Upper East Side

Alan represents everything that makes EVF not just a gym, but also a
community.  He’s outgoing and will introduce himself to everyone, long before the icebreaker. He is going to give all he has in every work out, he’s always receptive to coaching, and elevates the room by being humble, kind, and funny – all while working his tail off. His hard work and winning personality make him an asset that EVF Performance is lucky have in the fold. – Coach Matt

How/when did you get started at EVF? 

My first workout at EVF was in June of 2016.  I went to EVF because I was tired of running and wanted to try something different.  I had run a couple of marathons and I was just tired of the impact running had on my body.    Running can also get boring and I really wanted to be in a group workout setting.  

 Do you remember your first workout? How was it? 

 I actually did not like the beginning of my first class because of course the warm up started with a 400 meter run.  “Just my luck,” was my thought. After I got through the warm up, I wasn’t sure I could even do the movements, which is why I wanted to go to my first class with my wife, Beth.  I did not try to keep up with her (and I still don’t) or other members of the class because I felt that I did not have the strength or endurance. Beth was next to me the whole time for encouragement, but I didn’t really know what I was doing as the EMOM circulated throughout the gym.  

I remembered that the class seemed to be very connected to one another as well to the coach. Everyone seemed like they were having so much fun. Matt was coaching and I remember that he saw me struggling and really helped me get through that first class. I had so much support which was what I needed and from there I never looked back.

What were your goals when you first started? How have they changed? 

My initial goals were just to get through the classes, develop proper form,  enhance my core strength, and avoid injury. Because every class in 360 is so different, it allows an athlete to work on their entire body.  The programming is great. Jenna does such a great job with it. I’m not sure I could even do five push-ups when I started at EVF. Today my fitness goals are focused on getting better at movements that require more strength.   In addition, I would secretly like to try the challenge of a CrossFit class.  

 How have you grown in that time — health, body, mind, etc.? 

I feel so much stronger and alert throughout the day.  I just have to figure out how to eat a little better. I think that perhaps the best part of joining EVF was becoming part of the community. I have made so many friends over the past 3 years and I really feel at home when I am there. 

 What do you enjoy most about EVF? 

I love the variety in the workouts and the ability to scale if needed.   If I am not comfortable doing something, I can substitute it with something else.   It is so much more fun to me than the workouts I was doing before. The 360 WODs require me to be good at things I probably wouldn’t do otherwise.    In addition, EVF offers a unique form of camaraderie and it is very powerful. 

Favorite movement and workout?

 I  like burpees/box jumps. I know…

What about your least favorite? 

 Besides running, I do not like wall balls, especially when there is a lot of volume. 

What motivates you? 

What motivates me is the adrenaline. I love the way taking a class makes me feel. After a workout, I feel energized and ready to take on my day. It also allows me to feel less guilty if want to eat something I love, like pizza.    

Do you have any advice for new members? 

Being new to anything is difficult, but if it is important enough to an athlete, they will find a way to continue.  I would add that it is important to ask any coach or a member for help rather than being uncomfortable. All of us want one another to succeed.

What do you hope to achieve in the coming year?

I would love to learn the right way to do double-unders.  I tried them recently and my arms have so many welts!