Hamilton Member of the Month for January 2025 - Zahra Merali
Tell us about yourself!
Born and raised in Vancouver BC, I moved to Hamilton at the beginning of 2023 and joined Alchemy in early 2024 - one my best decisions of the year. I’ve been doing CrossFit for about 6 years now.
Fun Fact about me - I know 7 languages
What got you into CrossFit?
I was on quest to find a fitness routine/program that would stick and produce results. Having tried working out on my own or doing things like Pilates, I decided to try personal training in CrossFit to see if that would be the right fit. I owe the foundation of CF skills to my first coach, who made me fall in love with CF and the drive to learn new things that I never dreamed I would want to do (like rope climbs).
What do you like about Alchemy?
I love the sense of community and belonging that I feel at Alchemy. I consider myself an introvert and feel stressed out over making conversations with new people. From the coaches tot he other members, Alchemy has welcomed me and given me the space to be who I am. I love all the coaches, each contributing something unique to my fitness journey, from improving on my form to encouraging me to strive out of my comfort zone.
What has been your proudest moment at Alchemy?
I’m proud of my 2 PRs - deadlift & back squat - of 2024! Even though I’ve been doing CrossFit for a while now, I feel like my biggest jumps and progress have been in the time since I’ve joined Alchemy.
What are your CrossFit goals for the future?
Short term goal is to do push-ups from the ground, and long-tem goal is to be able to do a bar muscle up.
If you could design the perfect workout, what would it include?
My perfect workout would include rowing, deadlifts, kettlebell swings, dumbbell snatches and some rope climbs. No burpees, box jumps, thrusters, or devils press, please and thank you.
What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in yourself since you started CrossFit?
CrossFit has changed the way I look at fitness, food, body image, and mental health. It used to be “workout to lose weight, eat the ‘right’ foods, aim for a particular body type, and fitness is only for physical health”. CrossFit has taught me that working out is functional fitness that allows me to properly do things in daily life, like carrying heavy shopping bags or lifting boxes without a back injury. Wanting to achieve more in CrossFit equals ‘food is fuel’. It’s also taught me that a ‘perfect’ body doesn’t exist and building to the ideal physique takes time and consistency. I may not look perfect, but I’m stronger than I used to be! And many days, I come to the gym simply because my mind needs a good workout and good company.
When you’re not at the gym, what’s your favourite thing to do?
I love crafting - marble paintings, calligraphy, personalized mugs, cross-stitching, and much more. I also love cooking and exploring new foods and cuisines.
What’s you favourite local Hamilton food spot?
I love CheeZaatar on Fennel Ave E, a family-owned lebanese restaurant. My favourite items on their menu are the twisted shawarma and beef manakish.