Upper East Side

“What a pleasure it has been to watch Charlene grow from her first day at EVF! My favorite memory of Charlene is from one class during the 6-Week Transformation Challenge when we learned how to kick up to a handstand at the wall. I asked for a volunteer whom I would teach in front of the group. Charlene broke the silence as she courageously agreed to give it a try. In that moment, Charlene normalized the learning process and became a role model for the group. Today, she continues that trend daily. She works hard and sets the tone, always willing to try a scary skill and always the first one to cheer for someone still working. (also, she nailed that handstand kick up!)” – Coach Carissa

How/when did you get started with Crossfit?

My cousin, Nick Rozborski, signed me up for the 6-Week Transformation Challenge back in September 2017. That was my first exposure to Crossfit and I have been hooked ever since!

Do you remember your first workout? How was it?

Carissa coached my first workout through the challenge. We tested a 400-meter run, push-ups, and sit-ups. I had to scale every single push-up and it was a pathetic 400-meter time, but I loved the support from the group. The EVF community became a safe space, where I didn’t feel judged for not being in great shape.

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

When I first started, I wanted to lose weight and become generally more fit. These goals quickly changed after I realized the skills I could develop through Crossfit. Now, I focus on improving specific gymnastic and barbell movements and completing workouts as prescribed.

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

Physically, I have become stronger and noticed that clothes fit me differently. Initially, I lost weight but have since gained muscle weight. Although I found it difficult to maintain, I intermittently count macros to ensure that I am meeting the correct portion size and eating the right foods to fuel my activity level. However, the confidence in my body image has been the most profound change since starting Crossfit. Naturally, this has translated to improved mental wellness and general health.

What do you enjoy most about Crossfit & EVF?

The community is hands down the best thing about Crossfit and EVF! I am very fortunate to have formed such strong friendships with other members. Crossfit cultivates a competitive and challenging environment that pairs well with my personality. I also enjoy the programming at EVF, which offers constant variety to provide a whole-body workout.

Favorite movement and workout?

This is a tough one and if you would have asked me last year, it would have been deadlifts. However, I now really appreciate the technique required for snatches. I don’t have a specific favorite workout, but I enjoy any combination of deadlifts, ring dips, and heavy cleans.

What about your least favorite?

Box jumps. Every time I attempt a box jump, I overthink the mechanics and have this huge fear that I will miss the jump. It also doesn’t help that I missed a burpee box jump a few months ago and this has really set me back. I’m hopeful that I can overcome my box complex!

What motivates you?

My fellow athletes in class motivate me the most. I am super competitive, and I hate being last. I really appreciate the more experienced athletes pushing me to try heavier weights and more technical skills. The Saturday partner workouts have been a huge game changer.

Do you have any advice for new members?

Don’t get frustrated! It’s so easy to get disappointed when a certain movement or skill doesn’t happen right away. Don’t rush it! Get the movement right, and the weight will happen in time. If there is a certain barbell movement that doesn’t feel right, go back to the basics and take the weight off. It’s not worth getting injured!

What do you hope to achieve in the coming year?

A strict ring muscle up! Also, I’m way overdue for learning double unders, so that is a work in progress.