Certifications:
- Crossfit Level 2 Certificate Coach
- Bachelors of Arts in Exercise Science
- Masters of Science in Exercise Physiology
- ACSM Clinical Exercise Physiologist
- Basic Life Support
- 2018 Regional Team Competitor (CrossFit RDU)
- 2019 Wodapalooza Intermediate 3rd place finisher
- 2021 Quarterfinal Athlete
Zach’s interest in fitness began with school sports where he participated in football, wrestling, and baseball, earning All-State Honors in football and wrestling. He continued his passion for football at Hope College, earning All-Conference awards during his junior and senior years as a linebacker. There, he worked as a graduate assistant football coach, while also playing club rugby to feed his love for competition.
In September 2014, he joined the sport of CrossFit at CrossFit Lake Effect and began coaching in 2015 at CrossFit Lake Effect for Paul Burkert. Zach then went on to Eastern Michigan University to earn his Master's in Exercise Physiology. During that time, he coached at CrossFit Ann Arbor HyperFit USA for Doug Chapman before they shut their doors in 2016. Afterward, he coached at CrossFit TreeTown for Max Finkbeiner until he moved to North Carolina while his wife, Emily, pursued a residency in Pharmacy. There, he worked as a clinical exercise physiologist for Duke University Health Systems in the cardiac diagnostics unit, and part-time in cardiac rehabilitation and coaching at CrossFit RDU for Steve Johnson.
Zach’s passion and mission are to create a healthier America by helping individuals achieve and exceed their fitness goals, whether it is CrossFit or some other fitness regime.
In Zach’s words: “Exercise is the best medicine you can give your body. The human body is capable of doing amazing things, but you have to want to make those amazing things happen through hard work. CrossFit has given me the platform to teach and accomplish great things, and it is awesome to see people accomplish things they never thought possible.”
