Upper East Side

Chelsea is the embodiment of what it means to be a model member at Columbus Circle. She’s not only attentive and eager to learn in class, but also extremely welcoming and helpful to other members new or old. She’ll volunteer to lift with you and cheer you on if you’re working through that last rep. She’ll also flash a smile during a tough WOD so the coach know she’s working hard and she’s got it!

When it comes to mental toughness, she never shrinks from a challenge. If she doesn’t fully understand a movement, she’ll be in the box before or after class trying to figure it out or asking one of the coaches for pointers on how she can get there. She takes advantage of all EVF has to offer, enjoying our mobility program and understanding the importance of recovery, while also being an avid 360 goer. She’s been a bright spot at Columbus Circle since her first On-Ramp class, and we’re so thrilled to name her November Athlete of the Month.

— Coach LJ

How/when did you get involved in CrossFit? What has motivated you to stick with it?
I had taken a few 360 classes through ClassPass earlier in the year and felt like I was actually going to die every time I took one – but kept wanting to come back for more. My boyfriend had started doing CrossFit and encouraged me to just try it out, so in July I finally decided to bite the bullet and sign up for On-Ramp. It was something that absolutely terrified me. I have never, ever been an athlete, and it’s always been something I wanted to change. And this was going to be it!

What do you enjoy most about being a member at EVF?
The community and coaches are obviously incredible. I’m so thankful for such amazing coaches who really want us to succeed and help us in every way possible. And I love Saturday WODs because the partner workouts really push you to do your best and be better than you thought you could be.

Do you remember your first workout? Looking back how did it go?
I remember my first workout so well. It was everything I was the most afraid of: I was the only girl, I had to run and I finished very last. At the beginning of the workout I felt completely defeated and it hadn’t even started. But at the end, I was about 1 minute behind everyone else and will never forget they all got around me on the rower and cheered me on until I finished. They didn’t realize it, but that moment made me come back the next day and the next. I was so excited to be part of this community and it truly showed me what CrossFit was all about!

What were your goals when you first started? How have they changed?
It’s only been a few months, but before I started I had this idea I just needed to know how to do everything right away and be good at it. I also thought I would hate lifting but that has become my favorite part! Now I am so invested in just learning the correct techniques for every movement and mastering small skills at a time.

How have you grown in that time — health, body, mind, etc.?
My mindset on working out has done a 360. I am so excited to go to the gym every day and prove myself wrong that I can do this. I’ve gotten stronger, am eating well and just love the idea of challenging myself and growing more and more every day.

Favorite lift and WOD?
Cleans and I’ve really started to love snatches!

Least favorite movement and workout?
Overhead squats and I think I will always hate burpees. “The Filthy Fifty” was my least favorite WOD ever.

What drives you through the door each day?
Knowing that in even the smallest way I am going to be stronger (mentally and physically) than yesterday. Even if the workout seems impossible, I know by the end I am going to have done something I thought I couldn’t. Whether it’s FINALLY getting a box jump (thanks LJ!) or doing a handstand or being able to clean 5 more pounds than last week – knowing I can push myself to be better and grow is such an awesome opportunity!

Do you have any advice for new members?
Don’t be afraid! Everyone is so nice and welcoming. And remember it’s all about YOUR personal best. Not the person’s next to you. It’s not a competition. No matter how long it takes you to figure out something, learn to do it the right way.

What do you hope to achieve in the coming year?
I don’t really have specific numbers right now because I am really excited to keep working on techniques. But I do really want to be able to do pull-ups and double unders!