Upper East Side

Let’s hear it for Arvind Vanthavasi, our Columbus Circle Athlete of the Month for February. He’s one of our newer members and fits in like he’s been here since the beginning. he has great energy, he works hard and he’s all about progress. Congrats, Arvind!

How/when did you get involved in CrossFit? What has motivated you to stick with it?
A really good friend of mine from NYU compelled me to finally join CrossFit last summer. At first, I was a little apprehensive as I hadn’t done a lot of intense training in about a decade. But, given that EVF Columbus Circle was only two blocks away, I had no excuses. I finally joined in September and right now the goal of completing at least one WOD at Rx keeps me coming back.

What do you enjoy most about being a member at EVF?
The quality of the training I receive is exceptional. Every coach I have had has their own way of making sure I’m making the best of my time at EVF. And, of course, the warm welcome I receive from the ladies at the front desk every time I come in!

Do you remember your first workout? Looking back how did it go?
Yep, 21-15-9 burpees/wall balls. I just remember not being able to walk the 2 blocks around the corner to my place!

What were your goals when you first started? How have they changed?
Initially, just getting through the strength routines and the WODs was tough enough. But for this year, I have been able to set more concrete goals. Specifically, I’m working toward completing strict pull-ups, and I’m hoping to be able to complete the pull-up section of a WOD at Rx this year.

How have you grown in that time — health, body, mind, etc.?
Definitely evolving, I’m now saying “no” to after-work drinks because I need to get to the 6:30 CrossFit session. It used to be the other way around! When I started, my body used to ache through the recovery day and sometimes even till the next session. This has become much better now. I’m no longer in constant pain during the week.

Favorite lift and WOD?
Clean and WODs with a clean in them. Only because I could barely get the movement right when I started (just ask Farouk!).

Least favorite movement and workout?
Fran! My legs were completely shot after those thrusters and jumping pull-ups.

What drives you through the door each day?
I’m really liking the 8-week cycle setup we have right now because getting better at each movement is proving to be very addictive. I also feel I’ve come a long way from when I started.

Do you have any advice for new members?
Don’t be intimidated by the intensity of the workouts. The scaling truly does work, and you will get better if you stick to it. The coaches will make sure of that!

What do you hope to achieve in the coming year?
Lose another 20 pounds and complete a WOD with pull-ups at Rx.