April 2012 Athlete Profile – Ericka Hytinen:
At 32, Ericka Hytinen of Lancaster has reached a new high in her personal fitness. Growing up overweight and avoiding all things sporty, Ericka says that being athletic was the furthest thing from her mind. Once she entered college, her eating and exercise habits began to transform, and over the past 15 years she’s gradually increased her fitness level – which has led her to CrossFit EXP. Our coaches, who have nominated her for this most recent athlete profile, have duly noted her drive and achievements. Let’s learn more about this CrossFit over achiever.
When did you start at CrossFit EXP?
April 2011
How did you hear about CrossFit EXP?
Another EXP member, Steph McGuirk.
Have you always been athletic?
I was the furthest thing from being athletic growing up, overweight and did not play any high school sports. When I started college, I changed my lifestyle by eating balanced meals and started exercising (mostly running). Over the past 15 years I have become more and more athletic. I’ve run 3 half marathons, weight train and take spin classes. Since joining CrossFit EXP I am the most athletic I’ve ever been.
What attracts you most about the CrossFit workouts?
That they are always challenging and combine the right mix of movements, endurance, strength and technique. I always leave feeling like I got a great workout and challenged myself.
How often do you attend?
4-5 times a week
What are some goats that you have mastered since attending?
Double Unders, Box Jumps (for months I had a mental block getting up on the 20″ box), Hand-stands (getting inverted), Kipping Pull-ups (still not 100% there but got my first 4 strung together just a few weeks ago), Power Cleans (weight is still not heavy but I’m getting there), Body Weight Ring Dips.
What are your biggest achievements you’ve accomplished at CrossFit EXP?
Competing in the Reebok CrossFit Opens this year. I was very hesitant to sign up but I figured why not. I thought there would be things in the WODs that I wouldn’t be able to do. That was true to some extent but each week over the course of 5 weeks I went to the team workouts and successfully earned points for each of the official WODs. I never thought I would be able to do 75lb push presses or C2B pull-ups and I accomplished both of these. It is amazing what you can do when put to the test and with the help of all the coaches and team members.
Is the community at CrossFit EXP important to you?
Absolutely! I have made so many new friends since joining EXP. It is great to meet people who have the same drive to compete and succeed. Everyone at EXP is so positive – it really helps when you’re having an off day to have someone say “Go girl” or “You’ve got this” etc. I work at home so EXP is very much a part of my social routine.
Name some specific ways the coaches at CrossFit EXP have helped you.
Nick. Can’t say enough about him. He has helped me achieve so many of my goats. He has spent time outside of class on numerous occasions helping me learn kipping pull-ups. He has given me tips for running, has turned a frustrating workout for me into feeling great about myself before walking out the door. Brian has also been extremely helpful working with me on my form (deadlifts, power cleans, pretty much anything that involves starting with the bar on the ground). He has also helped me get over my “fear” of the 20″ inch box and my jumps have improved threefold.
Please share some of your PRs with us!
Deadlift – 185lbs.
Strict Ring Dips – 5
Max Double Unders – 50
400M run – 1:29
1 Mile Run – 6:26
My “famous” static hang hold – 4:05
Back Squat – 150lbs
L-Sit – 45 sec.
Ericka H
EXP News & Updates:
Are you interested in competing in the Sport of CrossFit? If so, then come to our first official CFEXP Competition Team info session this Thursday, April 12th from 7:30-9pm. This meeting will be for anyone who wants to accelerate their results and is seriously interested in competing in CrossFit competition.
Do you have any CFEXP class pics? – I am looking for some class/member pics for upcoming daily posts. If you have any creative pics or have your iphone/smartphone/camera handy before, during or after class please take a moment and snap a few pics and send them my way. You can e-mail them to me here. Thank you!
Regionals is coming up fast! CrossFit Games North East Regionals – May 25-27, 2012 at the Reebok Headquarters in Canton, MA. Come cheer on Tiffany and Jessa as they compete against the top 60 female athletes in the North East. More Details…
Europa Beast of the East Qualifier Event – June 30th, 2012 in Hartford, CT. 9am-6pm. Learn more…
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Ericka pictured with the boys of CrossFit Haven in IL.
WORKOUT Of the DAY:
EXP Skill/Strength:
Front Squat 5 x 3
EXP Workout:
WOD: [Python]
5 Squat Cleans
7 Pull-ups
9min AMRAP
Level 1: 155/105lbs, C2B Pull-ups
Level 2: 115/80lbs, Kipping/BF Pull-ups
Level 3: 95/65lbs, Vertical Row
Post comments and scores below.
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