Congrats to Bri Donnelly for being the first Athlete of the Month of the New Year!! Bri is a college student at West Chester University majoring in Physical Therapy. Over the past few months Bri has been focusing on perfecting her form and working on her Olympic lifts! Bri is incredibly smart and always eager to learn! Congrats Bri! Keep up the great work!
1. How were you introduced to Max Effort Fitness?
I was introduced to Max Effort and Crossfit after 4 years of running long distance track and field. I was tired of being undefined and "petite." I wanted to pick up a new activity after becoming somewhat inactive. I became interested in the idea of strength training and weight lifting.
2. What is your proudest accomplishment since being a member at MEF?
My proudest accomplishment is to be able to transfer the skills that I have learned from Max Effort into my own workouts. When I am away at school I am able to confidently use a platform to work on snatches, squats, deadlifts. push jerks, and cleans. These are things I would have never attempted without the confidence Max Effort has given me.
3. What is your or biggest improvement since joining MEF?
My biggest improvements are in my upper body. I had not been able to do pull ups without assistance since I was in grade school. I am also able to use heavier bars when lifting. Physically, I have gained definition in my upper body. This has given me more confidence in wearing short sleeves, tanks, and dresses.
4. What is your six month goal?
My six-month goal is to become stronger in my olympic lifts. Olympic lifts are an area I am really interested in and I would love to be able to increase my weights and become faster when performing the movements. Currently, I can lift 55lbs, I would love to see that increase to 65lbs or even 75lbs!
5. What is your favorite exercise?
My favorite exercises are power cleans and push jerks because I love the feeling of throwing the bar around.
6. What is your least favorite exercise?
Kettlebells swings because I get bored of them quickly
7. If you created a workout, what would it be?
12 minute AMRAP
-8 Squat snatches
-200m run
-10 pull ups
8. What is your Favorite cheat food?
I will always have a sweet tooth. My favorite cheat food is Ben and Jerry's Half Baked ice cream
9. What do you love most about Max Effort Fitness?
I love being able to workout at Max Effort without feeling self-conscious. it can be difficult working out in a gym when there is an elitist
atmosphere. At Max Effort, everyone is supported to grow and develop at their own pace regardless of where they began.