Hi! I’m Rich and I’m the guy behind Z Strength. I work as a full-time high school teacher in math and computer science but have been training since I was 15 years old. My first gym experience came as a sophomore in high school to become Bigger, Faster, Stronger. Now, the gym is about staying healthy and fit for my family.
The “Important” Stuff
- Former NASM Certified Personal Trainer
- NESTA Certified Underground Strength Coach
- Science of Nutrition (Layne Norton)
- CHFI Performance Nutrition Coach
- 30 years of fitness training between being an athlete, coaching athletes, and trying to be the fittest father I can be for my family
The Actual Important Stuff
I’m a father of two young girls, a former high school and college athlete, and a former collegiate coach. I’ve always been athletic and active, but I was “too small” to be a great athlete. In a few short months, I developed more power, which made being an athlete easier. After high school, I transitioned into a collegiate Javelin thrower and a club volleyball player. I even worked hard enough to become a scratch golfer. I followed college by chasing dreams and coaching NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball before turning to the classroom as a teacher.
Now that my glory days are behind me, fitness is about being around for my family, being strong enough to do what has to be done, balanced enough to be happy, and being able to do it for years to come. I still love to get after it in the weightroom, but I have a far better perspective about when, how, and how long to push before I break or I neglect the rest of my life.
With the addition of my two daughters, I have less time to spend in the gym, even though my gym is only 13 steps down. Some weeks, I get in twice for an hour. Other weeks, I get 4 – 25 minute sessions. The result – I’ve trained several different systems and styles, adapting training to match my goals and my time available. I’ve trained with as little as a set of bands and a suspension trainer to a fully stocked LifeTime Fitness gym. I’ve trained to perform, gain muscle, lose weight, improve my endurance, and to just stay healthy, mentally and physically.
Because I’ve been all over the fitness map (ok, not all over) I understand and have the tools to help you reach your fitness goals.