Name: Jeremy Zelman
Nickname: JZ
Birthday: December 12
Hometown: Reston, VA
What is your athletic background? Did you play any sports growing up?
“I played both soccer and baseball growing up. I wasn’t much of an athlete and struggled with sports having a late birthday, playing with kids much bigger and a grade older than me. I gave up on soccer and had some success with baseball, but reached a point where I couldn’t hit the ball anymore (AAA level I think), so that was no fun and I quit. I then took up basketball and though I dealt with the same struggles as a short/scrawny kid, I enjoyed the game so much and continue playing to this day.”
When did you attend your first workout with Arlington Sports Conditioning, and how did you first learn about the group?
“I’ve known Pete for 15+ years, living together as roommates from 2006-2009. I actually attended what I believe was his very first outdoor group workout, shortly before the inception of the infamous ASC track workout. While I remember his initial class being just as thorough and challenging then as it is now, I preferred to stay in my comfort zone of going to the gym and playing basketball for exercise. However, I returned to ASC in 2018 and have been a regular ever since.”
What is your proudest athletic accomplishment, and why?
“I would say my proudest athletic accomplishment is keeping at it over the years with exercise and working out; continuing to show up at the gym, track, basketball court, and taking on new routines/challenges along the way.”
What is your favorite exercise(s)?
“It still is and always will be playing basketball for me. While I enjoy lifting weights, going out for a run on a nice day, and all the ASC workouts, I feel like i do it all just to help my b-ball game so that I can continue playing at a decent fun/competitive level.”
What is your favorite workout song or musical artist?
“This one is too hard, too many to chose from. I easily get bored hearing the same song/artist over and over, so I keep a good mix/variety of music in rotation, though it’s usually some form of hip-hop/soul music.”
What is your favorite sports team?
“I’m a big Cleveland sports fan, though I was born and raised in the DC area. My dad is from Cleveland so I grew up rooting for his city. I was there with him in 2016 when the Cavaliers won the NBA Championship so I’ll go with them for my favorite team. Other favorites of mine are the Cleveland Guardians, Washington Nationals, Washington Wizards, Indiana Hoosiers (my alma mater), Georgetown Hoyas, & South Lakes Seahawks (my HS).”
Who is your favorite athlete?
“I don’t really have a favorite athlete, but find myself always rooting for “the little guy”, role player, and/or last person on the bench. I love hearing their stories and seeing hard work pay off for the athletes that overachieve and outwork/hustle their way on and off the field/court.”
Other than working out, how else do you like to spend your free time?
“I enjoy going out for live music and sporting events. When I have extended time off from work, I like to do at least 1 or 2 big trips outside the US each year. Other than that, free time is usually just spent relaxing with a good book (out by the pool spring/summertime), watching a ball game (usually basketball or baseball), cooking up some good food, and hanging out with friends & family.”
What do you like best about Arlington Sports Conditioning? What are the biggest benefits that you have experienced as a member?
“The things I like best are the variety of exercises incorporated into each workout and community/camaraderie of people. I think the biggest benefits of ASC are the results you will see/feel afterward. I find myself feeling much better both physically and mentally after an ASC workout, doing a series of exercises that I wouldn’t necessarily do on my own. The people make each class that much more enjoyable, providing a place where everyone is being challenged and encouraged together as one big team!”
What advice would you offer to new or prospective members of Arlington Sports Conditioning?
“Pace yourself, especially during your first few classes until you get a good a sense of what the workouts entail. The great thing about Pete and ASC is that every workout is challenging, but doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You really get out what you put into it. Pete is a master at motivating and leading the way, but it’s up to you how far you really want to push yourself. Keep coming back and push yourself a little more each time to become faster, stronger, fitter!”