CFDC U Street Member Spotlight April 2023: Rachel R.

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

I have been doing CrossFit for about 2 years now, and 1.5 years have been at CrossFit DC! I started back in Gainesville, Florida in early 2021.

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

When I’m not at the gym, I’m usually at work (I’m an aerospace and defense analyst), spending time with friends, scouring secondhand bookstores, and exploring the city!

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

This year, I have a few tactical goals: a sub-8-minute 2k row and a 130# C&J, and a few skills I’m working towards (double-unders and sets of T2B).

Favorite and least favorite CrossFit movements/workouts?

My favorite CrossFit workouts usually include burpees, rowing, and dumbbell snatches (boot camp has my heart), and my least favorites involve double-unders because I inevitably end up tangled in the rope. I’ll get there one day!

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

Gosh, there are so many – but the one that stands out is, Coach Sarah and I struggled for weeks on how to make my power position smoother when going into lifts, as I tend to have pretty jerky, separated movements instead of a smooth bar path. I mentioned casually that I had a dance background and she found the magic cue – to bend my knees softly like a plie!

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

I wish I knew that the beauty of the sport is that there’s always something new to master. I love that people who are highly advanced are STILL working on building strength and refining technique, because it makes me excited to continue doing this for years to come.