#push511

[awomanofthewoods]

Personal Trainer - Baltimore, MD - PUSH511 Fitness - [phone] Whether you're interested in group CrossFit classes, one-on-one personal training, and/or nutrition coaching, we can help you reach your goals. Learn more about what we offer at PUSH511 by scheduling a FREE intro session by clicking "Sign up" below! PUSH511 Fitness 3700 O'Donnell Street, Suite 240 Baltimore, MD 21224 [phone] Check out our last post: https://local.google.com/place?id=13227100725101655376&use=posts&lpsid=CIHM0ogKEICAgIDmo_f9iQE

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October Member of the Month

            Congratulations Denver Weil!

Denver's morning presence has been met with excitement and joy. The sun isn't up, the coffee is barely brewing, the music is still just firing up, and he's there happy as a clam. It's infectious, and I've really enjoyed talking to him about everything. He's been pushing through workouts and nutrition to reach his goals, he understands where he might be limited, but knows that it's just a limit for now as he keeps driving ahead. I know he'll keep pushing, and I can't wait to see what the next year brings for him!

**** Denver has decided that he wanted to change his life and get healthy. He shows up and works hard every time he is here. He has an amazing attitude that is infectious. He continues to make progress and is slowly changing his life for the better every day.

**** Denver always comes in with a great attitude and the biggest smile! He comes in prepared and motivated to put in the work regardless if he has to alter a movement. His happy demeanor is contagious and he is great to have in class!

**** We see Denver getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. He is doing great work and we all are thankful to have him!

**** Denver has been working so hard lately, and every day that he is at the gym, he gives it his all. His smile and attitude are infectious and he makes friends wherever he goes. I love seeing his progress and hearing of his weight loss. You’ve got some awesome goals ahead of you, Denver... you’ve got this!

**** Denver makes the best pickles…in addition to that he is a joy to be around and brings a smile to your heart.  Keep up the awesome work and “just keep swimming.”

Come in and meet Denver!

 Started CrossFit:  September 2017

What is your fitness background:  Didn't have one.  That's why I got so fat.  LOL

Favorite Movement: Deadlifts, Biking, Ring Rows, kettlebell swings

Least Favorite Movement: Running, or anything that deals with squats

Occupation: Mad Scientist/part time Chemistry teacher

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family: I'm a native Marylander, living about half my life in Harford County, moved to the Greater Lauraville area in 2007.  I am the baby with 2 brothers and a sister.  I graduated Towson University with a degree in Chemistry and in Biochemistry.  Then got my master's in Biotechnology with a concentration in Regulatory Affairs from Johns Hopkins.  

I've been with my husband, Derrick, for 10 years.  We were married 3-years ago. Tiny court house service in Harford County.  Our fur baby's name is Nugget.  He's 5-years old blonde cat, and owns the house.  I love my baby and is the perrrfect pet for Derrick and my life style, but I'm a big dog lover.  With me out the door at 4:30 am and not home until 6 most nights and Derrick traveling for work a lot, it makes it hard to care for a dog.  Derrick and I like to go for day hikes when the weather's nice and go see any type of good entertainment (Musicals, plays, concerts, movies).  Derrick and I love to cook.

Tell us something we don’t know about you: I'm an introvert.  I also sing for New Wave Singer of Baltimore.  I'm starting (very early stages) of writing a novel.  I love the Hallmark Mystery Channel.  I'm sure this is an obvious one I'm in love with Hugh Jackman.  

Words to live by or Favorite Quote:  Treat others how you would like to be treated.  "Bubbles" -- Bubbles from Finding Nemo (It just makes me laugh).

How has CrossFit affected your life outside the gym:  I have way more energy (not sure my co-works like that so early in the morning.  LOL).  I notice I don't eat as much as I use to. 

What do you enjoy most about PUSH: The people. Fill in the Blank: I like… my life, can't ask for more than that. I eat… anything that's good food. I do… not like coffee, or raw tomatoes I am… easy going and shy Favorite Cheat Meal… Pizza or Mac and Cheese Favorite Real-Life Hero/Athlete…  My mother. Being a single mother, she worked 3 jobs and still found time to take care of me.

Thanks again for this honor.

Schedule a Free Consultation to learn more about PUSH and how we can help you feel confident in your skin.

[push511]

August Member of the Month

                            Congratulations Jessica Duchen!

Jessica has the best attitude and I love having her in my class!

**** Jess is a rock star, by all means. For one, she is a speedster and flies through endurance workouts.  She is also incredibly strong and dedicated to improving herself, no matter what it is.  But more importantly, she is a great team player and a positive person to work out with. She encourages people around her and I am so glad to have met Jess through PUSH511. One of my favorite memories will be running the American Odyssey with her this past year. She motivates me to do better and to train harder! :) Miss you Jess!

**** She embraces the challenge, works hard, and is capable of bringing others that she loves in to do the same.  

****

Jessica always strikes me as a person with a positive attitude. She has grown so much since the early days of Grit, becoming a very complete athlete. Doesn't matter what the Endurance workout is: run, gymnastics, weights, she masters each one of these components. She also puts in the extra effort with accessory programming or extra classes. She is a pleasure to workout with!

Get gritty with bootcamp classes.

**** Jessica embodies positivity and consistency and is always great to have in class. Vast improvements everywhere across the board on strength/gymnastics.

**** Jessica's smile, encouragement and positive attitude always brighten my day and WOD. I have loved getting to know her more and am so glad she is part of our PUSH Family.

**** Jessica comes in smiling every single day and instantly makes the gym a better place. She works so hard and it shows. We are a better community because she is in it.

Time to get to know Jessica!

Started CrossFit:  I started CrossFit in October 2012, took a break for a couple years and came back in August 2017.

What is your fitness background: I've always loved sports, but unfortunately lacked the athletic skills and coordination to play beyond high school. After college, I started running and training for long distance races.

Favorite Movement: Kettlebell Swings, CARDIO!

Least Favorite Movement: Overhead Squats and Snatches.

Occupation: Research Data Analyst at Hopkins.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family: I grew up on Long Island, NY (it is not that bad!!) with wonderful, supportive parents and 2 siblings, and went to college at the University of Scranton. I met my husband Dylan in grad school and we have a furbaby named Ruby (who in my unbiased opinion is the cutest dog in the world). Moved to Baltimore in August 2017, after living in San Francisco for about 3 years. I love living back on the East Coast and being closer to friends and family. I am an aunt to two (soon to be three!).

Tell us something we don’t know about you: I LOVE reality television - the trashier the better!

Words to live by or Favorite Quote: "Would I rather be feared or loved? Easy. Both. I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." - Michael Scott (The Office)

How has CrossFit affected your life outside the gym: In so many ways!! It has given me more confidence both inside and outside the gym. Before this year, I never thought I would be able to do a pull-up, but PUSH has helped me build the confidence and develop the skills I needed.

What do you enjoy most about PUSH: What is not to love! But most especially, I enjoy the people and the atmosphere at PUSH. I love that every time I come to the gym, I am working out with friends who always push me to do my best.

Fill in the Blank: I like… wine, The Office, mint chocolate chip ice cream. I eat… a lot of sweet potatoes. I do… not like to parallel park. I am… a huge Harry Potter fan. Favorite Cheat Meal… French fries, pizza. Favorite Real-Life Hero/Athlete… Serena Williams.

Thank you so much! I am so happy to be a part of PUSH511!

Drop in to learn more about PUSH511 schedule a Free Intro.

[push511]

June Member of The Month

                                Congratulations JR Rubinoff

His attitude is forever positive. JR jumps right in to our community of crazy CrossFitters and contributes his knowledge and support. He is an awesome teammate and starts each WOD with a smile.

Even after a long and tough week JR will still make the time to show up at PUSH and put in work.

*** JR has approached new heavier weights and higher boxes with a positive and fearless attitude.  He continues to push himself - all while supporting and cheering on his gym friends.  JR has put in the hard work and it is really paying off.  

*** Makes the time to get to the gym. He works so hard and is an absolute joy to have around. Our community is better because he is here.

JR loves to work out early, come join him at 5 am for a Free Class

*** JR is both a mentally and physically strong athlete - and willing to put in the extra effort to better himself, and reach his goals. JR also has an incredible personality, friendly demeanor, and is a pleasure to have around!  

*** JR is a pleasure to work out with and has been an awesome personal training client and member at PUSH. He always shows up and puts 100% effort in to our sessions and to classes. Even with a busy work schedule he makes time to come in and work on his goals, which he’s been crushing! Not only that but he is always lifting up others and brings positive energy to the gym!

*** To say that JR has been going on a journey to better themselves through mind and body is an understatement. He’s gone above and beyond what most individuals would have to endure when stepping foot in a CrossFit gym and has continued that path to greatness. JR has been a beacon of excellence for an underrepresented community, and has become a pivotal member in the PUSH community as well. Strong, determined, incredibly fun, understanding, supportive, and while he may be fighting his own struggles, his smile and joy lifts those up around him. While there is change in his life, we never want to see him change who he is. Thank you JR!

*** JR has been an inspiration in the gym! When he sets a goal and puts his mind to something, he goes for it regardless of any obstacle. The effort and determination put into every workout shows and as a result, JR has hit some awesome PRs. He's the first to congratulate and complement everyone else while being humble. So I'm glad we finally get to recognize and congratulate you! Keep it up!

*** JR brings positivity to every class and loves helping people become more mobile and learning how all the body pieces work together.  If one thing we can all learn from JR to help us in life…do more deadlifts!  Congratulations keep rocking!

*** JR is always a blast to work out with and is always incredible supportive of his fellow athletes. He's put hard work into the gym, his nutrition, and personal development and the progress he's made at PUSH, especially over the past year, has been so exciting to watch! Well done, JR, keep it up!!

Let PUSH help make your day better - Free Consultation

                                  Words from JR

Started CrossFit:   August 2011 after being "graduated" from PT after ACL and ankle surgery! My friend Kevin opened a box I started by doing "box jumps " on a 45# plate and squatting to a 24” box to continue my rehab and I was hooked.

What is your fitness background: I played a lot of softball and ran a lot of track and cross country. I was always into lifting (bench, squat, dead lift, press). I ran track and cross country until freshman year of college, then found rugby. Played rugby in college and in an adult league. I worked as a personal trainer and corrective exercise specialist until I went to PA school.

Favorite Movement: HEAVY Deadlifts (duh) and DU

Least Favorite Movement: Wall ball, thruster....wait we will be doing these later

Occupation: Physicians Assistant in general surgery

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family: I was born in NY city during a heat wave in 1984 causing my dad to buy his first AC unit (he said he got free ice cream because of the brownouts caused by the heat wave but I think he was trying to make me jealous.)  I grew up and lived in NJ for most of my life (Bergen county as a kid, central NJ for college, and Monmouth county after college). I graduated Douglass College (Rutgers University) in Political Science and Women's studies in 2008 . After undergrad  I worked as a personal trainer and lived in Ocean Grove NJ with my dog Rory. During that time, I played A LOT of Rugby. In 2009 I tore my ACL, LCL, and messed my ankle up pretty bad. After 2 surgeries and a lot of rehab Rory and I started CrossFit in 2011.

In 2012 I moved to Pittsburgh for PA school and Graduated from Chatham University in 2014, I worked in medical oncology for close to 4 years at Shadyside Hospital in Pittsburgh PA then moved to Maryland in May 2018 where I started working at Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore.   I live in Crofton, MD with my partner Erika and 3 roommates. I have 2 cats one name Schrodinger (she goes by kitten) and the other one’s name is Schrodinger’s Cat (she goes by cat). I have a younger brother Sam who is 32 and lives in Brooklyn and is a standup comic. My dad and his wife live in NJ. My mom and her partner also live in NJ.

Tell us something we don’t know about you: I am scared of squirrels (like terrified) to the point that my senior year of high school I almost missed the cross country state sectionals because I fell after running away from a squirrel during a training run and needed 3 stitches on my knee.  

Words to live by or Favorite Quote: “Just keep swimming” Dori “you’ll pass out before you die’ “Just pick up the bar”

How has CrossFit affected your life outside the gym: CrossFit has given me the confidence in the fact that if you keep “chipping away” you really can accomplish anything you put your mind to, even if it means breaking everything into singles. It has taught me that weaknesses aren’t a bad thing; they are just things you need to focus on and as your weaknesses improve you always find something new to work on.  It also has taught me to focus on my own process and not worry about what other people are doing around me; life and workouts are scalable in the sense that the only way to get stronger in the long run is to really assess and start where YOU are.

What do you enjoy most about PUSH: The coaching, people, and all the dogs. Moving to a new city is super stressful especially when you don’t know anyone. PUSH is probably the most accepting environment I have ever experienced as a human and as an athlete. To be able to have such awesome programming and all-around great people to sweat with is amazing and something I am very grateful for.

Fill in the Blank: I like…whiskey I eat… a lot I do… try to practice meditation every day and try to live mindfully I am… transgender (and do not mind answering questions or talking about it)

Meet JR and the rest of the Fit-Fam at PUSH - Free Consultation

[push511]

April Member of the Month

                        CONGRATULATIONS LAURA SCOTT!

Laura is relatively new to intense fitness training. Before joining PUSH11 she couldn’t do one strict pull up and she had never competed in a CrossFit competition before. However, she placed third at her first PUSH winter games and last week, during 19.4, she did a total of 20 strict pull ups! Though this is quite impressive, anyone who knows Laura won’t be surprised. Laura shows a lot of heart, grit, and determination every day that she walks into the gym. At the same time she is as warm, welcoming, and gregarious as anyone I have ever met. Everyone at PUSH loves her and she really appreciates and loves our own little community. I’m so proud of how far Laura has come in her fitness journey and I can’t wait to see her continue to thrive in the future.

**** She’s a badass scientist that won’t take a PhD as “good enough” and is pursuing an MD as well. Does research on Parkinson’s and finds time to crush it in the gym with her boo. Literally throws herself into PUSH and made a big dent in her dub progression in my clinic. Her gifts are always more CrossFit opportunities haha. She’s an inspiration for sure.

Come in for a Free Class and meet Laura, she usually works out in the evening. 

**** Laura has made huge improvements over the past few months and it has been awesome to see! She works super hard every week to get better and better. She also has the best outlook and attitude! She is so sweet, always smiling, and always cheering other people on. I love working out with her :)

****

Laura has been crushing it in the gym. She is consistently challenging herself to push harder and do more. She is PRi’ng lifts, excelling in her pull up programming and competed in her first CrossFit competition! She truly is an inspiration to me and the other woman in the gym to work harder.

**** What I admire most about Laura is her drive and perseverance to become a better athlete. Whether in the beast cave or during a WOD, Laura is always pushing herself to give 100%, seeking ways to improve and hone her skills, and encouraging others.

Not to mention, she is a super sweet and kind person with an awesome dog named Rory!

**** Laura is always a joy to have in class. She has a positive energy about her that's hard not to notice. She's been busting her ass to get better every day. Since starting at PUSH she's thrown herself into all of our activities, clinics, events, and programming. She's made huge progress in a small amount of time. PUSH is a happier place when she's there.

Book a Free Intro session to learn how PUSH can help you!

Insight from the Rockstar herself!

Started CrossFit:  May 2018

What is your fitness background: lots and lots of volleyball, bad long distance runner (I tried so hard to like it, but I honestly hate it), tons of yoga

Favorite Movement: box jump

Least Favorite Movement: thrusters, snatches are a close second

Occupation: PhD student

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family:  I grew up outside of Ann Arbor and then moved to rural eastern NC in middle school. I am product of good old-fashioned IVF. I have a twin sister and we are complete opposites. I grew up on a farm and learned how to drive at the age of 7, had a “pet” cow named Chili Meat (who lived up to his name), and know how to pickle most vegetables.

Tell us something we don’t know about you: I love playing pranks. I played pranks on most (if not all) of my high school teachers and college professors.  My high school principle threatened to withhold my diploma if I didn’t stop.

Favorite Quote: honestly, I quote a lot of TV shows and movies. Friends is my go-to (Phoebe and Chandler are the best) and Horrible bosses is the most quotable movie ever.

Also, I freaking love Charlie Day.

How has CrossFit affected your life outside the gym: It has taught me mental toughness and perseverance. Before CrossFit, I got defeated very easily. While my PhD has taught me how to problem solve and grind through all of the failures, it didn’t really change my attitude towards failing. I just always felt defeated. CrossFit has changed that. Now I feel like any progress, no matter how small, is progress. And every failure is something to learn from. If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you. Wait, maybe that’s my favorite quote?

What do you enjoy most about PUSH: The people are AMAZING. I was so intimidated when I first joined. Tom was super in to CrossFit but the movements and weights made me uncomfortable. As soon as I started talking to coaches and members, I started to feel at home. They made complex movements accessible and attainable. I also learned that it’s all a process and you have to start somewhere. And I started at 0 pull-ups.

Fill in the Blank: I like… more like LOVE dogs. They’re awesome. I eat… oh my god, any type of potato. But mashed potatoes are the best. Also, falafel is amazing. I do… not like country music :( I am… very directionally challenged. Which way is north? I don’t know. I am a frequent user of Google maps. Favorite Cheat Meal… Jasa Kabob!! Or a huge cheese burger with French fries, a milk shake, and beer Favorite Real-Life Hero/Athlete… the notorious RBG. Seriously Ruth Bader Ginsburg is an inspirational human being.

[push511]

Importance of Scaling Workouts

By: Corinne Pettigrew, PhD, CF-L1

Hesitant to scale a workout? You shouldn’t be.

Don’t want it to seem like you’re taking the ‘easy way’ out? You’re probably not.

Scaling is an important component of CrossFit. In fact, athletes are oftentimes encouraged to scale. Here are some reasons why: 

Adapt a movement to an athlete’s limitations (endurance, strength, skill level, flexibility, mobility, body awareness, etc.) while still preserving the workout’s intended stimulus (included targeted movements, if possible); Develop/perfect basic movement patterns for supporting more complex (or more heavily loaded) movements (for example, mastering the technique and points of performance of an air squat before attempting a heavy front squat); Continue to safely develop an athlete’s work capacity and skill level, ultimately contributing to an athlete’s long-term progression.

Schedule a time to meet and discuss how we can help you, if recovering from an injury, new to fitness or just had a baby. Scaling isn’t just for beginners. It’s for anyone who needs progressions for developing movement patterns, for overcoming soreness or injury, or to just get moving after a bad night of sleep or tough day at work.

Two quick examples: One of my workout partners had shoulder surgery a few months back. He was a force to be reckoned with before the surgery, and soon will be again - but in the meantime, he’s been smart about his return to CrossFit workouts. Before being cleared to use his shoulder, he worked on building up his aerobic capacity (runs, bikes, air squats, lunges, sled pulls). As he’s gradually been cleared to integrate upper body movements, he’s done so deliberately and safely: slowly adding individual movements, but scaling the weights to build strength and mobility (e.g., PVC-only as he builds of the shoulder mobility; barbell only until he gains confidence under weight; banded pull-ups for weeks on end, despite wanting to do kipping pull-ups). 

I was fortunate to be able to workout through pregnancy. When I returned to the gym afterwards, I knew I needed to start slow. I hadn’t lost too much strength, but had lost a fair amount of aerobic capacity. Instead of skipping group classes, I scaled. I started light, reduced the load, and worked at a lower intensity for weeks, as my body adapted and recovered.

Bottom line keep moving and moving properly, let us put that plan together.

In both examples, scaling allowed the athletes to slowly, and safely, return to their prior capacity. But as mentioned above, scaling has the same effect for athletes that are starting out, or working on new skills. It allows you to build the foundation on which more strength, good movement patterns, and fitness can develop. An athlete will never be judged for scaling appropriately. However, coaches will likely intervene when athletes opt not to scale when they should – the coaches have your safety in mind.

For a more detailed discussion on scaling, check out this CrossFit Journal article: https://journal.crossfit.com/article/cfj-scaling-crossfit-workouts

[push511]

February Family of The Month

                   Congratulations Valerio, Emma & Izzy!

Emma & Valerio’s unwavering consistency and willingness to attack every workout. They aren't the loudest ones in class, but time and time again they show up, do the work, and are gaining visible results! It's always fun being in class with them! Only a matter of time until Izzy joins us and starts outshining us all!

****

Watching Izzy overcome her fears in FitKids was awesome to watch! She's a great kid to have in the program.

****

I love Val’s enthusiasm in the gym, balance that with Izzy in FitKids and they are a power fit fam!

****

Happy to hear that my little buddy, Izzy, and her parents are family of the month! She is such a fun, sasssy, and awesome little girl. It was great to see her growth in FitKids and realize that she can hold her own and is just as strong, if not stronger, than the boys.  I love seeing her come in with Emma and Valerio in the evenings, always wearing her "fast shoes," and really enjoyed getting to coach her in FitKids.

Check out PUSH511 FitKids Winter Session

**** Valerio and Emma have come so far! Although I can tell some movements may not be his favorite, Valerio pushes through with incredible grit and is always determined to finish workouts no matter what. Emma has built so much strength and she always comes into the gym positive. Together they kill partner workouts. Soon, they'll probably be doing family workouts.

Keep up the great work!

**** Izzy really grew during her first time through FitKids. Initially, she didn’t want to participate, but as time went on, and she got more comfortable with the movements and coaches, she became an integral part of the class. We are so proud of her progress!

**** Valerio and Emma are consistent, very fun to hang out with, and workout with! Their strength and stamina gains are proof! It is great to see Izzy becoming more comfortable and confident around the big kids.

****

The Mangano family just make you smile!  Hard working and putting it all out in each workout.  Emma spent many months in a boot and still came in to get her sweat on.  Valerio I think is trying to figure out how he can eat his homemade pasta as he endures an Endurance Class.  Izzy is hard to keep up with when she decides to kick into her fast gear!   Keep up the amazing fitness!

Sign up for A FREE Consultation

A Few words from our Family

Valerio (V), Emma (E), Izzy (I)

StartedCrossFit: Emma and Valerio: March 2017 Izzy: November 2018 (PUSH FitKids)

What is your fitness background: E: 10 years of dance before switching to sports in high school. V: Mostly Xbox and PlayStation. I did some swimming as a kid and some kickboxing a few years ago, but nothing even close to the intensity you guys make me sweat here! I: Some swimming. Got rid of those floaties :)

Favorite Movement: E: Kettlebell swings and deadlifts V: Snatches, Rowing, anything core I: Mountain climber, because it’s very easy

Least Favorite Movement: E: Assault bike, and anything overhead V: Wall Balls, Thrusters I: I like them all!

Occupation: E: Psych NP in the psych emergency department. Never a dull moment! V: Marketing Manager: Excel, PowerPoints, Data and a lot of corporate buzzwords. I: Full time kindergartener at HHA

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family: V: Born and raised in Milan, Italy (you can probably tell by my high fashion style). Enjoyed Europe quite a bit, until 10 years ago I decided to chase in the US a girl met in Iceland during my college semester abroad. Eventually got married, had a baby... and you know the rest. I: We like to party with our friends. E: I grew up on a horse farm in upstate New York. Such a simple little girl. Then this foreigner guy I met during a semester abroad chased me around for a while, until I gave in…

Tell us something we don’t know about you: E: I had a pet sheep named Snow White. My first degree is in Geology. I: I have visited 7 countries, and we are about to add the 8th soon (Spain). My favorite was Mexico. And Italy because I get to speak Italian and have chocolate croissants for breakfasts. V: Emma and I are on an old episode of House Hunters back in 2009 when I was fresh off the boat. We are also trying to learn and educate ourselves on wines. Yeah I know, good excuse to drink. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfzp0TzLTEY&feature=youtu.be

Words to live by or Favorite Quote: E: Don’t fake it till you make it. Fake it till you become it. (Amy Cuddy) V: Always be yourself unless you can be Batman. Then you should always be Batman. (Anonymous) I: Help people when they need help. (Isabella Mangano)

How has CrossFit affected your life outside the gym: E: I have a more confident approach to life and it has strengthened my relationship with Valerio.

V: Girls can’t keep their hands off me. Just kidding, Emma. I learned that with time and dedication I can do things I thought impossible for me only two years ago. So I now apply that to all aspects of my life. I: I am faster than my friends at school. And stronger. (allegedly. V.)

What do you enjoy most about PUSH: E+V: PUSH gave our family the opportunity to find some time to stay together after school/work and do something together, rather than sit at home and watch tv or be each one on their phone/computer. Emma and I have common goals, common passions, common friends and Izzy gets to grow in a healthy environment with a lot of strong girls she can aspire to be like in the future. We also get to complain about various post-workout pain to each other. I: Playing with Gracie, Eli, and Tyler and all the toys while the parents workout

Fill in the Blank:

I like… E: shopping. It’s cheaper than therapy . V: to cook. Such a stress relief activity. I: vacation

I eat… I: pizza V: what I cook. I brought with me my Italian cooking background, but I learned so much while here about different techniques, ingredients and cultures and I like to expand and experiment with them. E: what Valerio cooks

I do… I: like hugging V: try to learn new things and experiment every day. Routine is killer. E: a hard job, that not many people can handle

I am… E: an advocate for my patients. And not very good at filling questionnaires . V: a critical thinker. Need to know the why of everything. Sometimes a little too critical. I’m working on it! I: Clever (and humble, I would add… V)

Favorite Cheat Meal… E: a 5 course dinner with wine pairing at the Charleston paid by Valerio. V: anything that takes half a day to cook, braise, roast, sous-vide, slow cook... the longer the better. I: pizza and pasta (clearly half of her DNA is showing here! V).

Favorite Real-Life Hero/Athlete… E: Andy Petit, mostly because he was cute. And AC Milan’s player Kaka. He was really good at playing, and also cute! V: Alex Zanardi. Look him up. Former car racer who lost both legs in a terrible accident. Instead of giving up he started competing in a number of other sports and he kept winning. He’s unstoppable. I can only aspire to have even a fraction of that mental strength! I: My teachers and the Hulk (sorry we are still confused about “real-life” concept. V)

[push511]

Dec. Member of the Month

                      Congratulations Gabe Tupper!

Gabe will show up for my 7:30 pm Wednesday night shift religiously and WOD with Chris and Prashant and Zach R and Lindsay.  He jumps right into very hard workouts designed for much smaller athletes and complains way less than I want him to.

He attacks heavy squatting sessions with great excitement and gets the rest of us excited too.  Gabe has put in great work consistently and deserves every bit of his hard-earned fitness

***** Gabe is an honest, hard-working guy.  Gabe is an instant comfort to anyone new who shows up for the 6:30/7:30 pm classes.  Gabe has come a long way in a short period of time and the dude is just strong.  He pushes himself and he listens to his coaches and as a result, he moves well.  Not only is a he a badass rugby player with a super cool accent, he's a goofball with a good heart.  I can't remember a time when Gabe came into the gym with a bad attitude.

***** Gabe has been working really hard and pushing himself to always be better. He is very supportive to everyone in the gym and brings a fun and positive energy to each and every class.

***** Not sure which I love more about Gabe his infectious fun-positive attitude or accent!  I know one thing for sure I would NOT want to be on the other side of the rugby field from Gabe. Based on his tenacity in workouts, I can only imagine what happens to his opponents who get in the way.

Drop in for a Free Class and meet Gabe!

Now a few words from the man himself!

Started CrossFit:  July 2017

What is your fitness background: I played a little bit of football (soccer) when I was really young! Otherwise, I have played rugby and cricket all my life. I played cricket all the way through high school for my local cricket club and my school team. Post high school graduation, I played for my school's old boy cricket team during my gap year and whenever I went home to London for the summer. I always took rugby more seriously though. I played rugby for my high school team, a little bit for my county team Middlesex, and also played for Penn State where I captained my senior year. I continue to play for my local men's side, Baltimore Chesapeake!

Favorite Movement: Deadlift! The fewer reps and more weight the better!

Least Favorite Movement: Double Unders are cruel and unusual punishment.

Occupation: I work in Sales for Coastal Sunbelt Produce, which is the largest wholesale produce vendor in the Mid-Atlantic. If you work in the restaurant industry and are looking for a new produce vendor, let me know!

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family: I am the oldest of three. I have a younger brother who lives in DC, and my little sister lives in London with my parents. Fingers crossed my sister will be going to Penn State next year! My father is originally from a small village in England called Castle Combe. My mother is from Blue Bell, PA which is just outside of Philadelphia (Go Birds!). This makes me half English and half American, which means I am very conflicted on the 4th of July... JK I slam Buds and sing "Party in The USA" like everybody else!

Tell us something we don’t know about you: I was born in Belgium and could speak French fluently until I was about 4years old.

Words to live by or Favorite Quote: If a book about failures doesn't sell, is it a success? - Jerry Seinfeld

How has CrossFit affected your life outside the gym: CrossFit got me back into shape after college, and continues to make me strong and fit for rugby! The workouts are a great combination of the different elements of fitness that any athlete would benefit from.

What do you enjoy most about PUSH: The people are amazing! Everyone has been very supportive and helpful in my CrossFit journey. The support is only matched by the high quality of coaching. The PUSH coaches have taught me so much since I have started, and I cannot wait to continue to learn from them!  Learn more about The Coaches

Fill in the Blank: I like… Watching sports, working out at the gym (obviously), Netflix documentaries (Dirty Money is a must watch), cold weather, and coffee! I eat… Lots of carbs. Fixing my diet is probably the next step in my fitness journey. I do... Drink too much coffee. I probably average 5-7cups a day. I am… Always happy to talk about the Phila. Eagles! Favorite Cheat Meal… Chipotle with double steak and guac! Favorite Real-Life Hero/Athlete… Andrew Flintoff.

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