Upper East Side

Getting up at 4 in the morning to go to work is never a good time, but knowing that you have someone as dedicated, eager to learn, and also downright hilarious as John coming to class definitely makes it much easier. He’s super supportive of his fellow athletes and always goes into a workout with a great attitude, even if it’s 6 a.m. and a workout that isn’t necessarily his favorite. He’s made huge improvements over the last couple of months since starting competition class and just continues to get better. Also, anyone who can make me laugh before 8 a.m. is A+ in my book.

— Coach Jenna

How/when did you get involved in CrossFit?
Toward the end of 2013, I was looking for a change from the typical weightlifting routine and started reading about CrossFit. I joined a box near my office (CrossFit Wall Street) and wasn’t sure what to expect. Before CF I had never given my legs enough attention and I NEVER did squats, so I was in for quite a shock.

Do you remember your first workout? How was it?
FRAN! I did it with only the 35-pound bar and used bands for the pull-ups. It took me 19 minutes — I think the coach left to go get a coffee at one point. I also remember my first EVF 360 workout. After the first two WODs I was ready to collapse! I sat on the floor and thought “That was awful – I’m glad I’m done,” then Jonathon walked up and told me to set up for the third WOD. Luckily, the sweat hid my tears.

What were your goals when you first started? How have they changed?
This has definitely been a transition. Before CF, (when I was younger and invincible) my goal was to be strong — to bench and military press as much as possible. As I’ve aged, my priorities have changed and now my goal is to stay healthy for my family. In 2011 I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and after that experience I promised I would take care of myself. Also I’d like to not embarrass my wife when I take my shirt off at the beach (maybe that should go under the motivation question?).

How have you grown in that time — health, body, mind, etc.?
I’m a big believer in exercise as a healthy outlet. I always feel great after a workout (once the nausea subsides) and that stays with me the whole day. It becomes addictive and I find myself really looking forward to the next class.

You also want to perform a little better each time so it begins to bleed into other aspects of your life. You start eating a little healthier in hopes the rowing won’t be so painful, or getting more sleep, or drinking less (still working on that one). It keeps your mind sharp and boosts your confidence.

I’ve definitely become more confident since I started. For the longest time I was legitimately nervous right before the start of a WOD, my heart would be in my throat. Now that doesn’t happen unless I do a partner WOD with Damon.

What do you enjoy most about CrossFit?
I know everyone says this, but the coaches and other members are fantastic. It’s amazing that I feel like talking to anyone at 5 a.m., but there really is a great group of people gathering in the bowels of that building. No matter how full the class is or how much experience you have, the coaches always make time to work with everyone and offer helpful advice (or maybe yell a little if Nicole is coaching). I also love that I don’t have to spend any time coming up with my own workout routines; everything is already planned out and organized. There is good variety of lifts and workouts so you don’t feel like you are doing the same exercise routines over and over again.

Favorite lift and WOD?
Favorite lift is the snatch because it took me the longest time to nail down. Favorite WOD would be anything with toes to bar and handstand push-ups.

What about your least favorite?
When I started at EVF I hated wall balls, double-unders, deadlifts and rowing. After a few months with the coaches and doing a grueling amount of them, I feel much more comfortable with all those. Now I don’t mind wall balls, fixed my DL, and can finally do DUs. I still hate rowing (stupid short legs).

What motivates you?
I feel like I’m never finished, like my form could be better, or I could lift a little heavier. Also I don’t feel like I need that much motivation anymore. You guys make it a lot of fun to work out in a basement, whether it’s 5:30 in the morning or 7:30 at night.

Do you have any advice for new members?
Don’t get frustrated. Keep at it. It takes a good amount of time for these moves to fall into place. Keep it light and have fun.

What do you hope to achieve in the coming year?
Snatch my body weight (I’m almost there). Also, I’d like to figure out where the 400m mark really is.