Upper East Side

Melissa Miller, Columbus Circle

How/when did you get involved in CrossFit?
I avoided CrossFit like the plague. I knew a couple people that were doing it and I referred to it as a cult. I moved to NYC about 3 years ago. I was doing ClassPass for about a year and discovered EVF through that. About a year ago, I decided to make the switch and become a full-time EVF member. I’m now part of the cult and I can’t imagine my life without this gym and the members!

Do you remember your first workout? How was it?
The first real workout I remember was Grace. I did it for Barbells for Boobs last year. I did it at 35 pounds using the training bar and remember it being feeling so hard. I’m excited to be doing it 1 year later and increasing my weight by 40 pounds!!

What were your goals when you first started? How have they changed?
I was, of course, looking to lose weight, but also hoping to build more defined muscle. I really want to be able to see my arm muscles! My goals are still pretty much the same but now it is more about maintaining my weight and not getting too freaked out that it is going up instead of down.

How have you grown in that time — health, body, mind, etc.?
This might sound cheesy but joining EVF helped bring me back to life. I had moved to NYC but wasn’t really enjoying it. I was exercising but I would show up to a class, do my workout, and then leave. Most times I would barely even talk to anyone. When I started CrossFit at EVF, I was immediately welcomed. I am thankful to have found some really great friends here. I’m stronger not only physically but mentally. I’ve regained a sense of confidence I haven’t felt in years. Overall, I just feel content and happy.

What do you enjoy most about CrossFit?
I love everything about it. I love coming to the gym, building my strength, leaving it all out on the floor with the WOD, and the amazing members who cheer you through it all. My job is pretty stressful so it helps me to go to the gym after work and just forget about the day. I’m thankful to have coaches who are truly invested in me to make me a better athlete and for my friends who motivate me to show up each day.

Favorite lift and WOD?
Lift: power clean and deadlift. WOD: DT.

What about your least favorite?
If you know me at all, you know it is thrusters. I got anxiety just typing that word.

What motivates you?
The members and my coaches motivate me. My favorite thing is cheering people on after I’ve finished with a WOD. You do not find that at all CrossFit gyms.

Do you have any advice for new members?
My best advice is to have fun. I try not to get too caught up in the numbers. We are really only in competition with ourselves so try not to worry about how much other people are lifting. Trust the coaches as they really have your best interest at heart.

What do you hope to achieve in the coming year?
I, of course, would like to start Rx-ing more workouts. I am really hoping for double unders and pull ups by the end of this year. You will probably see me at open gym practicing both of those things!!