Please join me in congratulating March's Athlete of the Month, Abby Henderson!
Job Title:
Operations Manager at Armada Supply Chain Solutions
How long have you been doing CrossFit?
I tried CrossFit for the first time while I was in graduate school in Erie, PA, in the summer of 2013. However, I have been a member of CrossFit Pittsburgh since August of 2014. It was actually my birthday present to myself to get back on track with being in shape again.
Favorite WOD/movement?
My favorite movement in CrossFit would have to be double unders. My second class at CrossFit Pittsburgh was the “Flight Simulator”. This workout consists of unbroken double unders starting with 5, 10, 15, etc. until you hit 50 reps unbroken and then work your way back down to 5 reps. Having only ever done single unders, I was amazed at how easily everyone around me flew through the first couple of rounds. Frustrated and looking as though I had been attacked by an angry cat on my arms and legs, I began to realize this wasn’t as easy as it looked. I stood in front of Mike Kloehn, a member who has recently moved, and followed his lead. In the next couple of minutes, I began to get the hang of it, and it’s been history ever since.
What you've gotten from CrossFit?
Where to begin? CrossFit, specifically CrossFit Pittsburgh, has given me not only something to look forward to each and every day, but friends that are irreplaceable. Having come from playing basketball all four years of undergraduate work, I was bored and unhappy at a normal gym. I would go every day after work, put my earbuds in, do my normal rep scheme of the muscle group I was focusing on that day, and then go home. Put that monotonous routine on repeat and that seemed to be my life. I went from being active all day and interacting with a team atmosphere, to joining the real world of sitting in a cubical for nine hour work days followed by a boring workout session alone. After joining CrossFit Pittsburgh, I became motivated to go harder and to match the intensity level with the people around me. They encourage, yell, and believe that I can improve throughout each workout, and in turn have made it fun and exciting. It has also given me the opportunity to meet new individuals who come from all different unique backgrounds that come together for the same purpose. Some have come and gone, others have been there for years, but the group in its entirety has remained nothing but positive and enjoyable to be around. Since I was not from the area and moved here from another town, I was anxious to meet others who could share my love of being active. I will never regret making the decision to join such a special group of people. From CrossFit I have gotten stronger both physically/mentally, emotionally happier, and most importantly, have gained remarkable friends. Thank you, CrossFit Pittsburgh.
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A. Back Squat
5 x 3
B. For time:
150 Double-unders
9 Strict HSPU
9 Snatch (95/65)
100 Double-unders
6 Strict HSPU
6 Snatch (115/80)
50 Double-unders
3 Strict HSPU
3 Snatch (135/95)
