August Athlete of the Month
Our athlete of the month for August (I know we missed July, sorry we were busy) was one of the first members of CFH. She was in the absolute first foundations class we put together. She was in the gym before we had any equipment any signs and or any people to take class with her. She is truly an original CFH member. We could not be more excited for our community to get to know Anny D!
Anny D.- Art Director 
Tell us a little bit about yourself
I am originally from Bulgaria but grew up all over the Middle East, primarily Beirut, Lebanon. I moved to Baltimore for college and it has been now the longest I’ve ever lived in one place. I am Art Director for Catholic Relief Services, a humanitarian world relief agency. I also bar-tend at Porters part time.
First and foremost I have made amazing new friends. I look a ton better, I have lost weight but honestly I couldn’t tell you how much since I have not weighed myself since the day I started. I stopped counting calories and just overall eat better. This kind of fitness lifestyle I like!
What do you enjoy about CrossFit Federal Hill?
Someone very special to me introduced me to crossfit last summer and told me it had changed his life. When I heard CFH was opening around the corner I had to try it. I was sold after the first day despite how unbelievably sore I was. But it took a while to fully appreciate all the benefits. The sense of accomplishment, the feeling when you overcome a challenge and mostly the mental strength gained. A support system like no other type of gym and new friendships. There is a huge motivational lift when there are other people training with you, you feel part of a team and the sense of community that develops has a great ad
ded bonus. I absolutely love the competition aspect (with myself and others). For the first time in my life, exercise is becoming a habit for me. Also watching others reach their goals or get a PR is just as rewarding.
How has CrossFit effected your life outside the gym?
Its amazing how much of this type of training builds you on the inside as much as on the outside. Its so great to come in for an hour and burn off and sweat out any negativity of my day and be left with nothing but positive results. I have gotten better at setting goals and believing that with hard work and consistency, there will be progress. I completed a Tough Mudder, which I wouldn’t have even dreamt of doing before CrossFit.
Favorite movement?
Deadlifts and push presses, mainly because they are my best movement. I will confess, deep down I have a sick love for burpees.
Least favorite movement?
OHS and pull ups since I am horrendous at both, its frustrating but I make a point to show to most the WODs that involve them in the hope for improvement. I dread running with a passion… so I’m doing the Baltimore Marathon.
Any advice for people who are just getting started at CFH?
“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.”
Don’t be intimidated, you are your only true competition. Anyone at any fitness ability can do it and get better and be stronger than they were. If you don’t know the movements, you will learn them. Everyone was a beginner at some point. The key is the excellent coaching and support from Geo, Brian, Allie and Matt! Its meant to be a challenge and a push out of your comfort zone. It makes me feel better and I look forward to it.
Strength WOD
A1) Weighted Strict Pull ups 3/3/3/3/3
A2) Work shoulder mobility
(I realize that “work shoulder mobility” is a bit ambiguous, but there have been a few people experiencing shoulder pain. We are in the middle of push press cycle and have been going overhead in our oly and body weight movements also. If you sit at a desk for 8 hours a day then walk into CrossFit and go crazy, rest and repeat you are bound to get a few bumps and bruises on the way. It is all about how you take care of your body when get an injury. Sleep, REST (meaning days off), and mobility (meaning stretch for over 20 min). It is imperative that you listen to your body and take care of your body when it is beat up! So if your shoulders are sore, tight stuff or painful then get a band, ball or roller and get into your back, lats pecs and delts. If this does not work then please get a professional to take a look!)
WOD
70 Double Unders
60 Box Jumps (24/20)
50 Goblet Lunges (70/53)
40 KB Swings (70/53)
30 Deadlifts (225/135)
15 min CAP (scale accordingly)
Todd, Marina, John P, Clara, Brian A and Keith pulling for Holly on her OHS!