Upper East Side

Natasha Desai brings a combination of ambition, focus and dedication that makes her an easy choice for member of the month. Since she began, she’s been one of our most passionate new members, always willing to do the extra work and go the extra mile to improve a lift or skill. She often wears a tank top that says “Though she be small, she be fierce,” and that fits her personality to a T! A welcome member of the community, she is friendly and supportive of all, whether doing a Spartan race or a simple afternoon WOD. Always willing to accept the challenge, whether CrossFit demands a physical or mental test for the day, Natasha is our very own Wonder Woman and ready for battle!

— Coach LJ

How/when did you get involved in CrossFit? What has motivated you to stick with it?
I started CrossFit in September of last year. I was an avid 360’er and a few coaches were trying to coax me into switching over. However, I was super nervous about throwing around a barbell and really didn’t think I was strong enough for the sport. I don’t think I had ever lifted anything heavier than 60 pounds. Cut to 7 months later, and I am a total addict. I have become stronger and faster than I could have ever imagined, and my drive to get even better has been my motivation to keep with it.

What do you enjoy most about being a member at EVF?
What’s not to enjoy! The community, the coaches and the energy are all amazing. I have met some of my favorite people at EVF and really look forward to the time I spend pushing myself with them. I love walking through the door knowing there’s likely something difficult to accomplish for that day but have a solid group of people to get through it with.

Do you remember your first workout? Looking back how did it go?
Yes, it was torture! It was 9/11 and there was a special WOD programmed in its honor. The workout had essentially every lift under the sun. Halfway through, I remember thinking I wouldn’t survive. Then came the push jerks … where I hit my nose extremely hard. I started tearing, and slightly bleeding, but was determined to finish the workout. I took a quick minute to gain my composure, then went on to the 2001 meter row (yuck). It took me a good week to muster up the courage to come back.

What were your goals when you first started? How have they changed?
My goal when I first started was to get more fit and to just look and feel better. As I became more comfortable with the lifts and movements, my goals took a different direction. I still wanted to get stronger, but I more specifically wanted to clean up my cleans, squat heavier, and nail down toes to bar (finally got them last week!). I feel like I am constantly setting goals and working toward them because I am happily a work in progress.

How have you grown in that time — health, body, mind, etc.?
I can proudly say I am mentally and physically stronger than ever, all thanks to CrossFit. I have become more confident and independent in many aspects of my life and feel like I can take on anything life hands me. A slew of box jumps or a heavy oly lift has quickly become the solution to a rough day.

Favorite lift and WOD?
I love burpees! There, I said it. I guess it might be because I don’t have much space between me and the ground (I’m only 5’2”), but I just love the feeling of springing off the ground. I have also always enjoyed squats but never to the degree that I do now. It’s a great feeling to see the numbers go up during each cycle and to know that my hard work and sore butt are paying off. Favorite WOD is probably 21-15-9 of thrusters and burpees.

Least favorite movement and workout?
Overhead squat! While I love to squat, it’s taking me some time to feel stable holding weight above my head while dropping low. But like I said before, I’m a work in progress.

What drives you through the door each day?
Getting better and the people — getting better together with the people! I love to see the community achieve their goals while simultaneously achieving my own, because I just know that we are feeding off of each other’s positive energy in doing so.

Do you have any advice for new members?
Take it slow, and know that practice makes perfect. What you put into Crossfit is what you will get out. It might take time for your body and mind to comprehend some of the movements, but never give up and keep working toward a goal. Try not to feel intimidated by those around you. Just focus on yourself and what you want to achieve, because everyone has a different starting point!

What do you hope to achieve in the coming year?
Get a HSPU, perfect my OHS, get stronger and be able to RX more workouts!