Athlete of the Month – July 2018
Stephanie Lowenthal
When most people are hitting the snooze button for the second time, chances are Stephanie Lowenthal is already in the middle of a set of unbroken butterfly pull-ups. It’s a skill she’s worked hard to achieve in her six years as a member CrossFit 718’s 6amstrong crew.
Coming from a globo gym where most of her workouts involved the elliptical and free weights, Stephanie was initially intrigued by the trail of sweaty athletes hauling med balls down 5th avenue. Once she experienced the intensity of the WODs and CrossFit’s supportive community for herself, she was hooked. Since joining the box, she’s gotten stronger and increased her weights, joined the comp team, and made tons of new friends.
Read our Q&A with Stephanie and get to know July’s Athlete of the Month!
How did you discover CrossFit?
The box was on 5th avenue essentially across the street from my house. I would see everyone running with med balls or just dripping sweat from some workout and I got intrigued. I was just going to a globo gym and not knowing what to do other than the elliptical and some free weights. I liked group classes, but always felt so insecure, so this seemed like a good option for people of all levels. I remember watching some people doing pull-ups. Some were doing them banded and no one seemed embarrassed or insecure.
Why did you end up sticking with CrossFit?
I really liked how fast I would increase my weights and how sore I would be from some workouts. It made me feel like I was actually working out! Then being on the comp team was fun. I learned to push myself really hard but also just have a lot of fun with the team.
What kinds of changes have you noticed since starting CrossFit?
Definitely my body. I’ve gotten larger! It took me some time to be okay with that, but I like looking and feeling strong. I probably should watch my diet more, but who doesn’t love cookies?! It also helped me keep a routine, and I love everyone at the box, so it’s a fun social addition to my life.
How do you make time for working out?
I’m a proud member of the 6amstrong crew! I don’t really sleep well, so getting up to work out is not hard for me. It actually gives me more energy during the day and leaves my evenings open to meet up with friends.
What’s your favorite movement?
I love the power clean. I do not like squatting! I also really like any metcon with barbell cycling. That’s my jam!
What recent achievement are you most proud of?
I don’t think I have one in particular. I do get really proud when I work on a lift or a gymnastic movement for a bit and get it. Most recently it was butterfly pull-ups. I was able to do Cindy with legit butterfly pull-ups (not just ponytail over the bar!). It was my first time using them in a workout.
What goals are you currently working on?
Being more comfortable with butterfly pull-ups and trying not to lose the form when I get tired. I’d also like to get a ring muscle-up this year.
What do you do when you’re not at the box?
I run Public Rations and Corporate Communications for a large financial firm (yawn). I love traveling and seeing live music. I’m heading to Europe with friends to see Pearl Jam in a few countries. And, of course, I’m a mom to two fur babies.
