Sunday, April 3, 2011 – Athlete Profile: Zack Caldwell

Athlete Profile:  Zack Caldwell

1.  In general, what is your background?

I grew up in Troy, Ohio; a pretty small town of about 23,000 people 20 minutes north of Dayton.  I am the youngest of 3 kids.  I wasn’t very competitive or athletic when I was younger but I remember around the 3rd grade, my mom took me shopping for new pants and we had to get the “husky” fit.  Thus began my time in athletices.  From 3rd grade to high school graduation I played football and every couple of years ran track.  Although we I had 1 winning season over 10 years, I still really enjoy football.

I am also a huge music fan.  Like most people, my musical preferences have changed over time but I still enjoy some great oldies, metal, the standards, hip hop, alternative, and country.  Music has been a huge part of my life.
After high school, I attended Ohio State where I got a degree in Psychology.  A couple months after graduation, I moved to Charleston where Anna (then girlfriend, now wife) had moved.  After a few months of draining my checking and savings accounts, I landed a job working with adults with mental disabilities.

2.  Age, Occupation?

25, Program Manager for the Disabilities Board of Charleston County

3.  How did you get to know CrossFit and why did you start?

I learned about CrossFit while I was still living in Ohio.  A gym had opened in town and I knew a few people that had joined so I looked it up online.  At first I wasn’t too impress with what I saw.  From the workouts I was used to, everything done was cheating the movement.  Fast-forward a year and a half, I became bored with working out by myself doing the same thing over and over again.  So I found CrossFit Integrity, have been here for almost a year, and love everything I’ve been able to accomplish.

4.  How has CrossFit changed your life, life style, level of fitness?

I remember playing football my senior year of high school, my dad said that I would never be in better shape than I was at that time.  For 6 years, it looked like he’d be right.  I believe that right now, I am at a higher fitness level than I was then and I’m only getting stronger, faster, and healthier.  I have become more aware of what I put into my body and am actually eating more vegetables, which is weird for me.

5.  Name one goal you would like to accomplish through CrossFit.

I would love to complete a WOD doing free standing handstand push-ups.  A 400 pound dead-lift would be great as well, but I think above all, I would just like to on the Hero WOD board.

6.  Favorite CrossFit moment so far?

My first muscle-up was great.  20+ people there watching and cheering.  It was a really great feeling.  Also, watching the CrossFit community come together to raise money for a fallen friend most of us didn’t know was truly awesome.  I’ve never a known a gym to be able to create such a community feeling.

7.  What do you like most about CrossFit Integrity?

I love the friendly, but competitive atmosphere.  The people we workout with are great and they make me push harder every day.

8.  Favorite WOD?

I like fight gone bad and workouts with 3 or more movements.  They seem to keep my mind focused and pushing to start the next movement.

9.  Least Favorite WOD?

Murph and the Air Force WOD

10. Favorite Movement?

Power Cleans.  Now that I have started to figure them out, Overhead Squats are growing on me too.

11. Least Favorite Movement?

Wallballs

12. Favorite Place to eat in Charleston?

A Greek restaurant down on King St. called Old Towne Grill and Seafood.

CrossFit Integrity, Charleston, SC