Abby Jamiel
Biography:
Abby is an L-2 certified CrossFit coach with a background in cross-country, weightlifting, and rowing. Despite being the least coordinated and athletic of her family, she is now the only one who can do pistols and handstand push-ups and does not let her siblings forget it. She found CrossFit in 2014 while looking for a way to channel her post-college athlete energy. She rowed at Ithaca College for four years, eventually rowing bow in the first varsity boat at Nationals and winning two medals at the Head of the Charles Regatta. Outside of the box she is an Urban Planner with a love for the arts!
- Which classes do you currently coach? A little bit here, a little bit there!
- How long have you been involved in CrossFit? I’ve been doing CrossFit since 2014 and coaching since 2016.
- What is your favorite part of being a CrossFit Coach? Being a coach uses a completely different part of my brain, as it challenges me to think tactically, visually, and emotionally all at once. I also love the ability to open adults up to play, be it through getting upside down, doing cool things with a Kettlebell, or learning a new skill.
- What is your favorite WOD and Movement? I like chippers and longer cardio burners with multiple movements. I find I’m able to stay aggressive when I can break up movements or move onto new ones. I have a weird love for DB snatches and burpees, which may mean I’m a bit crazy.
- Tell us your athletic background! I grew up mostly uncoordinated and doing sports because I felt I had to. In college, I got bored with all the extra time I had from not playing a sport and joined the Varsity crew team. It completely changed my life and made me some of my best friends. After graduating from college I was looking for a way to remain athletically competitive and challenge myself with new skills. That’s when CrossFit came in!
- Give us a small piece of advice for newbies and/or veteran athletes: for newbies – movements are going to feel awkward for a while, maybe even years, but keep showing up and celebrate those tiny changes. For vets – stay curious. Don’t be afraid to explore “non- CrossFit” fitness like running, yoga, swimming, or whatever else sparks your interest. It’ll make you a stronger athlete when you’re ready to come back!
- Any fun facts that most people don’t know about you? I’ve lived in Greece, Namibia, and South Africa.
- What do you enjoy about the CFS Community? The community has done a great job of balancing serious athletes and beginners. It’s fun to watch high-level people crush workouts and be inspired to keep working harder.