Upper East Side

Welcome to our June Athlete Spot light of the month. We are very excited and proud to announce that this months spot light is

Karishma Sanjani

How/when did you get involved in CrossFit? What has motivated you to stick with it?
Exactly a year ago I got involved in CrossFit. As a fitness junkie, I always liked to try different things but one thing I heard about the most was CrossFit, so I gave it a try. This was a few months after moving to Manhattan and I thought the closest box to me was Fifth Ave, but then I heard about EVF (phew). I was greeted with warmth and little did I know, I was about to meet people that are now my family.

I love the community aspect of CrossFit, the energy and the constant support provided to each other. I like the way I feel mentally and physically. Lastly, I like the surprises that CrossFit brings; you end up doing things you never thought you could do.

“Thanks, man. I’m in for the long haul.”

What do you enjoy most about EVF Performance?
I enjoy the atmosphere and the energy the minute you walk into the box. I love the staff and the coaches and all the members. EVF has proven to be a place with a true bond that does not exist in many places. It’s not just a gym. We don’t just sweat together — we grunt together and we accomplish together.

Do you remember your first workout? How was it?
My first workout involved a lot of running, burpees and squats. It was hard! I was nervous because I had never done some of the movements before, but I enjoyed the variation, the support and the energy. I certainly felt it the next day but I loved it! I was curious to see what was next.

What were your goals when you first started? How have they changed?
My goals when I first started were to become stronger and leaner. CrossFit has completely changed my outlook on fitness. My goal every time I enter the box is to go beyond what I think I can do, compete against myself and improve every day — and have fun with it in. Lastly, to go in there and support others. You might change someone’s life in the process!

How have you grown in that time — health, body, mind, etc.?
I am seeing results. I feel stronger and faster. As I tackle the workouts, my body has continued to respond to the constant variations of exercises thrown at me every day. Get it!
In addition, I have learned to never say “I can’t,” because eventually “I can.” There’s whole new level of determination and strength involved. In retrospect, I know how to activate my will and have fun with it at the same time. This is a mindset that I have inside and outside the gym and that’s the beauty of CrossFit.

Favorite lift or lifts and WOD?
Deadlifts and push presses.

Diane is my fav WOD

What about your least favorite?
KAREN!

What motivates you?
The community. The moment when you are lying on the floor after finishing a particularly grueling work out and you feel a huge sense of accomplishment – with your family!

Results. You surprise yourself. The possibilities are endless as are the results and the workouts. I am getting stronger every day and I am proud of that.

Challenge. But the best gift it so wake up and feel ready to kick ass every single day. It is fun and rewarding.

Do you have any advice for new members?
Focus on yourself, be patient and enjoy it. Remember you are competing against yourself and not anyone else. Embrace it and know that you are getting stronger.

What do you hope to achieve in the coming year?
Become stronger, achieve my goals in Olympics lifts and in gymnastics.

I want to send a personal thanks to all the staff, coaches and EVF community — each and every one of you are truly inspiring. I’ve had the opportunity to witness some amazing personal stories outside of my own, and it’s great to feel a part of that. I love you all. GET ITT!!!

Awesome stuff Karishma!

Karishma embodies everything we ask for from our members. Since day 1 she has always participated in every one of our events, even when our first happy hour get togethers had 3 people, she would support.

Karishma is one of those faces at the gym that you always see and she always has a big ole smile on her face. Even if the workout is KAREN. She is a dedicated Crossfitter and fitness enthusiast who prides herself on giving a 100% and always having a positive take away from each workout.

She is also a burpee machine!

Karishma brings so much to our community. She spearheaded our first Healthy Eating challenge. She took the time out from her busy schedule to put it all together for our members and worked hand in hand with our coaches to make sure it was a success.

She has always been dedicated and committed to this community. Which is why she is our Athlete spot light of the month.