Zach is on a 27-week streak for CrossFit classes, has attended over 150 classes with us, and has been a member for a year and a half. But what really sets Zach apart is his energy. When he first started, he was definitely the only one dancing at the 4:30pm class—and we’re so glad he brought that vibe with him! His mobility is also unlike most people walking through our doors for the first time, which has been fun to watch him leverage as he gets stronger.
We’re excited to watch Zach continue building strength and endurance as he works toward his goal of climbing a 14er! Read more about Zach and his experience below.
My name is Zachry Valgora, member of CrossFit Lincoln, and I’m a 25 year old from Omaha who moved to Lincoln after 3 Years at UNL and 1 more at UNMC to finish my degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences. My wife Megan and I met as freshman at UNL and have been together for 7 and a half years and married for almost 3. I am a huge Nebraska Football and Baseball fan and have become season ticket holders for baseball the past 2 years. My main hobby is that I am an avid bowler. Which also includes my proudest achievement I have accomplished, besides graduating college, which is that I have bowled 2 perfect games. That is a score of 300.
What first brought you to CrossFit, and what keeps you coming back?
I started looking into CrossFit about a year and a half ago because I wanted to get back in shape to hike some 14ers in Colorado. My family goes to Colorado every year and we drive by this mountain called Mount Massive that I had decided I wanted to climb and had to figure out a way to do that. Now you may ask why you would just not do cardio training at a random gym. Well because that would have bored me and I actually had previous experience with CrossFit in High school for Strength and Condition for baseball and really enjoyed it. Now why I keep coming back, I just love being in the community that was built here. Everyone is so nice and helpful and for someone who was nervous about getting back into working out it was very welcoming. Oh and I have yet to climb that mountain!
What accomplishment at CrossFit Lincoln are you most proud of so far?
What I’m most proud of is that I was able to climb a rope for the first time in my life. Until I started CrossFit last year I had never even tried to climb a rope and to be honest I didn’t think I would be able to because I am not a small guy and it seemed pretty daunting but after learning the technique and getting confident with myself I was able to get one. Now multiple climbs are still a work in progress but it is progress.
What is your favorite movement or workout — and your least favorite?
When it comes to workouts/movements I’m a big fan of the Strength Cycles that we have been doing and the variety of lifts that are present. It just really gives you the opportunity to push yourself. However my least favorite movement is a close call between running, not a fan, and the bench press. Nothing in particular about the bench press. I am not that into it usually.
How has CrossFit impacted your life outside the gym (health, work, family, mindset)?
CrossFit has really shown me what I am capable of doing. Life is crazy and there is something always right around the corner that can give you an excuse not to take your health seriously. You get into the saying well there is always next week, and it goes on and on. It can really hurt not just your physical but mental health and having a place where you can go where the community is welcoming to all skill levels and gives you support is very hard to find. This place really has helped me get to a place in my health where I’m proud of where I have gotten and to where I am going.
What advice would you give to someone who’s brand new to CrossFit?
Some advice for someone new to CrossFit is to keep coming back and don’t worry about where you are physically compared to other people. I know it can be hard not to compare yourself to others but everyone is at a different point in their CrossFit/Health journey. Now yes you can look at others and what they are doing and strive to get to that point but don’t let it deter you from coming back. The hardest part you already did by reaching out and putting yourself into an uncomfortable situation. We as a community are here for each other.
We found the picture of one of his perfect games… 2018 from Skutt Catholic High School‘s Facebook page!
