Upper East Side

When I first met Lisa in On-Ramp, she shared she had done CrossFit before but wanted to brush up on her technique before jumping into class. She was patient, not only with herself, but with the process of learning how to move again after some time off and dealing with an injury.

Jumping into regular class, she has been friendly and welcoming to all, cheers the loudest and alway has a great and funny answer to the ice breaker question. Oftentimes after class, I see her going up to members and having a chat, whether about the WOD or about their day. She’s a big believer in community and told me that the most important aspect of finding the right box for her was finding the right community. What motivates her to WOD is being surrounded by a supportive group, but little does she know it’s her support that makes other members at Columbus Circle feel so strong! Her smile and positive energy are contagious. I can confidently say that Lisa DeSpain is what CrossFit and community are all about and we’re proud to have her at Columbus Circle and as our February Member of the Month!

— Coach LJ

How/when did you get involved in CrossFit?
I was on vacation in Utah (my home state) and stopped by the local coffee shop (I’m a total coffee addict!). I did not recognize Alley, my favorite barista! She had totally transformed! Her secret? CrossFit. That was 3 ½ years ago.

Do you remember your first workout? How was it?
Blown away by Ally’s transformation, I joined her for a WOD — a team workout consisting of squats, push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, etc. The techniques were so different from all the “training” I had learned at other gyms.

The workout also pushed the envelope (for me) with high reps and intensity. I was still in the mindset that long stretches of aerobic training were the key to fitness. I was so wrong. Every day for the next two weeks I’d feel sore muscles in places I’d never felt before! It made me rethink everything.

When I returned to NYC, I decided to give it a go. I stopped by a box and watched an amazing woman my age (sorry kids, I’m not in my 20s … or 30s … or …) cleaning. The power was amazing. I was hooked!

What were your goals when you first started? How have they changed?
When I started my goal was to simply lose weight. I’ve always struggled with my weight and wanted to be a “normal” size. Now my perception of what is health, beauty, etc., is vastly different. Strength, both physical and mental, is HOT!

Now my goals are about applying what I’ve learned physically and mentally to living life. I try to think of daily challenges as just another WOD. So when something negative comes up, either a work conflict or a tailspin of my own making, I tap into the same skills that power me through a WOD. I know now I can power through. My goal is to do this for the rest of my life.

How have you grown in that time — health, body, mind, etc.?
I’m still working toward that dress size (almost there), but I don’t have body hate anymore. I’m more in love with the process of facing challenges and my body’s abilities than it’s actual shape.

I’ve learned (and still learning) skills of listening to my body and balancing days of PRs versus days when showing up to the box is enough -— and not judging myself for that! I’ve grown to embrace 80/20 as the way to live, not 110% or perfectionism, and being cool with that. I’m working on practicing patience and enjoying being in the process rather than looking for happiness at the finish line.

I also I grew through some fear-based barriers like talking to others, being the first to extend my hand and say “Hi! Who are you and tell me all about your fascinating life!” (I can hear LJ laughing.)

I’ve changed A LOT and I think all the wonderful things that are happening for me in my professional and creative life are a result of the skills I learned and strengthened through CrossFit.

What do you enjoy most about CrossFit?
PEOPLE!!!! The community! I had no idea how the community and the people would change my life — not just my fitness life — but my entire life for the better. The last 3 ½ years have been the most challenging years of my life and my CrossFIt friends have been the one’s to pick me up and help me through. No more lone wolf for me!

Favorite lift and WOD?
Deadlift! It was my first PR so I kinda love it. And cleans. They give me a thrill every time!

GRACE. For my 50th birthday I celebrated by doing GRACE. Because damn it! I had turned 50 and COULD DO GRACE!

What about your least favorite?
I cry whenever I see double unders on the schedule. I really do.

What motivates you?
Coffee.

I grew up in a community and in a family with a lot of limiting “scripts,” things you “can’t” do. I want to be an example to my family, to my students, to anyone who thinks in limiting terms … I want to be that person that breaks the “can’t” script and helps others realizes that they “CAN!”

Do you have any advice for new members?
Every person in the box has been in your shoes. We are cheering you on because we absolutely admire you! Oh, and meet your new group of best friends for life!

What do you hope to achieve in the coming year?
The PULL-UP! I’m so close I can taste it! And to not cry during double unders.