April Member of the Month – Ana Salort!

Open/Performance
“Spring Swing”
For Time:
21 Thrusters 95/65, 21 Kettlebell Swings 70/53, 400 Meter Run
15 Thrusters, 15 Kettlebell Swings, 400 Meter Run
9 Thrusters, 9 Kettlebell Swings, 400 Meter Run

Fitness
For Time:
21 Thrusters 75/55, 21 Kettlebell Swings 53/35, 400 Meter Run
15 Thrusters, 15 Kettlebell Swings, 400 Meter Run
9 Thrusters, 9 Kettlebell Swings, 400 Meter Run

21-15-9. The most popular rep scheme in all of CrossFit, probably best known from the benchmark workout “Fran”. This descending rep scheme has proven to be quite effective in preserving intensity. By the time we get to the 15’s, the nature of the workout has it feeling similar to the 21’s, but knowing we have 6 reps less to complete keeps us holding on and moving forward. Compare this to three rounds of 21. We would probably have a more conservative plan of attack going in, decreasing the intensity of the workout. 

Congrats to our April Member of the Month, Ana Salort!
Find out more about Ana below..

1. How did you get involved in CrossFit?
After having my second child (Emma – who you all know by now 🙂 ) I wanted to do something that will get me back in shape.   I knew running wasn’t going to be enough, I needed to work on my core the most after two C-sections. I’ve never been a gym person as I get bored if I always do the same exercises, so I came to Crossfit Union looking for an alternative without really knowing anything about it.  All I saw was the end of a class with loud and cool music, people having fun even though they were clearly ‘suffering’, and I thought… I think I fit here 🙂

Little did I know what I was getting myself into!…but like everyone else says – and it’s true – it took one class and I was hooked.  I don’t remember the WOD we did, all I remember was me thinking I have endurance given I’m a runner so I’ll be able to do at least 4 rounds. I ended up not finishing my second round with an empty  15# barbell, ha!  eye opener right there!   So much has happened since then, it’s crazy how we grow and change perspectives.  Lately my focus has been more on working on my weaknesses understanding that this is a process and it takes time and discipline. What I can do today to get better?, what difference can I make today to help get to my year-end goals? I love that, this is a lifestyle choice after all.    The other best part was to get to know the people, this community it’s truly amazing.   I’ll be forever grateful to Crossfit because here is where I met my best friends. How can I not return the next day and have fun with them!!!!!   Love them.

2. Favorite workout?
Hard to choose one… I like when there is a buy-in and cash-out associated to a WOD..just when you thought you were done, there is a little extra to challenge your mind.

I also like Saturday’s WODs because they are ‘team related’ and you can challenge yourself a bit more with weight or speed (or both) given there is some resting time involved while your team works.

3. Least favorite workout?
A few months ago my immediate response would have been: ANYTHING with DUs and Overhead Squats in it!  🙂  I have so much to learn in that department (and many others)… but lately I’ve been more focus on my goals, I follow CTM every.single.day. and my mindset has changed.

I now say… bring it!!!!!!

4. If an “Ana” workout was created, what would it be?

For time:
400 m run holding 25# plate
20 TTB
30 power cleans @75#
400 m run holding 25# plate
20 pull-ups
30 front-squats @75#
cash-out:
3 rope climbs

Sit-ups tabata type of WOD

5. What’s the best part about working out with the 5:30am class?
The 5:30am people rocks!  Love working out with this crew.  They are all so inspiring and ready to move despite being so early! We got to cheer on Charlene during the open and Master qualifiers, which was soooo cool!   I also love that I get extra time after class to work on CTM stuff with Jamie, Tracey, and recently Kerri.  You end up getting so much done by 7am, then you are ready for a big breakfast and whatever the day throws at you… it feels good!

6. What does a day in the life of Ana look like?
Wake up at 4:45 (after at least snoozing 3-4 alarms – I’m getting better tho).  Prepare my kids lunch boxes, check schedules and anything that they need to return and later will say ‘mommy.. you forgot!’ ugh…. that’s another story.  I grab half a banana or fuel for fire and drive to TILT.

I join the 5:30am class, do CTM workouts after and sometimes I practice on some weaknesses, shower and go to work.  I work as a Solutions Delivery Manager at TJX in Marlborough so driving from TILT is a breeze.   We are currently working on how to grow our people and staff our division in preparation for the next year portfolio of projects – something I very much enjoy doing.  I usually work from 8-4pm‘ish, then pick up my kids, come home, change, and either prepare dinner or drive someone to sport activities, or help with homework, or play with the dog, or all of the above.  My husband also helps here, I have to give him some credit 😉

7. What’s the wallpaper on your phone right now?
My kids! I change it frequently though… I love taking pictures.

8. Favorite food?
Summer: Grilled steak with a Mediterranean salad (cucumbers, tomato, feta cheese, onion)

Winter: beef stew

Unhealthy:  a good risotto or my mother’s paella  (the only reason is ‘unhealthy’ is because of the rice? – whatever! sooo yummmyyyyyy – I want one now!) and let’s don’t forget: Margaritas, mimosas, white wine, beer – Shandy, and the list goes on and on…

9. If you could be any animal in the world, what animal would you be and why?
A horse! I grew up in a farm with lots of horses and other animals.  (I had a piglet for pet! – I want one so badly – I need to convince my husband!)… anyway, horses… they are the best, specially if you have a strong connection with it.  The way they run, their power, their feelings… it’s simply amazing.

10. What is one interesting fact that we may not know about you?
Well, perhaps I said it on #9- I had a piglet for pet growing up and he was so cute!!!!!   Jessie Graff (the ninja warrior woman has one too – that’s another reason I love her, although Katrin is my #1)

I also had a parrot for pet, and he (like me) was able to speak 3 languages – Spanish, Italian, and English. ha!   that was lots of fun…  I had a nice childhood… something now as a mother I try to ensure my kids experience the same.