May 2020 Athlete of the Month - Gelena Alexandrovskaya

It is an honor to announce that Gelena is our May Athlete of the Month. One thing that I love about our gym is that you keep meeting amazing people who contribute so much to our community. The day I asked coaches to write down what each member does for a living next to their name instead of a score, I was blown away by the diverse careers. Gelena’s was one that stood out. “Gelena is a judge?” I said to Dr. Jeremy when I walked in the gym. I would not have guessed that; it’s pretty awesome. As you read her answers, you will understand the progress Gelena has had in the last 18 months since joining the gym. The mental growth is awesome to see because some people began training CrossFit back in 2009 and haven’t had that experience yet. I am thankful for the compliments to my program and I appreciate the trust you have in myself as well as the rest of the coaches. As I look back when Gelena joined, it didn’t take long before she dove in head first. Fitness has clearly been a priority to her as I’ve seen her in the 5:50am, 6am, 8:30am, 5pm, 6pm and weekend classes. She makes time for it. I can attest that she is a stronger runner now than when she came to us. She’s eager to improve but understands that it is a process. I’m proud to be a part of the journey and help you achieve goals. I’m definitely excited to teach the barbell movements again so keep your sights on squat snatches!

Written By: Coach Rob Moloney

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Q&A
Why did you start Crossfit?
I was getting bored of my routine at the regular gym and was losing motivation to work out. In addition, I had participated in a number of 5K races in the past few years and, even though I did relatively well for someone with no athletic background [personal best: 4th out of 108 in my age group at the time, 30-39, women; finish time: 25:15 @ 8:09 min/m; 10/29/2017; NycRuns Haunted Island 5k], I have reached a plateau and was looking to get faster.

What’s your background? (Athletic)
I have no formal athletic background, but now I wish I had … in gymnastics! (for handstands,  muscle ups and TTB…wink wink).  Muscle memory is real. 

How long have you been a member and how long have you been doing CrossFit?
I’ve been a member of Crossfit Island Park and have been doing Crossfit since December 2018. 

What is your favorite thing about the gym?
That’s a hard one. It is a combination of a wonderful and caring community, owners, coaches and members that keep motivating me every day and, of course, the programming that is effective, fun and scalable to everyone’s needs. 

P.S. I am nothing short of impressed and forever grateful how Rob and Jeremy were able to quickly recalibrate the entire program during these difficult times to make sure CFIP members continue to get the best out of the workouts under these unprecedented circumstances. 

P.P.S. It doesn’t hurt that the box is 4 minutes driving distance from me. 

What is the biggest challenge you have overcome since joining the gym?
Finding a balance between pushing beyond your limits and knowing when to take it easy. It is no longer a challenge, however, since I have finally embraced the concept that progress is slow and in no way linear, but I have fallen in love with the process of becoming the best version of myself and view it as an end in and of itself.  Perspective makes all the difference. 

What is your favorite moment at the gym so far?
Again, a hard one, since there are so many good ones. But one of the best moments is always that feeling you get in the middle of a particularly challenging WOD when you feel you can’t go on and you dig deep within yourself to somehow find the strength to keep going and finish the workout fueled with pure adrenaline and collective suffering of others working just as hard, if not harder, around you. What a rush! :)

What's your favorite "cheat" food?
Haagen Daaz coffee ice cream. I’m not willing to admit the quantities I can eat at one time and my friends have been sworn to secrecy on the subject. 

What would you say to someone who is thinking about starting?
“Just do it”. Many people do not realize that you can start at any age and any level of fitness, because the program offered by CFIP is, huge thanks to the owners and coaches, is challenging, but super fun, safe and scalable to any level and transferable to virtually all areas of our lives. I am a strong believer that functional constantly varied fitness is the way to go for all, but, even more than that, CFIP’s programming, coaching, individual attention given to each member, the community and box maintenance make CFIP a perfect fit for anyone looking to join. 

What drives you?
I have come to agree with those who look at fitness as a lifestyle. Crossfit has become my lifestyle, because it’s fun and sustainable way to keep me strong and healthy. It’s like having coffee in the morning. Part of my regular daily routine. I no longer need any motivation to work out, since I enjoy Crossfit as much as coffee (or, let me put it this way, I’d give up the latter for the former if I had to choose, though, thankfully, no one is asking me to).  There is a question of the day for ya…wink wink.

What is your biggest fitness goal right now?
I had started running in order to lose, and then maintain, my weight. Crossfit has changed that for me.  My goals have evolved from, initially, trying to become a faster runner, to increasing my strength and staying healthy. Everything else comes as an added bonus. Oh (P.S. barbell love is real). 

When I started Crossfit and CFIP, a few weeks shy of turning 40, I couldn’t do half the things I’ve accomplished so far after joining CFIP (including but not limited to, rope climbing, pull ups, toes to bar and overhead squats).  I’m looking to perfect and increase reps with those skills and I’m working on those unbroken double unders, kipping skills and, maybe, just maybe, handstand pushups and muscle ups one day (whattt…a girl can dream!). One day…one day…Seriously, though, somehow, these goals have come to seem attainable.   

If I had to be more specific, however, I want to be able to squat snatch at least half my weight with good form (you know, to be able to comfortably catch the barbell overhead while in a squat  and rise up with it without wobbling).