CFDC U Street Member Spotlight July 2022: Heather Rellihan

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

I started CrossFit in DC a little less than a year ago. It’s almost my CrossFit birthday!

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

I’m a professor of Gender and Sexuality Studies and I teach yoga. I hike every chance I get—usually with my dog Maisie, a little Jack Russel Terrier who loves hiking even more than me. I recently took up rock climbing which has been a fun new challenge and I travel a lot (and it’s been fun to try new CrossFit gyms in Florida, New Orleans, Maine, and Amsterdam!). When I’m home I have (too) many artsy-craftsy hobbies that keep me busy. My favorite of these hobbies is sewing.

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

I have A LOT of things I’m working on in CrossFit. One goal is to complete Murph next year, so I’m working on pullups and pushups to get ready for that. I also want to be able to walk on my hands and do a handstand pushup. Right now, I’m working on just shifting my weight onto one hand: baby steps, but I’m making progress.

4. Favorite and least favorite CrossFit movements/workouts?

I have three categories when it comes to CrossFit movements. The ones I like (bench press, strict press, push press—mostly upper body stuff—but also snatch). The ones I don’t hate (squats, deadlifts), and the ones I do hate (wall ball! I hate wall ball).

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

It’s hard to pick one: the coaches at U Street are really amazing. I mostly workout with Jess and he’s been incredibly useful in helping me every step of the way, especially with the more complex movements which he’s able to break down into understandable pieces. Jess is an exceptional teacher. Emily helped me a lot recently by suggesting I lock my eyes on a point to help with balance when I’m doing overhead squats or clean and jerks. Kiara has helped me with a lot too, most recently getting me to fine tune my deadlift with the right balance between hinging and knee bend.

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

I didn’t realize how much CrossFit is a community. If I had known that, I probably would have joined sooner. One of the things I love the most is the friendships I’m building with other CrossFitters. A year ago, when I started, I met Pam in my Elements class. Pam and I have worked out together ever since! We text each other the night before. Making a commitment to someone has helped me show up consistently. Since CrossFitters are fitness-oriented, it’s also been a great place to meet people to do other activities with. I’ve met wonderful new friends like Yurena (who I rock climb and hike with) and Svetlana (who I hike with), and Mickey joined my softball team! When I travel and I drop in to local CrossFits, I always feel welcomed, like I’m already in their community.