Athlete Spotlight: Lisa Orlandella

Name: Lisa OrlandellaLisa_Orlandella
Age: 46
Occupation: Accounting specialist
Which class time do you usually attend? 6 a.m.
Favorite WOD: Cindy or Angie. Tough call
Favorite Lift: Power clean
Deadlift Max: 220
Back squat Max: 170
Fran: 5:14 with bands
Cindy: 16 rounds with bands
Got Muscle-ups? No
1 mile run: 8 minutes
How long have you been CrossFitting? Since June 2012
What keeps you coming back/motivated?
“The results keep me coming back and of course the awesome coaches and athletes.”

How did you find CrossFit?
“I found crossfit through a Groupon. I waited until it was almost expired before signing up.”

What is your athletic background (If applicable)?
“I do not have a structured athletic background, but I’ve always been involved in fitness through boot camps and jazzercize (don’t judge).”

How has CrossFit changed your life, lifestyle, level of fitness?
“CrossFit has changed my life in so many positive ways. It has given me a sense of accomplishment and belonging. I attended class at Lifetime for two years and couldn’t name one person there. I love being surrounded by the positive attitudes that are exuded throughout CrossFit. To make it that much better now my family has joined. I’m setting a much better example for my three daughters.”

What is the one thing you have done here that you never thought you could do? (muscle up, double unders, heavy deadlift, run a mile, etc.)
“I never thought I could ‘lift’ anything before I started CrossFit. I’d never touched a bar, now I really enjoy it. I also never considered eating Paleo. Don’t knock it until you try it.”

What motivates/inspires you?
“My family and friends motivate me with positive affirmations. My classmates inspire me when I see them reaching goals and knowing that hard work pays off.”

What is your proudest CrossFi achievement?
“Competing with my husband Mark in April. I was terrified but we did it together and had a great time.”

Name one goal/personal achievement you would like to achieve through CrossFit?
“One goal I have set is to do a strict pull-up. I have dreams about it. It needs to happen.”

What goals have you achieved in CrossFit?
“I have achieved several goals in CrossFit, including building muscle and losing fat. I originally set out to tone up now I have a whole list of things I want to do.”

Hobbies/Interests outside of CrossFit?
“I have joined a book club outside of CrossFit, but we actually meet at CrossFit. Does that count?”

What is your favorite meal?
“My favorite meal is waffles and roasted chicken. Not very frequently though. Otherwise it would be sushi.”

Any advice for new members?
“My advice to others is to be true to yourself and stay focused on your goals and progress. Don’t compare yourself to others but use them as a resource to get where you want to be. The CrossFit community is more than willing to help you get there.”

Coach Mario Macrina’s take: “Lisa has made so many significant improvements in the time I have known her and she continues to improve with hard work!  She consistently focuses on form and strength, and continuously works on improving her weaknesses. She may come in to the morning class tired, but she always leaves with an smile on her face! Lisa and her family have been a blessing to me as a coach and to the 6 a.m. class as whole. I look forward to seeing all she has yet to accomplish! Great job Lisa!”