Upper East Side

Athlete spot light of the month

Welcome to our first monthly Athlete spotlight of the month. We are very proud to announce our first featured member

John Fleischer

John has been a member at EVF since October 2012. We asked John a few questions about his CrossFit journey at EVF. Here is his response in his own words.

My name is John Fleischer, I am 37 years old, the middle of the Fleischer boys and am originally from Massapequa, NY. I have lived on the UES for the past 6 years and work in Queens as a Pharmaceuticals Sales Representative.

1.How long have you been a doing CrossFit at EVF?

I have been doing CrossFit for almost a year and a half and train 4-5 days a week at EVF Performance-UES

2.What do you love most about EVF?

What I like about EVF is the family/team environment that the coaches and members have created. The coaches are amazing and have everyone’s best interest in mind. No matter what time you come in to train, if a stranger walked in off the street, it would look like 20 friends working out together. I have dropped in at other boxes, and have not seen that type atmosphere at any of them.

3. What was your level of fitness like before joining EVF and doing CrossFit.

My fitness before Crossfit was very inconsistent. I would train with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training. With TNT, I have completed 2 100 mile bike rides, 3 triathlons, and 2 half marathons. This was accomplished over 6 years. I would train for an event with TNT for 4 months, complete the event, and then never go back to the training once the season over. I loved the team and social atmosphere TNT provided, but found I was usually pretty beat up by the end of each season, and without an event and the “team” I wasn’t motivated to continue.

4. How has CrossFit at EVF helped you?

Crossfit has had such a positive impact on my life!! On the surface, I have lost 20lbs since I have started Crossfit, will be more as I continue to eat healthier.

My clothes fit better (actually a little big), and I have more energy, and better overall health. That is what I expected from Crossfit.

What I didnt expect from training Crossfit was how big of an impact it has had on me mentally. I have reached a new level of confidence
which has a huge effect on my job and overall attitude. I believe because of the PR’S (Personal Records) and accomplishments I have achieved at EVF, I have a more positive attitude, look for solutions rather than give excuses and continue to push myself to get better at what I do.

Due to my increased confidence I have also become a more vocal person and better leader of my team at work, which is something I had lost prior to Crossfit, but gained back 100x over.

5. What would you say to someone who has never tried CrossFit?

I would tell them Crossfit is for everyone. You want to look better? DONE!! You want to compete? Compete with the clock, keep track of your PR’s, or partake in local competitions.

You want to meet people? Crossfit at EVF is a community in itself. Scared? Take a free intro, find a place with awesome coaches, everything can be modified and you wont be the only one. Finally, you will have a new favorite saying “That FN SUCKED!!! What time tomorrow?”

6 What is your favorite and least favorite workouts or movements?
My favorite workout/movement is any over head press or cleans. Least favorite BURPEES!!!!

7.Ok one more time, tell us truly how you feel about EVF?

EVF has been amazing!!! Great people, great coaches, Family!!! I’m looking forward to the next year at EVF!!!

John is a dedicated husband and father who’s knows the value of “family first”. When you walk through the door John will be one of the first people to greet you. He is one of the first members through the door each morning and brings an ethusiastic approach (except when there’s burpees)  to the days workout.

John exemplifies everything we are as a community. He is passionate, dedicated, enthusiastic, approachable, fun loving type of guy. The big dude is as lovable as a teddy bear but trains ferocious as a grizzly bear.

Awesome EVF fact:

John competed for only the second time last year at NYC Affiliate games “The Reebok Ninja Classic. John had only been able to do pull ups with a band before then. One of the workouts called for 30 Pull ups. No scaling No BAND. With the support of the entire crowd and a helpful judge, John cranked out an amazing 26 pull-ups. It was a truly inspiring moment.

Thank you John for helping us make EVF a special place to be.

Help us congratulate and celebrate John’s journey and accomplishments. Post comments to the blog.