Upper East Side

In the short time Bielca has been at EVF, she’s proven herself to be dedicated, hard-working, and very coachable. She took her first 360 class with me, and I remember telling Julia we had to get her into CrossFit ASAP! Her lifts and gymnastics have improved by leaps and bounds in just a few months. She’s a ray of sunshine at 5:30 a.m. and I love having her in class!

— Coach Jenna

CrossFit Upper East Side or Columbus Circle?
My home CrossFit is Upper East Side, but I also attend the Barbell and Gymnastics classes at Columbus Circle.

How/when did you get involved in CrossFit?
Ever since I was released from the military, I was fascinated with CrossFit but never thought I could possibly learn the movements. Once I realized I was approaching my 30s and was not living my life to the fullest and doing the things I would love to do, I made the choice of joining a CrossFit box and experiencing for myself what it’s like to be an athlete.

Do you remember your first workout? How was it?
Yes! Since December 11, 2017, my first day at EVF, I have always kept a CrossFit /EVF 360 journal where I log and review my performance. My first workout was “Karen,” 150 wall ball shots at 14 pounds. I was the last one to finish the workout. It was intense, but it felt great to actually perform at the RX level.

What were your goals when you first started? How have they changed?
Since I first started, my goals have always been to develop strength and learn the techniques behind every movement. I am all about learning the movement or technique the right way prior to progressing to the next level.

How have you grown in that time — health, body, mind, etc.?
When I first jumped in to do CrossFit, I was a little hesitant because of my limited available time. Then I realized I could strategically manage my time better and include something I love learning and doing into my regular day. I personally have not only become physically stronger but also mentally stronger in the exactly 6 months I have been doing CrossFit at EVF. After completing every workout, I come out of class fired up with a greater sense of determination, discipline and motivation to continue my CrossFit progression.

What do you enjoy most about CrossFit?
For me it is a combination of everything. It is the challenge of the sport, the environment, and most importantly, the positive and determined people I work out with.

Favorite lift and WOD?
My favorite lift is the snatch. I love how complex this movement is. Snatches always challenge me to correct my posture and technique before going heavier.

What about your least favorite?
My least favorite lift is overhead or front lunges, and my least favorite WOD is “Murph.” It requires running, and I am extremely weak at it. I’m currently making time to learn some running skills and improve my pacing and timing.

What motivates you?
I am a determined, self-driven person. I always look within myself and recognize my weaknesses and literally pay attention to my surroundings, noticing those who are great at anything I am weak at. Surrounding myself with those I can learn something from is the ignition that really drives my motivation to do better and believe that I can do it.

Do you have any advice for new members?
My advice for new members is to listen to your coaches and do not be discouraged by every failure. It is definitely part of growth and it will make the journey much more enjoyable if you allow yourself to accept every failure and enjoy every bit of progress along the way.

What do you hope to achieve in the coming year?
In the coming year, I hope to continue progressing with CrossFit movements, including learning muscle-ups and butterfly pull-ups, in addition going heavier on my lifting.