Thursday, June 27th 2013

ATHLETE OF THE MONTH

CLARA NG: Marketing Engineer

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

I worked for EVAPCO Australia as a marketing engineer for about 1 year before moving to good old Baltimore in January of 2013. Shout out to my boyfriend D.Murphy who suggested Crossfit!

I grew up Singapore with my 2 elder sisters (Claudia and Charlene) and my parents (Dad and Mum) who were both police officers. I moved to Sydney, Australia just shy of turning 21 to complete my degree in Engineering. Fun Fact: I have 2/3 of a normal right lung since I was 15 years old.

I was fortunate to have been exposed to several sports: running with my dad was a big on the weekends, and playing netball, judo, volleyball and dancing for the school. Of all the sports I played, Netball is my most loved.

What has changed since starting CrossFit?

After starting Crossfit in February, I feel comfortable in my skin and smoother around the edges. Gone are the days of dreading going to the gym. Since joining Crossfit, I’ve found consistency and happiness in “wod-ding” out. It’s freaking amazing! Here’s the progression:

Change is good.

Crossfit is better!

Crossfit Federal Hill is best!

What do you enjoy most about CFH?

First and foremost: The Coaches, Geo & Allie, Brian and Matt. You won’t find a more awesome group that is down to earth, humble and genuinely happy for your success and progress. The community: That which makes the gym a warm and welcoming place. They lift you to complete that final leg. I have made so many friends in the first 5 months. I’m so blessed!

I like the consistency. No matter whom you’re training with, the classes, advice and breakdowns are similar. I like that there is progression from an introductory class, making sure you are cool with the movements. Then, training wheels come off and the sky’s the limit, albeit it takes work, commitment and time.

How has CrossFit affected your life outside of the gym?

It is a stress reliever and the feeling is great after a long and arduous day at the office. So naturally, it is something to look forward to at the end of my day; an important part of the day. It’s the “Happy Place”. What I choose to eat has also recently taken a different route. I find myself choosing better meats and meals. Work in = Work out. Protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber and the occasional treat works wonders.

Favorite movement?

Anything that involves lifting weights.

Least favorite movement?

Burpees + over the bar.

Any advice for people who are just getting started at CFH?

Do. Not. Give. Up. Crossfit is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. It’s real and it’s yours, no strings attached. Anything you wod hard for, you deserve.

Strength WOD

400 M Farmers Walk (for time and load)

(Walk outside. The four hundred meters starts in the sidewalk from our garage door and goes to Cross Street. DO NOT DROP THE KB’s you can set them down and rest for as long as you want during your 400 M attempt.)

WOD

100 Double Unders

25 Push Ups

50 Double Unders

25 Push ups

50 Push Press (75#/55#)

50 Box Jumps

500 M Row

-For Time-

Light weight

ATHLETE OF THE MONTH

CLARA NG: Marketing Engineer

Strength WOD

WOD

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