Our Athlete Spotlight for June is Zach Sitler!  You’ll typically find him in the 8:00 am class.  He works extremely hard, but you’d never know how much effort he’s putting in, because he always has a smile on his face! He pushes himself to be better every day and is always there to cheer on those who are working with him. We’re so happy to have Zach as our June Athlete of the Month and as an awesome part of this community. Congratulations Zach!

How long have you been doing CrossFit? Who or what got you started?

I have been at Alpine for about 5-6 months, but I did CrossFit before that in Portland and Seattle a few years ago before the pandemic. I got started because I would walk by this box in Seattle on the way to work and it looked like fun, so I walked in one day.

Tell us a little bit about yourself: (Family, career, hobbies, interests)

I have a lovely Fiancée (she also goes to Alpine) and a cattle dog mix named Luna. She was Jackie’s dog first, but I get to claim her now too. For work, I’m an SDE at Amazon, which is pretty boring, but I get to work from home at least. I love the outdoors (hiking, camping, kayaking, etc), riding my mountain bike, and playing video games.

What is your favorite memory at Alpine CrossFit?

My favorite memory is when I hit my first RX workout. It took months before I could even get close and when I finally did, it was so satisfying! My most embarrassing memory was collapsing with double quad cramps after sharing the sled with Anna.

What was your workout regimen before joining Alpine?

I hadn’t really worked out much in a couple of years. I mainly rode my mountain bike around North Table a few times a week.

How has CrossFit affected your life outside of the gym?

It sounds cliche, but I almost feel like a new person. I have so much more energy throughout the day and in general, I feel better about myself.

If you could write a book, what would it be about?

I would totally write a sci-fi book. That’s my favorite genre.

What category would you be least excited/most excited to see on Jeopardy?

I love sports, specifically the NBA and NFL, so I might have a chance there. Least, I don’t know, maybe country music?

What was your first workout, and what did you think after doing it?

I don’t remember the first workout I did at Alpine, but it was very humbling to be back in the gym again. I used an empty barbell during the wod and still didn’t finish. But, everyone was so welcoming and the coach (Lexie) was really nice. I knew I was going to join.

What is your favorite and least favorite WOD?

I love any WOD that involves going for a max attempt, like the open workout with the thruster, or the recent wod where we ran and went for a max snatch. I’m a simple man, I love to go for PRs. I don’t know if I have the least favorite, but anything with the assault bike.

What are your favorite and least favorite movements?

My favorite movement is the snatch. I don’t think there is any other lift that requires both technique and strength in the same way. Also, I’m not good at it, so that really motivates me. My least favorite is thrusters. You know when the wod has thrusters, it’s going to be a rough day.

What advice would you give a newbie just getting started at Alpine CrossFit?

Be patient and keep going. It’s hard, but worth it in the end. You can do more than you think!