Downtown: Morgan Mak
1. How long have you been doing CrossFit?
About 5 years on and off (because, life).  Been most consistent the last 2yrs or so.

2. Tell us about your first class at CrossFit NOLA or when you finished fundamentals.
Came in as a drop in from Seattle when my husband moved to the area summer 2018 - still remember Mollie trying to tell me in the most general, coaxing way that no, there was no AC and yes, I would survive (It was August)!  Really enjoyed the people and the WODs as a “regular drop in” 3 or 4 times on trips until finally moving here last January.

3.  What are your most and least favorite CrossFit movements?
Fav - Deadlifts
Least Fav - Pistols

4.  What song can we find on your workout playlist?
Whatever Apple Music classifies as Rock Workout as long as it’s from 90’s/early 2000’s - I’m too lazy to make my own list.

Mid-City Amanda Gonzales 
1.  How long have you been doing CrossFit?
15 Months
 
2.  Tell us about your first class at CrossFit or when you finished fundamentals?
 I took a free class one Saturday morning with Jeff and I really enjoyed it. It was a lot of the basic movements (burpees, wallballs, rowing, etc.) that are used regularly and I had never done any of them before. I took the fundamentals class with Brandon in October 2018.

3.  What are your most and least favorite movements? 
Most favorite movement - running, squats or lunges...
Least favorite - snatches

4.) What song can we find on your workout playlist? 
Ummm I don't really have a playlist, but if I'm listening to music it's typically a Pandora 90's station (Ace of Base, Real McCoy, etc...) Sorry that isn't a specific song...🤔

Uptown Ashley Andersen 
1.  How long have you been doing CrossFit? 
I started CrossFit in July 2019

2.  Tell us about your first class at CrossFit or when you finished fundamentals?
After months of talking about it, Jon (Andersen) & Jonny (Esquijarosa) finally wore me down and convinced me to come with them. I was nervous and made them work out whenever I went to fundamentals because I didn’t want to go to the gym alone. I’d never done anything like CrossFit before and never imagined I would get hooked like I did! I remember thinking the practice bar was heavy when Mollie taught me the movements.

3.  What are your most and least favorite movements? 
I love pull ups and power cleans! Not a fan of overhead squats but I’m working on them.

4.) What song can we find on your workout playlist? 
Any playlist of mine is probably mostly Taylor Swift (don’t judge).

How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first experience/WOD?
My wonderful roommate was borderline obsessed with CrossFit. He would come home from the gym all sweaty and gross, but happy. It was so bizarre. I remember watching documentaries with him on CrossFit athletes before I even stepped into the gym. 

For Christmas, he gave me a promo card to join the Fundamentals course at CrossFit Nola. I was extremely apprehensive about going the CrossFit community, had zero confidence in my ability to lift anything off the ground. I decided to take the plunge after I completed my first marathon, because I never wanted to run again. 

I remember the first WOD consisted of squats, sit ups, and a 100m run. I was like, I could do this! Then, during the second week of Fundamentals, we had to complete 7 mins of 7 burpees and 7 wall balls…

…I almost retired from my CrossFit career after that WOD. 

When did you first come to CrossFit NOLA?
My first class was April 2016 — only 2 years ago! In the wise words of Corey Clay, I am “miles ahead” of where I once was, which is 100% true. 

How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally take (times and specialties)?
I attend CrossFit anywhere from 3 - 5 times a week. I always take the basic WOD classes — I really need to venture out — because I love the variety of skills I get to work on. 

What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit NOLA?
The people! There are days where I walk into the gym thinking I won’t be able to lift a certain weight, or Rx a workout, and the people/coaches give me the confidence to do so. I continue to be so impressed with the coaches, friends, and community members, even the ones I don’t know so well, who are so supportive.

I could be eyeing a heavy barbell just hoping that by staring at it, the barbell would magically become lighter, and someone will yell, pick it up. The community at CrossFit Nola pushes you to complete movements, weights, and reps you do not think you could do. 

Favorite thing about New Orleans?
My favorite thing about New Orleans is the FOOD! Being a Midwest native, y’all don’t understand how incredible the food is down here. It’s like the entire rest of the country can’t seem to find the seasoning aisle at the grocery store, but don’t tell them I said that. 

What  accomplishment are you the most proud of (outside and inside of the gym)?
My biggest accomplishment this year was completing 80% of the Open workouts Rx. Compared to last year, when I completed 0% Rx. 

Outside of the gym, physically, I am proud of successfully completing 2 marathons. Professionally, I am very proud to be recognized as Louisiana’s Outstanding New Math Teacher of the Year. 

After a hard workout, what is your favorite meal?
If it’s a cheat day, pizza…maybe half, maybe three - fourths, maybe a whole. If it’s a normal day, I love turkey taco salads and a whole lot of broccoli. 

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit?
Outside of CrossFit, I love exploring the city of New Orleans. I like to think I have a strong brunch game and continue to enjoy running around the city, when I am not at the gym. 

What do you do for a living?
I have the pleasure of teaching high school math at the Academy of Our Lady in Marrero, Louisiana. I am in my fourth year of teaching there and am so grateful to have CrossFit Nola as my mini oasis away from being Teacher Sheila. 

What is one goal that you are currently working on?
I can only pick one…I would like to get one HSPU (I’d be find with getting > 1) by the next Open. 

How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first experience/WOD?
Heard about CrossFit through friends in 2009. First experience was cherry picking main-site wods but did not really get into CrossFit until coming to CrossFit NOLA.

When did you first come to CrossFit NOLA?
Came for a free Saturday intro in March 2017.

How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally take (times and specialties)?
4-5 days a week at Downtown, sometimes go to endurance/gymnastics class.

What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit NOLA?
The community, the coaching, and the workouts. I love that there is always something to work on and encouraging/awesome people everywhere.

Favorite thing about New Orleans?
Charbroiled oysters.

What  accomplishment are you the most proud of (outside and inside of the gym)?
Outside of the gym: Taught myself to speak Japanese. Though proud of doing it, I wouldn't recommend this method. Hire a professional or take a class.
Inside gym: Last year in fundamentals, I was not able to kick up on the wall, now I can do handstand pushups.

After a hard workout, what is your favorite meal?
I combine oatmeal, protein powder, a banana and egg whites into a porridge-like substance. It doesn't sound very appetizing but it's delicious. If that's not available, I'm usually up for a gigantic burrito.

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit?
Reading, cooking, and playing softball. I also enjoy watching basketball and baseball. 

What do you do for a living?
I am a public affairs officer in the Coast Guard.

What is one goal that you are currently working on?
Muscle ups!

Are you competing in any upcoming competitions? Why do you like to compete?
Thinking about it, but need to do more research. In general I like competing because you're forced to push yourself beyond what you think you're capable of. The feeling of accomplishment after that mental and physical battle is almost addictive.

​How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first experience/WOD?
 I am forever in debt to Samantha Greenspun for introducing CrossFit (and CrossFit NOLA) to me. I was having dinner with a group of friends and I told them that I have never been able to do one pull up in my life and it is one of my biggest lifelong goals! Sam told me about her dad, who was able to do a pull up once he joined CrossFit. She insisted that her dad couldn’t do a pull up before either and that was it, I decided to give it a try. My plan was to see if I make a significant progress toward this goal within one year and go back to Tulane’s gym if I didn’t. To my surprise, I was able to do one pull up in about 6 months of joining CrossFit NOLA.
 
What I clearly remember about my first WOD, which was in the first class of the Fundamentals, is that I was not thinking about anything other than the WOD! One of the reasons that I love CrossFit so much is that I leave all of my stresses right by the door when I walk in and my concentration is all on not passing out and not finishing too much behind everybody else! The physical pressure (and the fact that I am out of shape) makes it impossible to think about anything else and that actually allows my brain to rest!  
 
When did you first come to CrossFit NOLA?
 My first time was my first Fundamental class, August 2016.
 
How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally take (times and specialties)?
 I started with 10 days per month for the first year. I had to rest for one day before I can go back to the gym. Starting in October 2017, I was ready to add more days and thanks to the student discount, I switched to the unlimited version and 5days a week has become my new norm. I still need the weekends to recover.
I attend the WOD classes and usually on or after 5:30 pm. I have tried early morning classes, but I couldn’t sustain it because I was so tired after the classes and I was not able to work effectively throughout the day.
 
What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit NOLA?
 Not in any specific order: First, CrossFit NOLA really helps me deal with daily stresses. Second, I am really pushed to my limits in a way that going to Tulane’s gym and working out on my own never got me there. I always tell my friends that I have never sweat as much as I do in CrossFit classes. Third, I have been able to see my progress by breaking my PRs, doing movements that once were a dream for me, and doing movements in Rx form after scaling them for a while. Forth, every now and then, in a movement I get close to people that I consider myself well below them (in terms of physical ability) and that is so exciting to feel that I might be able to get to where they are at some point in the future. Fifth, having wonderful coaches that, because of the size of classes, are able to provide personalized instructions effectively. Sixth, I love the fact that CrossFit NOLA has a diverse body of members. Seventh, I know this may sound stupid, but I really enjoy that throughout the workout, coaches and members of the CrossFit NOLA provide verbal support. I personally feel much more motivated and push myself much harder when somebody shouts something supportive at me!
 
Favorite thing about New Orleans?
Shrimp poboy!
 
 What accomplishment are you the most proud of (outside and inside of the gym)?
 Inside of the gym, so far, it is a tie between being able to do single toes to bar (I know my technique needs a lot of improvement but still, it feels so good to be able to do it) and doing 100 double-unders during the 2018 Open games (although I had to do double-single-double).
 
Outside of the gym, I am lucky that I have been able to publish a few papers during my PhD program.
 
After a hard workout, what is your favorite meal?
 I definitely need to work on my eating habits. I usually end up having too much flour tortillas. It tastes so good when I roll a piece and then I pour some (plain) yogurt and mustard on it. I know this is a very weird combination, but you should try it!
 
What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit?
I am an ashamed member of “watching too much TV” club. I justify it by claiming it helps me with my English!
 
 What do you do for a living?
I am a PhD student (Department of Economics at Tulane University). I work as a teaching assistant for my department.
 
What is one goal that you are currently working on?
 Inside of the gym: being able to do a handstand (and then to do one handstand push up) and a chest to bar.
 Outside of the gym: (Without getting into too much details) being able to secure a job that I like upon graduation.

How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first experience/WOD?
I heard about CrossFit first from my friend Kelly Sampson, and I got to try the free class with Jeff.  There was one other person there, and I remember being really nervous going in, because I'd never had a really positive gym experience before.  And that free class was hard!  It was impressive to get my ass handed to me with a sample class.  I knew it was going to get me in better shape quickly.   And I loved the feedback, and also realizing I needn't be nervous.

When did you first come to CrossFit NOLA?
Let's see... August or September of 2013

How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally take (times and specialties)?
Not enough!  I started out pretty conservatively, but I've slowly bumped up my visits.  I increased this summer even more, and I'm about to go wild and upgrade to unlimited!  I do the main WOD mostly, but I've enjoyed gymnastics, too.  I really want to throw tires and stuff so I'm eyeing up Powerlifting, and I want to start going to endurance regularly.  I've always liked running and would love to get better at that, too.

What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit NOLA?
I like seeing and feeling the improvement in my fitness and abilities, but I think it's more the community and the coaches.  I've dropped in other places while out of town, and that's been a positive experience each time, but I feel at home on Cortez.  It's really remarkable stress relief and always leaves me feeling good (after I swear for a while and recover).

Favorite thing about New Orleans?
Hmmm... I like that there are so many things unique to here; the festivals, second lines, Mardi Gras.  I just got a bike recently and I've been loving to bike around.  It's a cool way to see parts of the city you might otherwise not.

What  accomplishment are you the most proud of (outside and inside of the gym)? 
At the gym, I'm really pumped that Julie pushed me to try a bar muscle up - and I got one!  Now I just did the muscle-up clinic and I'm going to do some skill sessions to master that.  Outside of the gym, I'm looking forward to doing the Tough Mudder in March.  I've been curious about it for years, and it's finally coming to New Orleans. 

After a hard workout, what is your favorite meal?
We've been doing Blue Apron for about 9 months, and it's pretty consistently damn good, and really fun to learn more about how to cook.  I didn't know what the hell to do with fennel before, but I know now!  I like getting sushi, too.  Lots of sushi.  

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit?
I love reading, and need to make more time for it.  I'm a movie geek - especially horror movies - so I'm always looking for good stuff to watch.  I used to be an assistant director so my movie love runs deep.  My husband (Jacob, you probably know him!) and I like cooking together, and there's always some event happening that makes for a good excuse to see friends and enjoy the city.

What do you do for a living?
I teach 9th grade English at Abramson Sci Academy in New Orleans East.  I'm in my 11th year teaching, and my 6th there.  I thought when I worked on movie sets that it was stressful, but I'd say that teaching is probably one of the most challenging jobs a person could do.  But the growth and achievement of your students is pretty great.  

What is one goal that you are currently working on?
I'm in the MFBC, so I'm looking forward to sticking with that through the year's end, and I finally invested in a jump rope so I can get double-unders.  I got 15 in a row the other day during a WOD so I'm feeling pretty motivated to keep bringing that number up.

Are you doing the CrossFit Open?
I'm not sure.  I did it two years ago, and boy was it hard, but also a really great experience.  Now that it's back on my radar, I'll definitely consider it.  I like the challenge, and the intensity of an event being part of the Open really ramps up your energy level and pushes you to do more than you thought you could.

How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first experience/WOD?
Back in 2012-2013, I had some friends that were doing this “new, CrossFit” thing and was impressed with how much it seemed to be transforming them.  I was curious, intrigued.  Working on a project in Morgantown, WV and looking to make a change to my workout routine, I walked into Mountaineer CrossFit in January, 2013, immediately became hooked, and then the journey began...
 
​When did you first come to CrossFit NOLA?
It was in August, 2014.  I had finished the project in WV.  It was 9:30 AM class Uptown with Kelsey.  It was fantastic.  The rest is history.
 
 How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally take (times and specialties)?
4-5 days per week.  I most often attend the noon class Uptown coached by Brad Raines and from time to time the Saturday morning WODs Uptown with Phil Guillot.  When traveling, I’m a serial “drop-in”.
 
 What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit NOLA?
Three main drivers:  1) physical, 2) mental, and 3) community.  First, being a guy in his “mid”-forties, I don’t think I’ve ever been in as better shape in my entire life since doing CrossFit; the impact it has had on my body is amazing; I just simply feel better.  Second, doing what I do for a living, I find myself at times in highly stressful situations and I find CrossFit extremely therapeutic; I can tell when I have not worked out – I feel my balance/mojo/zen/karma is all out of whack.  Finally, it’s the community – I often refer to my fellow “CrossFitters” as “my people” to my friends who do not seem to understand CrossFit.  We possess our own lingo, are typically like-minded in that we are pushing to better ourselves, always willing to subject ourselves to some level of pain, consistently willing to push/support each other no matter one’s age, background, pedigree, etc.  My job takes me all over the country/world and the first thing I do is locate the nearest box which immediately provides me a sense of being in a very familiar place – a sense of being at home.
 
Favorite thing about New Orleans?
I enjoy the wide variety of music and the cocktails.  Having been all over the country, there really is no other place that can match the musical vibe that’s in New Orleans.  I have found that I truly enjoy the exposure to the wide variety of music and the music festivals and the truly amazing musicians this town has …and a good Sazerac!

What  accomplishment are you the most proud of (outside and inside of the gym)? 
“Inside” of the gym, I’d have to say participating at this year’s Deep South Shootout.  With the support and inspiration of Mollie and Brad, along with my teammates Lee, Lewis and Johnny, I put myself out there, got comfortable with being uncomfortable, and found it pushed me beyond what I thought were my existing mental and physical limits.    
 
As for “outside” of the gym, I guess I’d have to say my greatest accomplishment are my family and friends.  For a knucklehead like me from the suburbs of Chicago who grew up during the 80s, to have such a great family and circle of friends, especially the friendships I’ve made through CrossFit, is truly humbling and a tremendous accomplishment.
 
After a hard workout, what is your favorite meal?
I’m extremely conscious of what I put into my body.  One, I simply cannot eat like I did when I was in my 20s/30s.  Two, I’m fascinated with how food interacts with the body; I can tell how certain foods effect my body and make me feel.  However, when veering off course, I do enjoy good Thai and Vietnamese food and good brunch-like foods (eggs, bacon, pancakes, French toast, etc).
 
What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit?
Concerts/music festivals, reading (I spend a lot of time on planes/in airports – always looking for a good read – CrossFit for my mind), and the various activities of my 11-year-old daughter and 9-year-old son which keep me busy by default.
 
What do you do for a living?
I’m a CPA by trade and I work as a management consultant for a global consulting firm headquartered in New York City.  My area of expertise is working with Companies who are experiencing financial distress; they could be in bankruptcy, on the verge of it, or heading in that direction.  I’m a fixer of sorts. 

What is one goal that you are currently working on?
Muscle-ups and my shoulder strength/mobility.  I can squat and dead lift a house – my 1RM strict press is a phone book.  I need to get that in better balance.

Are you doing the CrossFit Open?
Yes.  A long term goal of mine is to someday actually make it to regionals as a Masters competitor.  I may not make until my mid-50s, but I’ll make it.

How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first experience/WOD?
I was touring in Norway and looking for a simple gym membership. The owner of the gym had expanded into the basement to start "Crossfit Langevåg". I remember telling him that it was more than I wanted...too intense and probably bad for my joints. He dropped the price and challenged me to come back that evening. I don't remember the WOD, although it involved lots of burpees and air squats. I left feeling BEAT DOWN - nauseated and as sore as I've ever felt. But I was SO hooked. I couldn't wait to get back the next night!

When did you first come to CrossFit NOLA?
I joined Crossfit NOLA immediately upon returning from the Norway tour. I didn't want to waste a day! It was Oct 2014.

How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally take (times and specialties)?
I train, with my partner Gina, 5 days a week. We're Uptown on weekday evenings at 4:30 and we love the partner workouts on Saturday mornings at 10. I also try and make active recovery on Sundays...I need the mobility work so badly.

What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit NOLA?
I'll admit it...VANITY. I'm shallow, but I'm honest!

Favorite thing about New Orleans?
I love the musicians. I love the cooks. I love the crazies.

What  accomplishment are you the most proud of (outside and inside of the gym)? 
Outside the gym, I'm proud to be part of the New Orleans music community and it's history. Inside the gym, I'm proud of the way I bring it each day. I'm competitive, yet supportive and I'm proud of the place I've created in the Crossfit family.
 
After a hard workout, what is your favorite meal?
After a spoonful of honey, I'm always up for Indian or Ethiopian. 

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit?
Interests outside of Crossfit?!! You're kidding, right?

What do you do for a living?
I'm in the music business, mainly as a piano performer/entertainer.

What is one goal that you are currently working on?
I'm focused on mobility and overhead strength in 2017.

Are you doing the CrossFit Open?
Ah-ha! That's what this is REALLY about...a passive aggressive attempt to get an old man to commit to the Open! Shit. I guess I'm in...

How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first experience/WOD?
I HEARD ABOUT CROSSFIT IN COLLEGE. SHORTLY AFTER THE MOVIE ‘300’ CAME OUT, A FRIEND OF MINE KEEP TALKING ABOUT HOW THEY DID CROSSFIT TO GET IN SHAPE FOR THE MOVIE, NO ONE EVEN KNEW WHAT THAT WAS. NEXT THING I KNEW THAT SAME GUY WAS IN THE BACK YARD MOVING RAIL ROAD TIES BACK AND FORTH, THEN UP AND DOWN (SOON TO BE KNOWN AS A THRUSTER?).
 
MY FIRST EXPERIENCE WAS IN THE FUNDAMENTALS CLASS WITH LIZ.
 
When did you first come to CrossFit NOLA?
 AFTER I FINISHED THE CPA EXAM, I DECIDED IT WAS TIME TO GET MY BUTT OFF THE COUCH/OUT OF HAPPY HOUR. SO I GOOGLED ‘CROSSFIT NEW ORLEANS.’ LUCKY ME, THERE WAS A FUNDAMENTALS CLASS STARTING THE NEXT WEEK.
 
How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally take (times and specialties)?
 GENERALLY YOU CAN FIND ME AT UPTOWN FOR THE 7:30PM CLASSES AND SATURDAY AT MIDCITY FOR THE STRONGMAN. I LIKE TO DO 3 REGULAR CLASSES PER WEEK AND STRONGMAN. STRONGMAN IS FUN BECAUSE OF ALL THE ODD OBJECTS AND IT IS SOMETHING TOTALLY DIFFERENT EVERY WEEK. I THINK COACH JULIE/BRAD GET SOME ENJOYMENT FROM SEEING OUR PAIN AND SUFFERING.
 
What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit NOLA?
 TO BE COMPLETELY HONEST, WALKING INTO A ‘REGULAR’ GYM IS SUPER INTIMIDATING TO ME…… SO MANY PEOPLE, SO MANY MACHINES, SO MANY PULLEYS AND LEVERS. IM STRESSED OUT JUST THINKING ABOUT IT. I LIKE TO SHOW UP, DO WHAT I AM TOLD AND GO HOME. THERE IS REALLY NO THOUGHT OR PREPARATION THAT GOES INTO THIS.
 
Favorite thing about New Orleans?
 NOT EVEN A QUESTION, HAS TO BE THE FOOD. I LOVE TO TRY NEW RESTAURANTS THROUGHOUT THE CITY. I BASICALLY WORKOUT SO I CAN EAT WHAT I WANT AND NOT FEEL GUILTY. I PROBABLY SHOULDN’T BE ADMITTING THAT IN A GYM BLOG…….. OOPS- DON’T TELL MY UPT COACHES.

What  accomplishment are you the most proud of (outside and inside of the gym)?  
WELL, I JUST RECENTLY GOT MY FIRST HANDSTAND. I HAVE STRUGGLED WITH THIS FOR SO LONG AND COACH JULIE HAS A VIDEO TO PROVE IT. I WAS ALSO SUPER PROUD OF GETTING ALL OF THE DEADLIFTS AT 155 IN THE OPEN WORKOUT THIS YEAR- I MADE THE VERY LAST MINUTE DECISION NOT TO SCALE DOWN THE WEIGHT AND I’M GLAD I DIDN’T. OH YEAH, AND GETTING MY FIRST STRICT PULL UP WAS A BIG DEAL.
 
OUTSIDE OF THE GYM: I PROPOSED TO MY PARTNER OF 7.5 YEARS IN JULY. BIG TIME. TYING THE KNOT.
 
After a hard workout, what is your favorite meal?
 TOSS UP BETWEEN THE COMPANY BURGER (REALLY THE COMPANY BURGER….. DON’T GIVE ME THAT WHIMPY SINGLE PATTI) AND SUSHI.
 
OH, AND I ALSO HAVE A LOVE/HATE RELATIONSHIP WITH CANES.
 
What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit?
 CURRENT INTERESTS INCLUDE: PLANNING A WEDDING, SPENDING TIME WITH THE FIANCE, AND PLAYING FETCH WITH MY PUPPIES. 
 
ALSO, I RECENTLY GOT INTERNET AT OUR HOUSE- NO JOKE, WITHIN THE LAST 3 MONTHS. SO I JOINED THIS NEW THING CALLED NETFLIX, NOT SURE IF YOU GUYS ARE FAMILIAR WITH IT OR NOT.
 
IN ALL HONESTY I GOT INTERNET SO THAT I COULD JOIN THE WWE NETWORK. IF YOU EVER ATTENDED A MONDAY OR WEDNESDAY 730PM CLASS, I AM SURE YOU HAVE HEARD ME DISCUSSING WITH AARON AND BRANDON MY LOVE FOR JOHN CENA AND THE ROCK.
 
What do you do for a living?
 I WORK AT A PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM (SAME ONE AS COACH BOWEN) AS AN AUDIT MANAGER. SO I TRAVEL AROUND THE CITY AND DO FINANCIAL STATEMENT AUDITING.
 
What is one goal that you are currently working on?
WELL NOW THAT I HAVE MY HANDSTAND UNDER CONTROL- ITS TIME TO MAKE THAT INTO A HANDSTAND PUSH UP. ALSO, I HAVE BEEN THINKING ABOUT DOING THE LEVEL 1 CERTIFICATION…….REALLY SO THAT I CAN DO THE STRONGMAN CERT AFTER THAT!
 
Are you doing any upcoming competitions or events?
CURRENTLY NO COMPETITIONS PLANNED, BUT I HAVE SET A GOAL THAT I WANT TO DO THE WINTER WOD WARS IN THE RX DIVISION.

How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first experience/WOD?  
One of my best friends was on her own journey and fell in love with CrossFit. It took a couple of months convincing and after my first class I was hooked. My first WOD was 150 wall balls for time.. I remember not being able to walk for days! 

When did you first come to CrossFit NOLA?
After a year away, I joined CF NOLA earlier this year; April I believe. 

How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally take (times and specialties)?
4-5 days a week- 5 or 6pm classes at the downtown location. 

What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit NOLA?
Them GAINZ! :) Challenging myself to be better, faster, and stronger. 

Favorite thing about New Orleans?
The culture. There's something very special about this city. You get such a mash up of people,
food, religion, art, music etc. Diversity is key to our future. 

What  accomplishment are you the most proud of (outside and inside of the gym)? 
Inside the gym- honestly just finding the time and motivation to give it all I got. Life is hard but taking the time for yourself and making your health a priority is such an accomplishment in our environment. 

Outside the gym- my MBA 

After a hard workout, what is your favorite meal?
I feel like this is a trick question! Food is the hardest part of my day. Making good decisions day in and day out requires some serious planning and I'm proud of how hard I've worked on this aspect of my lifestyle. All that being said, cauliflower rice is probably the best new addition to my diet.  

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit?
I love coffee, my pup, Chloe, riding my bike and spending time with my friends. 

What do you do for a living?
Director of Operations at the Aloft New Orleans Downtown 

What is one goal that you are currently working on?
All the gymnastics. 

How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first experience/WOD?
Itai:
I first heard about CrossFit while living in Costa Rica, it was in early 2013. It was a big trend over there that time, EVERYONE was talking about it and honestly it didn’t sound like something I wanted to do since people who did CrossFit never stopped talking about it!  My wife (girlfriend at the time) Lin convinced me to join a class, it was a hard one, I loved it.

Lin:
Through a friend.  I can't remember the WOD , but I do recall I almost pass out after the class. 

When did you first come to CrossFit NOLA?
Itai:
I moved to New Orleans late 2013 and joined the CrossFit NOLA right then

Lin:
July of 2014

How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally take (times and specialties)?
Itai:
I usually do 5 days a week. I am attending the 10:00 am WOD class downtown. 
Lin:
5-6pm, 4-5 days a week

What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit NOLA?
Itai:
I love the diversity in CrossFit and the fact that the workout changes everyday and work on different things to make you a complete athlete and not just focusing on one thing only, the competitiveness of it is definitely a motivation for me.
Lin:
I like the way my body feels after a workout. And I love to eat. 
Favorite thing about New Orleans?
Itai:
If i have to choose I will go with the people of New Orleans
Lin:
The people and the fabulous food 
What  accomplishment are you the most proud of (outside and inside of the gym)? 
Itai:
Outside of the gym probably starting a business at young age.
Inside the gym - muscle up!
Lin:
Getting my masters degree. 
After a hard workout, what is your favorite meal?
Itai:
SO had to choose…My wife’s cooking :) 
Lin:
Pizza

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit?
Itai:
Wine, travel and music 
Lin:
The beach, dancing, cooking and being happy!
What do you do for a living?
Itai:
I have a restaurant here called ‘Doris Metropolitan’ and another one in Costa Rica. 
Lin:
I'm an Attorney
What is one goal that you are currently working on?
Itai:
Improving technique and PR’s 
Lin:
Double unders and handstand walk

How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first experience/WOD?
Probably about 4 years ago i started to see more and more of my friends posting their WOD of Facebook... It took me a minute to really get into what CrossFit was all about but the people i knew that were doing it were seeing real results. 

After 20yrs of literally running to work, up and down stairs, from train to bus, walking at a speed that only happens in London/New York, i began working from home. After a year of that and hitting the big 4-Oh-my-god - my weight gained and my fitness level had plummeted. I was doing yoga, trying to run, counting calories but nothing worked. It was at that time we decided to move out of NY and intermittently to Texas - where i took my first CrossFit class. 

It was 6am, i could do nothing! I struggled to run even 400m, i couldn't jump rope without skipping from foot to foot, my flexibility was awful! It was also there that i was introduced to the the thing they call the BURPEE!!!


When did you first come to CrossFit NOLA?
I first came to CrossFit Nola in about September of 2013, i had been doing CrossFit for about 3months by then. Damian was my first coach - he told be about his trip to England with his Dad and showed me that if i put plates under my heels it would actually help my squat - something that had seemed completely unattainable to me at that point.


How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally take (times and specialties)?
I am a regular at the N Cortez Street 12noon class - it's a good time for me, it enables me to get up, see to my dogs, do a few hours of work and break off for an hour. 


What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit NOLA?
It's fun!! The coaches are great, the other members are supportive, it's a real community. Everyone comes from pretty different backgrounds, people are at all different levels (me being pretty low down the totem in athletic ability!) but no one is that insular kind of competitive like you get at a regular gym. 


Favorite thing about New Orleans?
I think i like it mostly because it's so beautiful but not in that pristine way, grand and yet shabby, the buildings have a distinct style and yet they're all different... it's inspiring with all it's flaws. 


What  accomplishment are you the most proud of (outside and inside of the gym)? 
Being able to run a mile, in the height of the Louisiana summer in under 9minutes - and my "1" strict pull-up!


After a hard workout, what is your favorite meal?
It's not exactly paleo - in fact it's not paleo at all!! an avocado, salad sandwich and a coconut yogurt. 


What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit?
Art, music, friends and animals... I'm a total nut for my dogs, i have three rescue mutts and three cats and would totally have more if i had the space and the bank balance! 


What do you do for a living?
I have a booking agency that I run with my husband - so we book national and international tours for bands and recording artists. I have worked in the music business for over 20yrs. 


What is one goal that you are currently working on?
DOUBLE UNDERS!!!!!

How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first experience/WOD?
My girlfriend introduced me to crossfit, I was working out at a "globo gym" doing chest, bi's, and tri's three or four times a week. Always working on glamour muscles. My first WOD included thrusters and burpees, which made me collapse on the floor after about four reps at 95lbs. From that day on I was hooked. 

When did you first come to CrossFit NOLA?
May(ish) 2014 

How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally take (times and specialties)?
I'm a 5pm or 5:30am kind of guy.  And every Saturday at 10. 

What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit NOLA?
I love the programming and the coaches, although I complain about them both all the time.  

Favorite thing about New Orleans?
Food and booze. Obvi

What  accomplishment are you the most proud of (outside and inside of the gym)?  
I'm very proud of being able to do handstand walks and muscle ups. Both took me a long time to get.  

After a hard workout, what is your favorite meal?
Anything in front of me. Seriously bread, pets, small children. 

#2 "classified cut"steak from Doris Metropolitan.

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit?
Travel, photography, and anything that takes me outside.  

What do you do for a living?
... I'm in the rare plants business...

What is one goal that you are currently working on?
I want to finish in the top 300 in the south region in the 2017 open.  

Would you rather have fish gills or bird wings?
Gills, I can barely fit in my t-shirts now, I would have no place to put wings. 



​

Phil joined Crossfit NOLA as a member in 2012, and you have probably seen him around the gym working out with Jeff and as a part of Team Louisiana during the past year. He will be coaching Monday through Friday mornings Downtown, as well as Wed afternoon and Saturday morning Uptown.

Phil has been the Manager/Head Coach/Programmer at Crescent City Crossfit for the last 3+ years.  He says his greatest strength as coach is “my ability to articulate my deep knowledge of the sport to all ranges  of athletes from beginners to those who are more advanced. Coaching is not just about having knowledge, but can you use your knowledge and present it in a way to make a person better and understand the "why" behind a task. Years of experience has allowed me to develop many physical and verbal cues to assist with movement development across a large spectrum of athletes and abilities”.

Phil has qualified for Regionals in 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016, though he decided to compete in the Team Division with Team Louisiana this past year.  

​When not in the gym you can usually find Phil playing in various indoor soccer leagues or at Lafreniere Park on Sunday Morning playing with the Finn McCool's club team. Phil and (former coach) Aaron Hyatt were college teammates. He has his L-1 certification as well as a Crossfit Kids Certification.

Ginger has been a member at Crossfit NOLA for over a year, she usually comes to afternoon classes at MidCity and endurance classes. She will be coaching Tuesday and Friday mornings Uptown.

​A native of Texas, Ginger comes to us with a background in running and cycling and was a D1 collegiate athlete. Her son, Cam, also plays D1 soccer in South Carolina.  Although her career is in the corporate world, she is an artist/metalsmith with a concentration in jewelry design. Her advice for anyone would be never sacrifice form and technique for a PR or a "good" score.  Be patient and don't hesitate to use scales and progressions while you are learning to become proficient. Great movement takes time.

Certifications: CF-L1, CF-L2, CF Olympic Lifting, CF Scaling, CF Movement and Mobility, CF Gymnastics, CF Endurance
​
Ginger is also an intern with the Crossfit HQ staff, the folks who train all the Crossfit coaches.