Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to announce Chrissie Hult as our April Athlete of the Month. There are a number of our members who never consider themselves an athlete because they never played orangized sports or played for their school. If you are training at Island Park Fitness, you are training as an athlete. Chrissie has been part of this gym community longer than most of us, including me. She has seen every evolution of the the gym and has experienced her own ups and downs as an athlete in the gym. What is great to see is the growth on the education side of the athlete. Chrissie is a teacher and from our conversations and her tik tok videos, she’s a fun teacher. With that being said, she enjoys learning and that makes my teaching in the gym enjoyable as well. Understanding the intent of the program and how to adjust the program to her needs based on limitations (temporary or permanent) is the secret sauce to longevity. Chrissie is definitely very self aware and always asks intelligent questions. Chrissie, thanks for always bringing the energy and keeping the converesation entertaining. It’s a pleasure to be your coach. By the way, this photo is the one going on the wall.
Written by: Coach Rob Moloney
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Q&A
Why did you start functional fitness cross-training?
A good friend encouraged me to join when I was looking to change up my boring gym routine. I’m not athletically built by nature, so I decided to see what my body could do with weight lifting.
What’s your background? (Athletic)
I don’t have much of an athletic past, aside from an all women’s kickball league! When I met my husband, he was training for the New York City Marathon. I ran two half marathons with him after that, the first of which I beat him by a second or two, although I think he might fight me on that.
How long have you been a member and how long have you been doing functional fitness?
I am an OG KOB member. I joined three months before hurricane Sandy hit, so about ten years.
What is your favorite thing about the gym?
So many things! Obviously, I think we have amazing coaches, members, and doctors. I love the support that we give each other, and I love how the different mixes of personalities come together to achieve a common goal. I can always be myself at the gym. You are never lacking support when you walk through the doors of IPFitness.
What is the biggest challenge you have overcome since joining the gym?
Just as I was starting to make significant gains, I took a hard fall and injured my shoulder, which hindered further progress. Through Dr. Jeremy’s tender care and advice, I learned to modify movements with my coaches and listen to my body to achieve long term goals, instead of flying around the rig thinking I’m hot shit.
What is your favorite moment at the gym so far?
Without a doubt, it was when Rob told me I was Athlete of the Month! Second to that was when I won Spirit of the Open the year I couldn’t compete.
What’s your favorite “cheat” food?
Swedish fish.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about starting?
It will change your body and your mind- DO IT!
What drives you?
The responsibility that I have as a wife, mother, and educator; finding good in people; spreading joy; basking in the miracles of nature.
What is your biggest fitness goal right now?
I’m inclined to say that my goals are to get back to where I was a few years ago, but I’m smarter than that. I want to be able to do the activities I love well into retirement, which isn’t that far away!