Member of the Month January 2025

Don't let the old bloke fool you. Super fit and super competitive, he loves a long nasty workout as much as he loves a christmas party. Brings his A Game to most workouts and loves to get around the community and making everyone feel welcome. Loves a good time but also loves to work hard and over the years it's been great to see his strength and fitness levels increase. Makes Crossfit a family affair by bringing his two boys to the Sunday CF Kids sessions. Absolute pleasure having What would be your dream workout? The 12 days of Christmas, because of the barbell work and ends with the CFA Christmas party at night! When did you join Crossfit Amsterdam? 2019 How long have you been doing CrossFit for? 5 years now What workout would you want to avoid? EMOMS (sorry Dustin), so Thursdays and Sundays. Favorite Crossfit Athlete? Worldwide? I don't know. CFA wise? All the CFA trainers if they laugh about my jokes. Marnu because of his body. Michiel (Brankaert) and Emma's talent of making work outs look easy. Again Emma because she does a great job with kids Crossfit and the private training with my oldest son. All the 40 plus CFA members, let's hurt the young ones! What is the best thing you own that costs under $100? My Wahl Super Taper Clipper Biggest fashion mistake you’ve ever made? Cowboy head at a festival. Too much conservative redneck style. Favourite quote? "That's what she said" Funniest thing that happened to you recently? Well, I made a special package with things you can only get in the Netherlands for Barrie, a former CFA member who moved to Portugal. To surprise him, I wrote "Tiago Fernandez" as the recipient. But when the package arrived, the mailman got confused, because Barrie's neighbor is actually named Tiago Fernandez. So Barrie had to convince the people at the post office that the package was really his and that he was the "Tiago Fernandez" on the label. If you could improve one thing about your crossfit existence, what would it be? Have more time to get better of the workouts I suck at or still can't do. So if there is a time fairy that would give me more time..... Who are your three favourite bands/musicians of all time? Fleetwood Mac Talking Heads Altin Gün

If there was a WOD for one of the nicest, friendliest and funniest members this person would easily take home first place. Always, walking through the doors with a smile and a brillant attitude. He has been consistent with his training and the results speak for themselves! The best thing is that he also enjoys himself outside of the box, making sure to attend open parties and being the absolute star of the any christmas party. Work hard, play hard!! All the coaches here at CFA love his attitude and once again he is one of the first people to make sure new members feel welcome. Keep doing your thang boo! What would be your dream workout? My dream workout is definitely NO burpees or thrusters! But I’d love a workout that’s 30 minutes or longer, with deadlifts, and lately, I’ve really been enjoying bar muscle-ups (BMUs)! When did you join Crossfit Amsterdam? I’ve been a member at CrossFit Amsterdam for three years now; time flies when you’re having fun! How long have you been doing CrossFit for? So, three years here and before that about half a year at CrossFit Honest in Leeuwarden. What workout would you want to avoid? I prefer to avoid burpees and thrusters—I think they’re terrible, but I’m always glad once I’ve done them! Favorite Crossfit Athlete? My favorite CrossFit athletes are my buddies from the Monday evening group! Always a good time and lots of laughs with them! Thanks for that. What is the best thing you own that costs under $100? The best thing I ever bought under 100 euros is my coffee maker! No coffee, no start to the day. Biggest fashion mistake you’ve ever made? A Hawaiian shirt in Thailand—I thought it looked good on me, but it really didn’t. Favourite quote? Ubuntu: “I am because we are!” It stands for connection and community. And: Go big or go home! Funniest thing that happened to you recently? Not the funniest, but definitely the most special thing is that I took my first solo trip this past October through Sri Lanka, full of funny and memorable moments. If you could improve one thing about your crossfit existence, what would it be? 100 percent double-unders. Who are your three favourite bands/musicians of all time? Beyoncé, Britney, and Christina. #QUEEEEENS

What an incredible day! 💪🏽 A huge thank you to everyone who participated in the Fittest of the Box 2024 competition. Your energy, dedication, and effort made this event unforgettable. Whether you were competing, cheering, or helping out behind the scenes, you were a crucial part of this amazing community moment. We witnessed incredible performances, personal bests, and an inspiring display of what it means to push limits and support each other. The camaraderie and spirit in the box were nothing short of extraordinary. 📸 Full Results Below Curious about the final rankings? Check out the pictures below for the full breakdown of results. Celebrate your achievements and those of your fellow athletes—you’ve all earned it! Here’s to a stronger, fitter, and even more united box. See you at the next event! 👏🏽 #FittestOfTheBox2024 #CommunityStrong #CrossFit

It is a common thing here at Crossfit Amsterdam, we have an abundance of fantastic, friendly and fit members. This guy is no different. Loves a barbell, loves a rowing workout, does exceptionally well in all the open workouts, he is a well rounded athlete. Very consistent and always doing a variety of classes - you might see him in an olympic lifting class, a powerlifting class or even the gymnastics classes on special occasions. Absolute pleasure to coach in class as well! What would be your dream workout? Probably an old school 21-15-9 of: A bar focused exercise: BMU / C2B / T2B A random heavy barbell cycle: Thrusters / Snatch / Clean and Jerk (60kg) When did you join Crossfit Amsterdam? I joined in April 2021 during the pandemic, we were training outside only, but I started coming regularly only from May 2021 How long have you been doing CrossFit for? I started CrossFit in Summer 2016, more than 8 years ago. Feeling Old What workout would you want to avoid? Probably anything heavily focused on burpees or strict HSPU. Favourite Crossfit Athlete? Patrick Vellner What is the best thing you own that costs under $100? I think the Xenios USA weightlifting belt Biggest fashion mistake you’ve ever made? I'll go with Gen Z here. The ankle socks, I really don't like them on me. I regret buying them Favourite quote? "Every day it gets a little easier. But you gotta do it every day - That's the hard part." From the "BoJack Horseman" series, the struggle of self improvement and the need for persistence. Funniest thing that happened to you recently? I guess coming back from the run, using the wrong entrance and being sent back for another 800m from Coach Clay? If you could improve one thing about your crossfit existence, what would it be? If we mean "SkillWise" I'd improve all my upper body skills, strict HSPU above everything. If we mean something about CrossFit in general, I'd say we should reconsider the overall judging system during competitions, which falls too much into subjectivity and inexperience. Who are your three favourite bands/musicians of all time? Linkin Park, Gorillaz, Daft Punk

Once again, one of the friendliest people in the gym, but don't let that smile fool you. She has an engine that just won't quit! Loves a run, row or burpee workout - We all want to know who hurt her : ) . Always one of the first to introduce herself to new people in the box, she also takes her fitness outside a lot - running, riding and has taken a very keen interest in Hyrox. A very coachable and humble athlete it's always fun having her in the class. She has worked hard over the last few years on her strength and gymnastic and here improvement in these areas is evident every class. One of her finest qualities is her competitiveness - You only have to ask her partner Adam, she likes to win everything!! If you could improve one thing about your crossfit existence, what would it be? Take more care of my body in the early years of training, and do more of the basics before moving to advanced stuff (Luckily, Nick always takes care of reminding me that!) What would be your dream workout? Anything endurance oriented with a light barbell! I'm thinking something involving running, skiing/rowing, wall balls, box jump overs, and a power clean. 5 RFT 600m run 40 wall balls 20 cal ski/row 10 box jump overs 5 power cleans (60kg/45kg) When did you join Crossfit Amsterdam? I joined Crossfit Amsterdam 2 summers ago (July 2022). How long have you been doing CrossFit for? I've been doing Crossfit on and off for about 5 years. My parents initially started Crossfit first and then got the on-ramping course for my sister and I as a Christmas gift. We were both hooked from the get go! I then did Crossfit on and off for a couple years before finding a box I love here 2 years ago :) What workout would you want to avoid? Anything quite skilled… heavy snatches, ring muscle ups (I wish I could do them!!), strict handstand pushups. Favorite Crossfit Athlete? I like a lot of them!! In the pro field I really like watching athletes like Mal O'Brien who seem to always give everything they've got (Crossfit, running, hyrox). I also really like Laura Horvath and Gabi Migala, I love how they push each other, each having their strengths but wanting the best for the other and trying to bring out the best in each other. I'm also truly inspired by some of the women at our box, especially those that are now having kids and continue to train throughout their pregnancies, so cool! What is the best thing you own that costs under $100? Probably my raincoat. I've had it for 10 years and unfortunately I live in a country where it seems to rain all the time! Biggest fashion mistake you’ve ever made? Adam says it's my flared jeans?! I don't get it I think they're cool! Favourite quote? In a world where you can be anything, be yourself! Funniest thing that happened to you recently? It involves Kenyan shillings and some very simple maths. You can ask Adam for more details. If you could improve one thing about your crossfit existence, what would it be? Gymnastics and olympic weightlifting! I tend to avoid workouts with RMU or heavy snatches but I just got to show up and learn! Who are your three favourite bands/musicians of all time? Adam says I'm terrible with music, as do my best friends which is criticism I will happily own up to. I'm usually happy to listen to whatever is playing, something I can sing along to is preferred! Secretly love a little country in the mix as well (but don't tell anyone).

One of the friendliest people in the gym, but don't let that smile fool you. He is a stone cold killer when it comes to gymnastics and workouts where the more you hurt yourself the faster you finish - think burpees and thrusters! Always looking to improve and being one of the most coachable athletes in the gym, for this the coaches thank you. A true gentleman and always gets around people in the class and makes sure they feel welcome. We can't stress enough - this is a person who can switch off during workout and just get the workout done! What would be your dream workout? Anything gymnastics-related When did you join Crossfit Amsterdam? About a two years ago, I trained in another gym, and Michaela convinced me to try CFA 💁‍♂️, no turning back since then. How long have you been doing CrossFit for? About 5-6 years (not sure) What workout would you want to avoid? Anything with squats on it, I have chicken legs 🍗 🤡 Favourite Crossfit Athlete? From the male side I would say Vellner or Fikowski, they look like fun fellas, From the female side I would say, Danielle Brandon, she is a vibe. What is the best thing you own that costs under $100? I have some cheap shirts that I have worn for some buddy competitions, all of them are less than 30 Euros, but they remind me of the fun times I had competing with awesome people ✨ Biggest fashion mistake you’ve ever made? My everyday outfit for the gym 💅 Favourite quote? "let's grab a coffee" (?) haha I'm a hardcore coffee drinker Funniest thing that happened to you recently? Not recently, but the day I got my nickname from Perry I felt like I had reached a milestone in CFA, Nickname is "Jack Sparrow 🏴‍☠️🦜" by the way 🤷‍♂️ If you could improve one thing about your crossfit existence, what would it be? Take more care of my body in the early years of training, and do more of the basics before moving to advanced stuff (Luckily, Nick always takes care of reminding me that!) Who are your three favourite bands/musicians of all time? Beatles, Pink Floyd, and any Clay's playlist 🫶

A morning workout warrior, it is rare not see Essi in most 6:30am classes giving everything she has. Always smiling and always giving one hundred and one per cent effort. They say consistency is the key with anything, this couldn't be more true in this case. Both gymnastics and her strength has improved out of sight. She has even now roped her better half in to join her most mornings - It's fair to say she is very competitive! A real pleasure to have her as part of our community. What would be your dream workout? Might be an unpopular opinion but: 1000m row 100 burpee box jumps 1000m row …looking forward for this in Friday programming. When did you join Crossfit Amsterdam? April 2019! How long have you been doing CrossFit for? Since February 2019 What workout would you want to avoid? I think the worst one possible would be overhead squats and assault bike combination. Favorite Crossfit Athlete? Have to support my home country - Jonne Koski 🇫🇮 What is the best thing you own that costs under $100? My omafiets 🚲 Biggest fashion mistake you’ve ever made? Classic from end of 2000s: long tank top, leggings and wide belt. Combined with my dark brown died hair, looked amazing! Favourite quote? ”I have never tried that before, so I think I should definitely be able to do it” - Pippi Longstocking Funniest thing that happened to you recently? We tried to be good people with my boyfriend by picking up a hitchhiker in Chilean Patagonia. The guy turned out to be a local drunkie and was nicely tipsy already at 11am. He thought our limited Spanish skills meant we are just pretty stupid, so his solution to make sure we understood him was to yell and repeat Spanish words loudly to us and accompany his speech with creative body language… It was quite a long 30minutes, but kept us entertained long afterwards.

Of our most consistent and happiest members. He says he likes the "Gymnastics" music but we all know he is to nice to say otherwise. A man who looks rough and tough with the long beard, this couldn't be further from the truth. Always looking to improve in every facet of crossfit - lifting and gymnastics especially, it is a real credit to him to also see his metcons improve over time as well. Always getting around the bench bress club and clapping like his life depends on it in olympic lifting his infectious laugh is hard to ignore. What would be your dream workout? Everything with a barbell with big weights in it combined with some gymnastics. And of course “few seconds” of rest between rounds =) When did you join Crossfit Amsterdam? I joined in June 2016 and still remember my first workout at CFA. Completely unaware that the Workout of the Day could be checked online beforehand, I showed up to find a surprise swim WOD planned on the island behind the Olympic Stadium. Between the unexpected swim and the old-school "whiteboard of shame" for latecomers (if you were late or no-show your name was written there with the amount of burpees to do), my first impression was that CFA meant serious business. How long have you been doing CrossFit for? I started in 2014, stopped in 2015, and started again in 2016. Been doing it since then. But started to do more “regularly” when corona hit. What workout would you want to avoid? Everything with burpees and running. I am very bad at these two exercises, but I am forcing myself to do them every time they are on a WOD. Favorite Crossfit Athlete? - The Bench Press Club crew, always there to "lift" every Mondays - The Gymnastics crew, always “vibing” on the music - The Weightlifting crew, sometimes clapping and cheering more than lifting What is the best thing you own that costs under $100? I guess my old trustworthy Kindle. Outside the box, I am a very lazy person, and the Kindle enables me to carry a lot of "heavy" books around ensuring I always have something to read on the go. Biggest fashion mistake you’ve ever made? Judging from some people’s comments at the box, my psychedelic mushrooms pants I sometimes wear for training =) Favourite quote? “That’s what I do. I drink, and I know things” - Tyrion Lannister, Game Of Thrones Funniest thing that happened to you recently? Rollende Keukens 2024. Stuck in an Abba cover band concert. With Manuel and Manny we sent a video to Clay asking for Abba music during a WOD. He delivered it during the weightlifting class. Several people PRd different movements, it looks like Abba Music facilitates PRs =) If you could improve one thing about your crossfit existence, what would it be? My running skills. I can't die every time there are more than 20 meters to run. During the Arena Throwdown Buddy Edition last April, I ended up walking some of those crazy shuttle runs, something that Francesco is going to hold over me forever. Who are your three favourite bands/musicians of all time? Eminem, Linkin Park, and Gorillaz. Always there on my Spotify 20XX wrapped.

Of our longest current members, DJ Mark loves coming into classes slightly late and leaving behind keys, glasses, airpod or his wallet on regular occasions. Blessed with a natural fitness level and mobility that would make yoga enthusiasts blush, he loves to come in, dominate a workout, lift some heavy tin and head home. He is an avid fan of travelling and always has the latest tech toys! The dirtier and nastier the workout the happier Mark is. Rarely do you see him without a smile and rarely does he not come to class full of energy! What would be your dream workout? 35+ minutes, ranging from gymnastics to weightlifting. Like heavy-ish cleans and (B)MU. And most importantly, a good techno set. When did you join Crossfit Amsterdam? Been here since Jarno’s run the show. Must’ve been since 2012 when they've just relocated to Karperweg. How long have you been doing CrossFit for? First and last box FTW. So since ~2012 What workout would you want to avoid? The Thursday WODs. Mostly because they don’t involve throwing stuff around. Favorite Crossfit Athlete? Edwin “The Machine” Leenstra What is the best thing you own that costs under $100? My AirTag. I should stick one on my glasses too... Biggest fashion mistake you’ve ever made? Being part of the skinny jeans trend in 2018-2020. Favourite quote? Price is what you pay, value is what you get - Warren Buffett Funniest thing that happened to you recently? The time when I lost my rhythm. If you could improve one thing about your crossfit existence, what would it be? 1. My snatch PR 2. Being able to do handstand walks 3. Be better than Bjorn Who are your three favourite bands/musicians of all time? Richie Hawtin Pink Floyd Chopin