Athlete of the Month

Congratulations Manisha

Current Location: Plymouth Meeting PA

Age: 36

Occupation: currently raising 3 kids and a husband :).

College: St Catherine University (St Paul, MN)

How long have you been a CrossFitter?
It will be 4 years this May.

Did you ever play sports?
Mostly before college- soccer, field hockey and swimming. I also participated in local squash and volleyball leagues.

Got some cool (or uncool) hobbies you'd like to share?
Photography is my all-time favorite (and expensive) hobby. Other hobbies include any outdoor adventures (hiking, biking, running, etc), reading (anything from the New Yorker to Adventures of Asterix comics), and dancing.

What is your biggest achievement at CrossFit?
CrossFit has been as mentally challenging as it is physically. With little to no experience lifting weights prior to CrossFit, overcoming these mental barriers has helped me become stronger and better. To name a few achievements:

Overhead squats- this is one movement that always got the better of me. So when I recently completed 14 reps using 50lbs, I was elated.

Pull-ups- I have been working on pull ups since my first WOD, and was excited when I finally got legit (chin over the bar) kipping pull-ups last January (thanks, Aimee, for all the encouragement, patience, and working on these). I still have to work on building strength to be able to complete all pull-ups in WODs.

Handstands/handstand pushups- getting upside down was never easy for me, but thanks to several of the CFKOP coaches (and my husband), I learned to kick up and even do a few handstand pushups (to 3 abmats!).

What do you feel that you still need to work on?

This is a loaded question, but also what motivates me to keep coming back- Wall squats, building upper body strength, technique and efficiency, mobility, flexibility, and endurance.

Goals for the rest of this year?
My goals for this year are to spend more time on mobility, wall squats, consistently string more than 25 double unders (eventually 100!), wall squats, chest-to-bar pull ups, wall squats, 100lb Clean & Jerk, wall squats, and the list goes on. I also want to challenge myself to push harder, at every class.

What's your favorite WOD?

Annie (I can RX this one!). I also like the short, high intensity WODs, because I can really push myself to move quicker.

How about your favorite food/snacks?

Chocolates- specifically, dark chocolates, belgian chocolates, and Flake. Other favorites include Talenti’s mint chocolate gelato, peanut butter, cashew butter with chocolate chips, and popcorn.

What is the craziest workout outside of CF you have ever done?

CrossFit is about as crazy as it gets for me. However, I did complete the MS 150- a  2 day, 150 mile bike ride (I didn’t even own a bicycle when I signed up).

What’s your least favorite WOD?

Without a doubt, Thrusters

Favorite lift/movement?

Deadlifts, monkey bars, and rope climbs.

What skill are you planning working on in the new year 2016 the most?
Besides the ones mentioned above, I’d like to become more efficient and faster at rowing. I’d also love to become quicker at Burpees. 

Whats your favorite piece of workout "gear”?
Chalk- not really “gear”, but I’m definitely starting to see it as an essential part of my workouts.

What you say is your biggest improvement since starting CF?
There have been so many improvements since I started my Crossfit journey. My most noticeable improvement has been my overall strength. I have more energy, feel healthier and better than I ever have, helping me keep my sanity raising 3 kids and still run faster than my 7yr old.

Who is your favorite coach?

I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with each of the coaches in some capacity, and attend various classes. It is easy to see how each of you are passionate about what you do, and truly an inspiration. Thank you for your persistence, support, and commitment. All that I learned and gained in CrossFit has been because of the team at CFKOP.

Thank you to the coaches for the nomination and motivation to continue to be better every day- you really have raised the bar for me. Thank you to the entire CFKOP community for cheering me on when I wanted to quit, all the laughs, and friendships. I am proud to be part of this community.

A HUGE thanks to all the babysitters for being so wonderful with the kids- Gigi, Lisa, Barb, Steph, Jenna, and anyone else I may have missed.

PR's to mention? Goals Reached? Nutrition highlights?..
There have been many PRs (some mentioned above) however, I am proud of  competing in my first CrossFit competition (Girls On Girls)- while I have volunteered in many of the events hosted at CFKOP, I never thought I would be on the other side. Thanks, Theresa, for partnering with me - it is the most fun I have had competing. I’m also looking forward to the CrossFit Open, and seeing the progress I have made from last year.

Go Tequila Sunrise!