Member Spotlight: Marissa W.

Marissa has been with a regular with us, frequenting evening classes at U St for the last 6 months. However, Marissa’s journey with CrossFit began long before moving to DC. We couldn’t be happier that you wandered your way through our doors and we’re so proud to have you as part of the CFDC community. Read up on Marissa below!

How long have you been doing CrossFit (and what inspired you to begin)? How long have you been at CFDC? Why did you chose CFDC?

In May 2014, I was living in Jackson, MS, and bought a Groupon for one month unlimited at a new CrossFit gym. Until then, I only exercised because I was “supposed to”, and had always considered myself unathletic. I immediately loved the physical, mental, and emotional challenges that CrossFit provided. Lifting heavy weights and acquiring new skills made me feel capable and proud of myself in a way I’d never experienced before.

I dropped in to CrossFit DC in August 2017 and knew right away that it was time for a gym change. I loved the vibrance of the community, the variety of additional activities offered, and how much fun people seemed to be having in class.

Favorite and least favorite CrossFit movements?

I love snatches, handstand push-ups, and back squats, and would be happy to never do another thruster again.

What do you do when you aren’t flinging heavy weights around the gym?

I like to cook, try new beers, do yoga, and be active outdoors. My work focuses on Healthy Aging through chronic disease self-management and falls prevention for older adults, and I like to think that it goes hand-in-hand with the principles we learn through CrossFit.

Design your ideal workout playlist.

Rihanna, Beyoncé, Demi Lovato. Unabashedly basic over here when it comes to exercise music.

Tell us about a goal you’re working toward (in the gym or beyond).

I’m hoping to do my first Sprint triathlon this year! I hate running and am not a skilled swimmer but I’m looking forward to trying something new/hopefully not drowning. If you’ve done one and see me at the gym, tell me know how your first experience was, please.

Tell us something that might surprise most people at the gym.

I did gymnastics for 12 years (though I was never very good, hence my feeling unathletic) and taught it for 3 when I was younger. Who would’ve thought that I’d ever be able to use those skills as an adult?! Thanks, CrossFit!

First impression of CFDC?

I loved CrossFit from the beginning because my classmates became my favorite people/social group/health support system.  I felt that same community feel immediately at CFDC. It was even more evident during the Smackdown which was held a few weeks into my membership. Thanks for welcoming a random stranger onto your team, Noor!

Tell us about one coaching cue that has helped you the most.

I had a total “aha” moment when a coach mentioned the relationship of good form across so many movements in Crossfit and weightlifting. Shoulder to overhead is the same movement as a handstand push-up. Pushups are the same movement as bench press. The best alignment in a handstand walk is the same as having good posture standing upright. Power that comes from your hips in a clean is the same power that gets you over the bar in a muscle up.  Seems like common sense now but it improved my efficiency and mindset about lots of movements.

What’s one workout you never, ever, ever want to do again?

14.5. 21-18-15-12-9-6-3 thrusters and bar over burpees. Still a traumatic memory.