Cross Training: Better, Stronger, Faster

–by Zhenzhou Hu

Blog Reporter Zhenzhou (Hugh) Hu interviewed Coach Mark Zalin about the objectives and practices of the Cross Training Elective. Upper-School Cross Training meets four days a week in the back of the gym beneath the open rear door. If you hear grunts, music, and the clang of metal, it’s Cross Training. Hugh begins . . .

 

Last year was a hard year for me. CrossFit was seventh period, and AP Physics was right after CrossFit. I took both classes and sometimes needed to take an AP Physics test after working out–sweaty, tired, unfocused. However, I liked CrossFit and learned a lot of skills last year from Coach Smith. I learned the proper technique to lifting free weights. I learned to jump rope quickly. I grew a little bit more muscular, and I increased my heart rate. This year, I came back to Cross Training. This year we have a new coach, Coach Mark Zalin. I asked him a couple questions so we could get to know him.

 

Zhenzhou Hu: Hi, Coach! I am one of the school bloggers, and I want to interview you. First of all, can you introduce yourself a little bit?

Coach Mark: I am a career independent school teacher, coach, and athletic administrator. I am thrilled to be at Palm Valley School and thoroughly enjoy working with the faculty, staff, and the student body in all areas of the school.

Zhenzhou Hu: This is your first year in Palm Valley School. Can you tell us how you teach students in Cross Training and how it’s going?

Coach Mark: The students who are taking the class are becoming bigger, faster, and stronger as the semester progresses. They lift weights daily on a set program that emphasizes two major body parts a day, do cardio-fitness exercise daily, and do abdominal work daily. The students’ willingness to train and dedication to technique have paid dividends both in and out of class.

Zhenzhou Hu: Thank you!

–Edited by Gaige Griffin