Upper East Side

“Lindsey has been taking my strength class for a little over a year, but the role she plays in the group would lead you to believe it’s been much longer than that. Whether she is welcoming a new member to the class, planning group night out or translating my frustrated grunts and obscenities into English for everyone, Lindsey transcends the labels of powerlifter, teammate and friend on a daily basis.

As the first class member to commit to, and compete in a powerlifting meet, she (far more than I) is responsible for the strength group’s transition from simple class to powerlifting team. Her performances on the contest platform give others the inspiration to be better, and her support day in and day out gives them the ability.

She routinely and effortlessly accomplishes the most important roll of a teammate. She makes those around her better.”

— Dave Kirschen

How/when did you get involved in CrossFit? What has motivated you to stick with it?
I started after I had my kid, when I was feeling fat, unhealthy, and lonely. I reconnected with a friend from college who had lost over 200 pounds doing CrossFit. He programmed my first 6 weeks and checked up with me every day. I was doing CrossFit workouts by myself in a retirement center gym. Once I found out I was moving the UES, I started looking for a CrossFit gym. I called Jewelz before I moved to NYC and signed up for On-Ramp.

What do you enjoy most about being a member at EVF?
I most enjoy my strength crew, Saturday lifting and the donut hour after, Sunday open WODs, the expertise and near-private attention of Dave Kirschen, meeting new people I otherwise wouldn’t, having a credible commitment device of the EVF community to keep me coming back.

Do you remember your first workout? Looking back how did it go?
100 burpees for time. It was 18 minutes. I hate admitting that now.

First WOD at EVF: I don’t know what it was, but I remember being in awe of how inspiring James Quigley was and knew I’d be back.

What were your goals when you first started? How have they changed?
Do a pull up, stop looking like a deflated football. Now my goals for 2015 are squatting 190, benching 115, deadlifting 250.

How have you grown in that time — health, body, mind, etc.?
Health – I had gestational diabetes, and since my time in the community I’ve become much more food aware. I plan out 4-5 days a week, engage in 2-hour Sunday cooking WODs, and really think about what I’m ordering when I’m out.

Body – I have abs and shoulders, and my legs and glutes are just starting to get that lifting look. My in-gym make up application skills are ever improving.

Mind – I have met so many great people. When I first joined I never thought people as beautiful Karishma, Jamie, and Rachel would ever be my friends. Now I love my strength buddies, look up to the CrossFit queens and kings, and I have realized that I can learn something by EVERYONE, and everyone has a place in the CrossFit community. It’s been the best thing I’ve ever joined. On partner Saturdays I had a personal rule to always ask the newest person to be my partner, whereas I used to be a person who waited for others to ask me.

Favorite lift and WOD?
I like squatting, I like deadlifting. My favorite is whichever I’m doing better on. I really like Cindy. I also like the 12 days style worksouts, or chippers.

Least favorite movement and workout?
I never do box jumps, I try to never snatch, I will wall ball and bitch the whole time. Any combination of that would be undesirable.

What drives you through the door each day?
Wanting to be a better me, and the people keep me coming back.

Do you have any advice for new members?
Join in, be a part of our outside things. It makes the whole competitive working out bit much more fun.

What do you hope to achieve in the coming year?
A 500 total.