Athlete of the Month: Alicia Zink
Throughout the past year, we have witnessed Alicia push past her limits and grow stronger both mentally and physically. As one of our most dedicated early risers, we’ve noticed that Alicia has recently been fueled by a tightly focused determination and drive and we’d say she has now officially reinvented her inner athletic self.
Excited to announce Alicia Zink as our next Athlete of the Month!
1. When and why did you start CrossFit?
I officially started CrossFit 13 months ago even though I had been doing CrossFit-like classes for 4 years. I decided to officially start because I wanted to learn the moves and lifts with proper form and technique and I also wanted to be stronger for competitions.
2. How has your performance changed since you started CrossFit?
Despite my experience in CrossFit-like workouts, I quickly realized when I started at Salus how much I needed to learn and improve. Once in a blue moon I was able to do the WOD as prescribed, but now 13 months later its only once in a blue moon that I have to scale. Also, I am able to now do most CrossFit moves except for the elusive bar and ring muscle ups which I work on diligently.
3. Are there exercises you can do now that you couldn’t do before?
Most gymnastics moves, such as pull ups, chest to bar, toes to bar, handstand pushups. I also had no idea of how to and was terrified of the snatch.
4. How has your body physically changed since you started CrossFit?
I am visibly stronger and have more muscle definition.
But I would say starting a macro diet has been a key component as I feel stronger and am performing better in WODs and finally can now see the abs I work so hard on every day in the gym.
5. How has CrossFit changed you in other ways?
I have seen the benefits of CrossFit permeating throughout my life. When I feel tired and beat down, I push harder and don’t give up.
Through CrossFit I have found inner strength physically, mentally and emotionally that I didn’t know existed.
It has empowered and inspired me to face and push through challenges that I encounter outside in my daily life. All my life I have struggled with confidence and self-esteem and through accomplishing goals in CrossFit I have learned to believe in myself that I can do and achieve anything I set my mind to.
6. How do you describe CrossFit to your friends?
So many people ask what I do, and when I tell them CrossFit I definitely get mixed reactions. Most being about how “unsafe it is and how easy it is to get injured”. I always tell them that actually their (mis)understanding couldn’t be more wrong:
CrossFit is probably one of the safest places to exercise as there is an emphasis on form, technique and mobility.
I also tell them how amazing the CrossFit community is in supporting each other and cheering each other on, everyone wanting each other to reach and go beyond their potential. There is nowhere else in my experience that has this dynamic.
7. What keeps you motivated to continue?
CrossFit is my escape from the hustle and bustle of my day in being a mother and running my private practice. It is the only time of the day that is about me and helps me to feel balanced. At the age of 40, CrossFit has unlocked an inner athlete that I never knew existed as I was always the last picked for a team in gym class.
Now that I see myself as an athlete, I am always motivated to do better, get stronger and continue to break internal barriers that I never thought possible.
This motivates me in my daily life where I find myself pushing to excel and not give up in my work and with my family.
8. Favorite WOD or lift?
Snatch, thrusters and chipper WODs.
9. What advice would you give to a newbie just joining CrossFit Salus?
Don’t be scared or intimidated. Everyone at Salus has had a “day one” and have felt the same feelings. Don’t be afraid to ask coaches or anyone in the gym if you are unsure of what to do or how to do it…
this is a community where everyone wants each other to do their best.
10. What is your next goal to accomplish?
My next goal is to return to competing but at the Rx level. Also, I would like finish in the top 500 in the world for the open. More immediate goals include bar and ring muscle ups, handstand walks and recapturing my dubs.
11. If you could design your own WOD, what would it look like?
25 Thrusters (95/65) 400 m run 25 Push Press (95/65) 400 m run 25 Pull ups 400 m run 25 Handstand push ups 400 m run
12. Favorite thing to do for fun?
Actually, I would have to say going to the gym first! But I also love going to the beach, spending time with my family and friends, and traveling (when I can).
13. Favorite healthy dish….and favorite “cheat” meal?
Favorite healthy dish is grilled shrimp and guacamole salad.
My favorite cheat meal is anything pasta!!
14. If you could be an animal what would you be and why?
The honey badger as they are smart, fearless and ferocious!
15. Favorite inspirational quote?
“Embrace failure. Missteps and roadblocks are inevitable but ultimately are an opportunity to learn, pivot, and go after your goals with new perspective.” ~ Jenny Fleiss
The post Athlete of the Month: Alicia Zink appeared first on Salus.
Recent posts
QUICK LINKS
CONTACT
Phone
Address
1680 State Route 35 Middletown, NJ 07748
New Paragraph
