Zach Danke

About Coach

I have coached CrossFit for 14 years and currently hold my CCFT or Certified CrossFit level 3. My specialties include nutrition, gymnastics, aerobic capacity, weightlifting, and post-partum recovery. I am a professional chef by trade and have previously worked in restaurant sales for many years. I grew up in a small town in Wisconsin and did all the farm boy things that you would expect. My journey has been from Wisconsin to Minnesota, to Iowa, and finally Phoenix in 2019. I met my wife in a CrossFit class and we have 3 beautiful, indefatigable kiddos. I grew up in a small town in Wisconsin and did all the farm boy things that you would expect. I wrestled and played football/baseball through high school. Athletic activity dropped off during college until I found competitive Judo in my early 20’s. I suffered a slap tear which took me on my most unhealthy journey. I recovered from the shoulder injury just as I was moving for a new job in Minnesota and was ready to get back to work. Unfortunately for me the only spot I could find was an MMA gym and I am not particularly interested in getting punched in the face. The gym next door happened to be a CrossFit gym. I had not done many of the movements, but the owner convinced me to come back for a 3:30 class because it was a small class. It turned out to be me in the front of class with a packed room. Yikes. I went out in that workout WAY to fast and crashed and burned hard. I was in love with the challenge immediately. I ended up losing the extra pounds and saw muscles I hadn’t seen in many moons. It wasn’t long after I became a Coach because I wanted to help everyone, like CrossFit had helped me. I see so much potential in everyone that walks through the door. I want for them, what they would like for themselves. Everyone has a reason for stepping into the gym. I work to empower each person in their goals. My goal as a coach is to understand your vision and help you to it, perhaps gently pushing you along the way.