CFDC Member Spotlights: October 2021

Ryan Uy (U Street)

1. How long have you been doing Crossfit and how long have you been at Crossfit DC?

I first started CrossFit 7 years ago and have been with CF DC since 3 years ago.

2. What do you do when you’re not crushing workouts at the gym? 

I love to explore the city/travel, hang out with friends (near and far) and eat/ check out restos. My work also keeps me very busy – I work and help families with children who have disabilities and special needs.

3. What is a goal you’re currently working towards (in the gym or beyond)?

The pandemic has been hard for everyone – trying to work on keeping both the mind and body healthy by not being too hard on myself and focusing on the positives. Hoping to work more on my endurance and pacing long WODs.

• 

4. Favorite and least favorite Crossfit movements/workouts?

Fave: Snatch – because it’s a very technical movement and very little margin for error. You are forced to work on many things – speed, timing, flexibility, and patience among many others.

Least fave: Lunges, push ups, running … (and the list goes on)

5. What is one coaching cue/tip that has helped you recently?

This is hard– each coach has given me very useful cues and tips every time during class! From – “be patient”, “be more aggressive, open the hips”, “look straight”, etc. Special shout to Sarah, Kiara, Lance, Emily – coaches of the classes I regularly attend) and Mike (DC weightlifting).

6. What is something you wish you knew about Crossfit when you first started?

I wish I knew that CrossFit isn’t just another form of “exercise/gym” and it’s really not as intimidating as many people perceive it to be. I would have started much earlier. 😊

Aleek Karamhanian (H Street)

1. How long have you been doing Crossfit and how long have you been at Crossfit DC?

Technically, I started CrossFit at CFDC in March 2020 (about a week after I started, the gym closed!). But, I have been lifting since about 2016… several years of powerlifting (did competitions), did some CrossFit-lite, and then a short stint in Olympic lifting (also competed) with DCW. 

2. What do you do when you’re not crushing workouts at the gym

Pre-pandemic, it was a lot of traveling, checking out the newest restaurants in DC, and trying to tire out my large dog. Since the pandemic, seeing if I truly have a green thumb, crushing my annual book challenge (on book 25 of 30), baking cookies and other goodies for anyone willing to taste test them, and still, trying to tire out my dog.

3. What is a goal you’re currently working towards (in the gym or beyond)?

Being stronger, better than the day before. Would love to get better at my cleans. Ideal goal for my favorite lifts would be to hit a 300# back squat and a deadlift in the 375-400# range.

4. Favorite and least favorite Crossfit movements/workouts?

Is this a trick question?? Favorites: deadlifts, back squats, cleans, barbell thrusters (I know…). Least favorite: any variation of the burpee, being on the bike for more than 30 seconds.

5. What is one coaching cue/tip that has helped you recently?

Super grateful for Jess’ tips on how to use my lats to do T2B… after a very long time of trying, it finally clicked! Steve and Tim for always pushing me to do “a little bit more” or “try RX+” when I try to play it safe. 

6. What is something you wish you knew about Crossfit when you first started?

That the staff works with you to scale options, the community is fun, inclusive, with a touch of competitiveness. Something I’ve learned since I started at CFDC, is the “we’re in it together” mentality… how everyone cheers each other on, but also when the workout does you in, and you are lying on the floor trying to catch your breath, you know that at least you suffered with everyone else in class to get it done.