certification this past spring. It is something I had wanted for a while and my wife surprised me with it for my birthday. Amazing experience and only motivated me to pursue something more within the industry. Having that experience along with the knowledge of what a true fitness program can do for a person has been eye opening. I have spent time with my father talking about and teaching him what I have learned and he has adopted his own variation and is now trying to catch my 2k-row time! Along with that, my cousin and his wife signed up after hearing me talk about the benefits for a while and their experience to date has been life changing. No better feeling than helping the people you care about improve!

What is your favorite / least favorite WOD/movement?
Favorite workout for me is anything with a barbell- heavy, fast, doesn’t matter. Always fun. Least favorite workout is wall balls. I’m only 5’10”! Come on! Regardless of the workout, the best feeling is finishing and hitting PR’s. I am a little crazy with tracking my workouts and that for me has served as a motivator each day and a reminder to where I started.

What do you do for a profession outside of CrossFit?
Outside of CrossFit, I am an area manager for Enterprise Rent-A-Car. I have been there since I graduated college and it has been a company that has treated me well. I have moved up the chain pretty quick and have learned a lot about running a successful business. Thomas and Whalen can tell you the perks aren’t too bad either.

What are your hobbies outside of CrossFit?
Does watching CrossFit videos count? Kidding. I am an average golfer, love to travel and enjoy spending time with family and friends. Truth be told I work a lot so when I am not there or with my wife/dog, I am at the gym.

Do you eat Paleo or Zone? What is your favorite paleo/non-paleo meal?
I am a healthy eater, try to eat very clean but do not follow a strict plan. Favorite Paleo meal is definitely a Roast Half Chicken from anywhere it is on the menu. Or a killer smoothie- can’t say no to that. Non-paleo meal is a little different- Just came back from a trip to Europe and I can say that I had my fair share of pasta!

Fun fact?
I am DIE-HARD NASCAR fan. Bet you didn’t see that coming!

Strength
Back Squat
3-3-3-3-3

WOD
2012 Regional WOD 2
2000m Row
50 Pistols
30 Hang Power Cleans (225,135)

Level 4- 185,115
Level 3- 155,100
Level 2- 125,80
Level 1- 95,45, 50 Lunges

Who doesn’t like strong hips and tight abs? This class does not count toward your weekly membership. Come check it out!
Butts @ Guts Class
7:00 – 7:45pm in Southie Green