1. Name
Ashley Kalinauskas
2. How long have you been doing CrossFit (and at TBL)? What class(es) do you normally attend?
I have been at Silk City Fit for almost 5 years now! When I started, the 7am class consisted of me, Steve Bosse, Sarah Gannon and Dave Anderson. Happy to say that the 7am class will always have my heart and most of my attendance, but I am also part of the Vest Buddies at the 7pm class as well!
3. What’s your why? Why did you start? Why do you stay?
What brings me back is my commitment to the community. I love TBL and everyone that is a part of our gym. I started CrossFit because after college when I had always been on a sports team, my workout routines became stagnant. I really wanted something new that would challenge me. From the first day I started CrossFit, I knew that I found my people! I love the intensity, lying on the floor at the end of a workout, and the empowerment that I can do anything. I stay because CrossFit has become part of who I am– it makes me a better person both professionally, mentally and physically.
4. What does a typical day look like for you? In and outside of the gym!
Typically it either starts or ends at Bradley International Airport trying to catch a flight, or take a flight home to make a workout. Other days it’s me running around between meetings, phone calls and conducting research at my laboratory. Either way, I try to always make it in for a workout when I am around– some weeks it seems impossible (this week being one of them), but I love dropping into other gyms when I am traveling. A typical day is never typical– but I can always count on TBL being my rock and accepting me and my crazy schedule!
5. What do you enjoy most about Silk City Fit? Favorite/least favorite movement?
CARDIOOOOOO (said like Rufio in the movie Hook). I enjoy the hardest J-Bone workouts that include miles and miles of running!!! Least favorite movements include anything involving dips or lifting weights.
6. After a hard workout, what is your favorite meal?
Sushi, get in my belly!
7. What is one goal you are currently working on?
I’m working on getting a muscle-up before the next Open, but need to be more diligent about working towards that goal. Otherwise, my goal is to get to the gym every free second that I get (which unfortunately, isn’t many). I’m also training towards a 5-day hike in Patagonia in November!
8. What is one tip you would give to incoming/new members?
Don’t get discouraged or give up! There are times when all of us get down on ourselves after a workout, but its the determination to come back the next day and get better that will make you a better athlete. I think everyone new or starting that just needs a push, find a buddy at the gym and have them hold you responsible for coming the next day– sometimes that’s all that matters!
9. What accomplishment are you most proud of (inside and outside of the gym)?
My startup company was just named the top Animal Health Innovation for 2018. I was recently named CT Woman of Entrepreneurship, Emerging Pharmaceutical Executive and I am a finalist for Forbes 30 under 30! So outside of that, recently I’ve been proud of just being able to show up to the gym between my schedule! I also just completed running 30 miles in Ragnar Relay in 24 hours. Without my training from Silk City Fit, there is NO way that I would have been able to accomplish that! However, I am most proud of all of the amazing friendships that I have made at the gym and how everyone here helps support me and understands that I am typically on my phone (literally) during workouts!
