Athlete of the Month
Posted November 1, 2018
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What made you decide to join the RIV?
My ex-husband is/was an athletic trainer so I knew about CrossFit many years ago. Amy Lincoln had tried it at the RIV and asked me to as well. Although at that time, I thought it was out of my league I needed to up my fitness game. I tried it and was hooked!! 2 and ½ years later, I am still at it!
How has the RIV helped you achieve some of your fitness goals?
Wow, in so many ways. I never thought I’d be able to climb a rope, do double unders and so many other CrossFit movements! The variety is so challenging and frustrating at times. But accomplishing these things has kept me motivated. I am no great athlete, but I love CrossFit and hope to keep on doing for life! Plus I need to work on many other movements!
What has been your favorite workout? What have you improved the most?
One of my favorite workouts was one we did for Coach Mik’s birthday during strongman….Partners….20, 19, 18…etc of each movement…bench press, hang power clean and shoulder to overhead. It took us all about an hour!! It was tough but fantastic!
I have improved with kipping pullups and TTB (which I hate but kept working at it!).
What is your favorite part of the RIV?
Definitely the camaraderie between the members and the coaches. Everyone cheering each other on and the willingness to help each other out with movements we want to improve on. Suffering with other Crosshelps as well!! haha!
Posted October 4, 2018
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What made you decide to join the RIV?
Laura: Mike joined 8 months before I did. I could see what it was doing for him and how much he was enjoying it. I wanted to be part of it. I did RivFit first. (I didn’t want anything to do with the barbell). After a couple of months, a Coach that is no longer at the RIV suggested I switch to Crossfit. He said not only would I love it, but he guaranteed it would help strengthen our marriage. As corny as it sounded at the time, I think it did just that.
Mike: Starting a family and career had taken its toll on my sleeping and eating habits. Not long before she passed away, my grandmother told me that I had put on weight. I stepped on a scale in her house that day and was disgusted with myself. I immediately purchased P90X, which helped me shed some excess weight, but I still wasn’t happy with working out alone in my basement. Those experiences ultimately led me to CrossFit Riverfront.
How has the RIV helped you achieve some of your fitness goals?
Laura: After two kids, it was hard to get back in shape. There is just something about feeling strong. Feeling strong became more important than being skinny. The RIV has also helped me manage my stress.
Mike: My goals have evolved over my time and have included weight loss, competition training, mobility, recovery, etc. Coaches, past and present, have helped with structuring my training to support my ever-changing goals.
What has been your favorite workout? What have you improved the most?
Laura: I will complain about every workout but do it anyway. I love a workout to have heavy lifts- anything with the barbell. I’m a work in progress, I have so much to learn.
Mike: My favorite workout is Helen. The benchmark pairs running with KB swings and pull-ups, which I love. My greatest improvement has been my strength. Weightlifting was never a focus for my sports training in high school or college, so this remains an opportunity for continued growth.
What is your favorite part of the RIV?
Laura: Hands down the members. I have been working out at 5:15am with the same people, in the same corner for 4 ½ years. I show up because I know they will be there- and if I don’t show up, I never hear the end of it. Mike and I have made some great friends at the RIV.
Mike: Community – I know that’s boring and has been said a million times before, but it’s true. Everyone comes together to cheer for fellow members, honor a fallen hero, or raise money for a charitable cause. Five years into this journey, I still value the energy and encouragement I get from the members every day.
Posted September 4, 2018
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What made you decide to join the RIV?
An old co-worker of mine came to the Riv. Each morning he would talk about these “WODs” and it made me curious. At that time, I was just doing routine gym workouts at Planet Fitness and I was ready for a change of pace. I planned to check out the Riv on four separate occasions (all cancelled due to nervousness and fear!) Finally, my co-worker had to walk me into the gym to ease my worries. That was about four years ago now, and I have been thankful ever since!
How has the RIV helped you achieve some of your fitness goals?
I never thought I could push my body as much as I could. The Riv has made me more confident in myself (in and out of the gym). I never imagined that I could back squat more than my body weight nor compete in local Crossfit competitions! I’ve learned more about myself, my limits, and that I am capable of much more than I thought!
What has been your favorite workout? What have you improved the most?
My favorite workout?! Is there such a thing? Haha. I would have to go with anything WITHOUT burpees =) But, my favorites have been: DT (5 rnds: 12 DL, 9 HC, 6 PJ) and Karen (150 WB).
Overall, I’ve improved every aspect of my physical capabilities. I hope to continue to better myself!
What is your favorite part of the RIV?
The community. I have worked at the Riv for about three years now, and the community is truly what keeps me coming back. The positive, support, and energy is nothing you would find in any other gym. Life has hit me with some highs and lows, and the community has continued to support and push me to become a better person/athlete. Oh, and the dogs! =)
Posted August 1, 2018
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What made you decide to join the RIV?
I moved to Delaware from Massachusetts this March. In MA I was exposed to endurance bootcamp training, I loved it. I wanted a more intense CrossFit training in DE. my colleague at work Flavio Schwarz introduced me to the RIV, I tried a free class and I have loved it ever since.
How has the RIV helped you achieve some of your fitness goals?
Whenever I am at the RIV, I feel determined seeing everyone around. The good thing at the RIV is that you feel good after you have finished an intense work out. This is the first time I have been introduced to CrossFit, I have lost 18 pounds to date and more importantly I feel strong despite the weight loss.
What has been your favorite workout? What have you improved the most?
I really enjoy the partner work outs on fridays. We get to work out with different people and keep complementing each others strengths and build upon them. Also, I like the WODs which are a mix of strength and cardio like running burpees and a strength component.
As I look back , I feel I have improved on the shoulder mobility aspect and have improve on the OHS part. I give complete credit to Michelle during the Monday 6 15 class for constantly encouraging me during this course. From not able to handle the bar to OHSing with 95 – 100 lbs.
What is your favorite part of the RIV?
At the RIV, I feel I am a part of a community. Being a novice when I joined, I was always encouraged by all the coaches: Michelle, Cat, Mike, Chelsea, Mik, Adam and of course fellow CrossFitters. I got instant and constructive feedback regarding my form always. This very aspect of the RIV is very special and makes me want to be a part of it every morning at 6:15.
Posted July 3, 2018
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What made you decide to join the RIV?
Meagan: My site director at work (Lou D’Agostino) had been talking about the RIV for months, and then when he mentioned that it was opening a Cycling program I figured it was a natural fit. I had a background in Crossfit from when I was in the military, and I had just gotten my spin instructor certification a few months before.
James: Well, obviously dating Meagan exposed me to the RIV. But I resisted joining for almost a year because I was afraid I wouldn’t like the atmosphere of a Crossfit gym. However, after meeting the coaches at a few social functions (like the Christmas Party), I really liked how down to earth they were, and I felt comfortable trying it out.
How has the RIV helped you achieve some of your fitness goals?
Meagan: The RIV has added variety to my fitness routine. I was mainly doing cardio before (cycle and running), but I’ve seen my strength improve immensely since joining a year and a half ago. I’ve gone from 10-15 lb weights all the way up to 25-35 lbs! I love how strong I feel.
James: I’m more consistent and my endurance has gone way up. I love the variety in the exercises, and I’ve seen a huge difference in how I look.
What has been your favorite workout? What have you improved the most?
Meagan: Surprisingly, my favorite workout was accomplishing my first Murph this year. I had never attempted it at my old box, as I was always intimated by the numbers. James and I agreed to do it as a partner WOD with the encouragement of Coach Michelle. But then we were doing so well, we both completed the whole thing! Since joining, the thing I’ve improved most is my burpees- I can knock them out no problem now.
James: Endurance class are my is my favorite workout. It is never the same, and you always know you are going to be pushed to your limits in class. I’ve seen my run improve hugely from endurance class.
What is your favorite part of the RIV?
Meagan: My favorite part of the Riv is that it’s different than any other Crossfit gym I’ve been to. There’s no cult-like feeling. It’s all about being a community and trying new things. I love the variety of classes- especially Coach Mike’s Endurance!
James: My favorite part is getting to workout with Meagan and the challenge/variety of the workouts.
Posted June 11, 2018
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What made you decide to join the RIV?
Jamie: The staff was very helpful when I stopped in to take a tour. The convenience of the facility, and the intensity of the workouts. I must admit I was skeptical of Crossfit, but very happy I joined.
Jeff:I was looking to take my fitness level up. My wife joined crossfit and was seeing great results, so I decided to give it a try.
How has the RIV helped you achieve some of your fitness goals?
Jamie: I was really struggling working out on my own, motivating myself, and seeing results. I knew I needed to do something different. I was thinking about getting personal training sessions, and thought the RIV covered all my goals. I signed up to do the Savage Race in 2017. I was part of the RIV for about 8 months, and knew this helped me get through the race. I have since completed my second race.
Jeff: I feel the coaches and the athletes in class are the greatest motivation! I’ve lost about 20lbs, I’m stronger and I have more energy.
What has been your favorite workout? What have you improved the most?
Jamie: I enjoy the partner WOD. I would say core work, and burpees have improved, but everyone hates burpees!!
Jeff: The Friday Partner WOD has been my favorite.
What is your favorite part of the RIV?
Jamie: I enjoy the group workout aspect, and the coaching/personal training feeling during the workouts. I have seen results from joining, I feel more comfortable doing everyday activities, and think it is the healthiest stress reliever I have found!
Jeff: It’s always a challenge. Each workout is different. I like that Riv has a variety of class schedules and workouts.
Posted May 8, 2018
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What made you decide to join the RIV?
Marybeth:Steven joined the RIV and after hearing him talk about it I did the free week trial and ended up joining. I had a person trainer a few years ago and enjoyed the idea of someone else planning my workouts for me so when I saw the RIV had multiple classes throughout the day with planned workouts I knew this was a good fit for me.
Steven: I had just started working full time and I realized I couldn’t spend my days sitting at work and sitting at home. I knew I couldn’t go to a regular gym and workout on my own. I wanted to workout in groups with someone designing the workouts and helping with my form. The Riv has proven to be just what I was looking for.
How has the RIV helped you achieve some of your fitness goals?
Marybeth: My fitness goals are to just be in the best shape as I can. I’ve always had trouble motivating myself to go to a gym with my work schedule of working night shift. The RIV has helped because it motivates me to go to the gym instead of staying home. If I take a week off, I know Chelsea will have something to say about where I have been. It also helps to have my brother there with me because we can compete for time or reps which makes me work harder.
Steven: I didn’t come in with any specific goal. I initially just wanted to get in shape and blow off some steam from work. Now my goal is to keep pushing myself in workouts with heavier weights and less breaks.
What has been your favorite workout? What have you improved the most?
Marybeth: My favorite workout was the in-house-competition in November. Steven asked me to be his partner and we both had never competed before. It ended up being a lot of fun working together and somehow we ended up in 3rd place.
The RIV has helped me improve in many different workouts. Before coming to the RIV I could not do a pushup and definitely couldn’t jump on anything higher than the 12 inch box. Even though I still struggle with pushups I can at least do a few in a row and, as of a few weeks ago, I can do box jumps on the 20 inch box!
Steven: I don’t have one specific favorite workout. However, anything that is cardio intensive and involves lots of running and rowing is something I always look forward to.
What is your favorite part of the RIV?
Marybeth: My favorite part about the RIV is the other athletes in the classes. I used to avoid partner day on Fridays because I felt like I was always slowing down my partner. After attending a few Fridays, I realized that no one was judging me for going slower than them. My partner just cheered me on or picked up a few reps to help me.
Steven: The atmosphere at the Riv is my favorite part. I enjoy seeing the coaches and members everyday. The members provide some friendly competition that keeps me motivated and the coaches are always cheering me on and suggesting the heavier/harder way. The holiday party is also a favorite part.
Posted April 9, 2018
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What made you decide to join the RIV?
Believe it or not, I was not much of an athlete growing up. I was a gymnast from 2 – 14yrs old but after my early retirement from that, I did not get into any sports-ball type athletics. I bowled in high school! But I don’t really think that counts.
In 2011, I found Obstacle Course Racing and was determined to do a 12 mile Tough Mudder. I ran my first 5k that year and found out just how “fit” I really wasn’t. After a year of running (hating every mile) and training on my own, I finished my first Tough Mudder and… ouch. But crossing that finish line is all it took for me to become hooked on OCR. Over the next 4 years my goals transformed from just wanting to survive a race, to never walking during a race, then to never failing on an obstacle, to hoping to finish as a top 10 female. I knew the typical gyms were not going push me to these goals. CrossFit seemed to be all the rage at the time, so I started doing some research. I wasn’t sold on CF but the RIV won me over because of the diversity and amount of classes.
How has the RIV helped you achieve some of your fitness goals?
After one year of rivFit my mile time dropped by 3 minutes and my obstacle completion rate was in the 90% range. Add another 6 months and include a few WODs into the weekly mix (yup, I gave in and drank the CF Kool Aid) and I am usually in the top 10% of female finishers in all of my races. I have done nothing but improve since my start at the RIV and it has been addicting! I can’t wait to see what I can do next!
What has been your favorite workout? What have you improved the most?
Anything that is going to hurt the next day! Preferably involving burpees, running/rowing, gymnastics, and at least 20 minutes of work (yeah, yeah… I’m that person).
My strength and endurance have obviously improved but I think my attitude and confidence have improved the most. Every failure I experience motivates me to keep striving towards success! I no longer see my small stature as my greatest weakness, it just provides a greater opportunity to prove my strength.
What is your favorite part of the RIV?
Oh, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways…
Okay, I don’t want to get too sentimental here so I will keep it simple:
The music. Who doesn’t love working out to some throw back hip-hop, reggae, or backstreet boys?! No really, I do love the music.. I think I dance during most WODs. But on a more serious note…
The Diversity of Classes. My fitness goals are all over the place. I want to lift more, run faster, climb higher, flip that tire, and hold on just a little looonnggerrrr. The RIV has classes for all of these things! From rivFit to Strongman, WODs to Endurance, and Cycling to Mobility I think I am getting the most well rounded version of fitness that anyone could ever ask for. Except for maybe swimming. Do you think we could add a pool anywhere? haha. But, to be honest, my favorite part of the RIV is…
YOU! The people are what MAKES the RIV one of my favorite places to be. It sounds silly thinking that a gym can represent a community but the RIV is just that and more! It does not matter how my day was or how late I am walking into class, haha, there are always people greeting me, asking me about my day, or what I thought of about a WOD, or just looking to talk about life. The people are amazing, both the members and our dedicated coaches. You ALL inspire me! You provide the challenge and motivation that I need to push myself. And YES, I mean all of you – from the parents setting their kids up with coloring books so you can work out, to the olympic lifter cleaning 200+ lbs, to the CrossFitters that are stringing 100 DUBS together and the CrossFitter leaving with welts because they are still working on getting one DUB, to the coach that volunteered to come in early to help judge the Open, the athlete that is having an off day, and even the member that just made it through their first class. The members and coaches understand the struggle it takes to overcome that next obstacle ahead of you and they also know how sweet the reward is when you get there! You all have believed in me and my abilities more than I do on most days and it is because of ALL OF YOU that I have come this far. Thank you! And y’all better keep it up!
What made you decide to join the RIV?
Having come from an endurance sport background, I was never a huge fan of lifting weights. After taking a break from marathon training and not feeling as fit as I used to be, I was looking to make a change in my level of fitness. My girlfriend Brittany had been doing CrossFit for two years at the time and suggested I give it a try.
How has the RIV helped you achieve some of your fitness goals?
The RIV has been a fantastic environment to workout in and be a part of. The RIV helped me get stronger and more fit than I used to be and has given me more energy throughout my day as the result.
What has been your favorite workout? What have you improved the most?
Coming from my endurance background, I really enjoy any WOD that pushes you to work for 30, 40, or even 50 minutes. Two that come to mind are The Seven and a beast of an old cardio Thursday we did last year that was 3 rounds of 800m Run, 60 Lunges, 500m Row, 40 Air Squats, 200m Run, 10 Burpees. My strength as a whole has improved so much since starting CrossFit. I distinctly remember during 17.3 last year, about a month after starting CrossFit, I went to clean 135 lbs and couldn’t even get the barbell past my waist, yet alone snatch it. After a few months I was able to clean 135 and since then I have improved my clean to 200.
Posted February 6, 2018
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What made you decide to join the RIV?
I actually joined the Riv a long time ago, back when it was the old karate studio. My then fiance and I were looking for a way to stay active together and have fun. Now, fast forward 2 kids and a husband later, I re-joined to get myself back into shape!
How has the RIV helped you achieve some of your fitness goals?
The Riv has tremendously helped me achieve some of my fitness goals. I had my boys pretty close together (20 months), and it really took a toll on my body. Since June, I’ve lost 27 lbs and that’s without dieting! That’s just me religiously rolling out of bed at 4:45 A.M. in the morning with multiple texts from a friend asking, “are you getting up today?”.
What has been your favorite workout? What have you improved the most?
I don’t have a favorite, I just like to keep moving! My favorite workouts are usually on Sundays. I like not knowing how many rounds there will be, and I enjoy partner WOD’s with the Hubs (sometimes, haha). As for improving, I would have to say I feel like I’ve improved in everything, even if it’s not Rx. When I started in June, it was like running/working out with a weighted vest on!
What is your favorite part of the RIV?
I would have to say my favorite part of the Riv is working out with my friends, gaining motivation by stronger athletes next to me and seeing results!
