Zach Golden: Founder/CEO
Zach is from Pearland, Texas, a small town just outside of Houston. He grew up playing sports and is a self-proclaimed "secret nerd". He truly believes balance is key and can't resist a good craft beer or petting any dog that walks by. In keeping with his name, Zach made his move from Texas to the Golden State and has been in LA for 10 years now. After graduating with his MBA, Zach ended up on a path full of ups and downs that eventually led him to conceptualize what is now Sanctuary Fitness, and his experiences led him to the guiding statement for Sanctuary's mission - helping people find "Peace Through Perspiration". Zach is confident you will find the fitness family, community, and support that you're looking for when you walk in the doors at Sanctuary.
Where did you grow up?
Houston, Texas Ya'll! BBQ, Football, and Southern Hospitality will always be in my blood.
It is Friday night - beer, wine, cocktail, or fresh pressed juice?
99% of the time it's Kombucha or water. But if I'm feeling social, a craft beer or cocktail will do.
If you had one last meal, what would you eat?
BBQ Brisket from Texas, Queso and Chips, Brussel Sprouts, and Bread Pudding with Ice Cream to top it off.
Do you have a favorite movie or actor/actress?
Movies - Cinderella Man and Rush Hour and Elf.
Actor/Actress - Robert Downey Jr, Jason Bateman, Kathy Bates, Emily Blunt, Denzel Washington.
You are stuck in LA traffic - what music are you playing to pass the time?
Old School Hip Hop, Anything Kaskade, or Sports Talk Radio
What first got you into fitness as a lifestyle and career?
Oh man is this is a long story. To summarize, I got my MBA at UC Irvine and was working my way up in the corporate world when my company unexpectedly did a massive layoff. I decided then that I wanted to start my own company, but wasn't sure what to do. While I was unemployed, I often found myself hitting the gym to unplug and de-stress. The gym had literally become my own personal sanctuary. But I quickly realized I missed the comradery of the kind team workout that I had experienced as an athlete in college and high school. So I tried group fitness classes, but couldn't quite find the type of workout I wanted. So it occurred to me: Why not try to create the gym/studio that I was looking for but didn't seem to exist? So after 4 LONG years, Sanctuary Fitness finally launched in DTLA in 2017.
What is one of your favorite fitness moments so far in life?
So many to choose from! Obviously opening Sanctuary Fitness is at the top because I get to see how this place positively influences so many lives, but I also really loved completing the Tough Mudder race this past year with the Sanctuary Crew. And if we go into the way back machine, pitching a No-Hitter back in high school baseball playoffs.
What is your favorite and least favorite exercise?
Favorite - Rower
Least Favorite - Lunges
What is one of your favorite inspirational quotes?
"I'm convinced that about half of what separates successful entrepreneurs from the non-successful ones is pure perseverance." - Steve Jobs
"The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into smaller manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.” - Mark Twain
What does the word "Sanctuary" mean to you?
Sanctuary - A safe, welcoming, shelter from the elements outside. A place to belong, to recharge, and find peace. In the case of SF, a place to find peace through perspiration.
