Upper East Side

John Richardson is the type of athlete that will smile no matter the task in front of him. Being one of our taller athletes at the box, John gets noticed right away by anyone new; he’s also the first one to greet those new athletes. He is a pleasure to have in class, and I am proud to call myself his coach. Congrats John!

— Coach Jamie

How/when did you get involved in CrossFit? What has motivated you to stick with it?
I started CrossFit about a year and a half ago. I was going to a regular gym, taking some cardio classes and trying to lift weights but got bored of the whole thing. An instructor in one of the group fitness classes was always talking about CrossFit/HIIT so I thought why not give it a shot. For me it is the perfect blend of weights and high intensity training with the added benefit of a strong community.

What do you enjoy most about being a member at EVF?
The things I enjoy most about EVF are the coaches, the people who keep me motivated and the class size.

Do you remember your first workout? Looking back how did it go?
I don’t remember my first workout per se, but I do remember a workout during my On-Ramp. It was wall balls and burpees. It was probably not that many, but at the time it was the worst experience of my life. I came into CrossFit looking for something more challenging and did I get it.

What were your goals when you first started? How have they changed?
When I first started my goals were to try something new and to try and stick with it. Now my goals are to get stronger and work harder each day.

How have you grown in that time — health, body, mind, etc.?
Since I started CrossFit my health has improved. I feel mentally and physically better each day and especially after each WOD. CrossFit has really become a lifestyle and I look forward to waking up every day to get to the 5:30 class.

Favorite lift and WOD?
I really like cleans and my favorite WOD is “Fight Gone Bad.”

Least favorite movement and workout?
My least favorite is burpees — like, I really don’t like them. For the workout, anything with a lot of burpees.

What drives you through the door each day?
The people, the coaches and the challenge of the next workout get me through the door each day.

Do you have any advice for new members?
My advice for new members would be to not over do it. At the beginning it is important to learn the proper technique and it’s OK to progress at your own pace. Also, be outgoing. You end up seeing the same people over and over again. Why not make some new friends?

What do you hope to achieve in the coming year?
I’d like to get pull-ups and get in the 300 club for squats.