Athlete Spotlight: Arpie Mikaelian!
As you may or may not know, Arpie was the very first member of CrossFit 626. She was there squatting in a dusty garage, rocking out burpees on a dilapidated driveway, and running down our neighborhood streets of South Pas for sprints. After moving away for a few years, Arpie came back to 626 with some serious motivation and determination last December, and has been consistently improving both her fitness and her nutrition every since.
Meet Arpie…
What did you do prior to CrossFit?
I was very athletic in my youth. At the age of 5, I started playing basketball for fun, and then I joined my school teams in middle school and high school, and also played for a league. I loved the active and competitive lifestyle I developed. Unfortunately, with limited time at hand, I stopped playing basketball in college and during pharmacy school. I focused on studying, and rarely — if ever — saw the inside of the gym. Luckily, things settled down a bit after I entered the professional world, and that’s when I renewed my [globo] gym membership. My attendance, however, followed irregular patterns — sometimes, I would go religiously, and other times I would stop working out altogether. I wasn’t satisfied with the way I looked, and, more importantly, I was unhappy with the way I felt. My diet didn’t help my cause — I would eat whatever I wanted and developed the unhealthy (but, very exciting) habit of eating giant chocolate chip cookies for breakfast!
How long have you been CrossFitting and what initially brought you in?
My coworker (Nicole) was into CrossFit, so we started talking about it. I also saw another coworker of mine doing a WOD during her lunch break, and it definitely intrigued me. When Nicole officially opened up her gym in the garage, I was really excited for her and wanted to show my support. I didn’t know much about CrossFit, but soon realized that it doesn’t take hours at the gym to get a good workout!
I started off in the garage box and CrossFitted for a year before moving back home (far away from S. Pasadena). After moving to Glendale, I rejoined CrossFit 626 in December 2013 and have come to realize that my mentality during workouts have changed and evolved during my second time around.
What’s your mental strategy during a tough workout?
To be honest, CrossFitting previously felt like a chore, and I would rush to finish workouts as quickly as possible. Of course, that took any enjoyment out of the experience. Nowadays, I get very excited about each workout and get bummed out when I don’t exercise. With each new day and every new challenge, I do my best to get better and better. I make sure to focus on the workout and think about every movement. When a workout gets too difficult, I try to stay positive and pace myself accordingly. I try to think of the end result and remind myself of why I’m doing this. I focus on the targeted muscles and know that the pain won’t last too long! It also helps to have someone around who can motivate you and who you can compare yourself to, helping push yourself to your limit.
What is your favorite achievement(s) since starting CrossFit?
My triceps! Toned arms and back. My abs and core feel much stronger too, which really helps my back pain.
I’ve had a herniated disc for as long as I can remember. When I don’t CrossFit, the pain creeps up again. Previously, I would experience episodes of severe back pain which would completely debilitate me (I literally couldn’t move and would feel completely helpless). Ever since starting a regular CrossFit routine, I’ve had very little back pain and the severe episodes have completely disappeared.
How has your training affected other facets of your life?
My training has helped improve my diet. Although it’s not exactly where I want it to be, it has improved a lot. I try my best to stay away from breads, russet potatoes and pastas. They are practically out of my diet on a consistent basis. I have also cut back on my chocolate consumption and my cravings have decreased tremendously – It is now more of a habit and association of chocolate and happiness rather than a craving. I still have a lot of work to do to improve my diet, but I know when I’m training hard I want to also eat clean because both play hand in hand.
CrossFitting has also helped my mood. Working out makes me happy — the endorphins trigger euphoria, and you can’t ask for more!
Favorite /Least favorite part of training?
I love working on my legs (front squats, back squats, deadlifts, lunges), because I know it’s my stronger point and I personally enjoy it and want to increase my strength.
Least favorite is anything with arms, chest and back. Pull ups/ring rows/bench press.
Advice for new/potential members?
Don’t give up. Keep coming to class as often as possible. Find a partner or someone you look up to. Focus on one thing at a time and have fun!
Any specific future goals you’re working towards?
– I need to get my core stronger. A lot of the movements in CrossFit would be easier if my core was stronger.
– Cleaning my diet and being more consistent with it. Having protein shakes after my workouts.
– Coming to the box more often (especially on Saturdays).
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As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, Arpie has made some serious progress in her strength over the last several months…and the proof is in the pudding! Check out a few of her testing results from the last testing week at the beginning of June:
Test | Initial testing Week 4/7/14 | Last Testing Week 6/2/14 | PR |
Sorensen | 2:00 | 3:00 | 1:00 |
Weighted Dip* | NA- couldn’t do unweighted | 20# | Over 20# |
Deadlift | 163# | 183# | 20# |
400m Run | 1:19 | 1:17 | 0:02 |
Front Squat | 133# | 143# | 10# |
8rm Split Squat @Tempo | 25# DBs | 35# DBs | 10# each hand (20# total) |
4 min Row/Burpee AMRAP | 25 burpees | 31 burpees | 6 burpees |
*Most impressive is the fact that Arpie went from being unable to do a bodyweight dip, to being able to do a 20# weighted dip in 2 months (despite her admission that she doesn’t like to do upper body movements!)
Keep it up Arpie!
WOD: Snatch ; Assault bike sprints (Yes, playing with the new toys at the gym!)