January 1, 2026 //
Kanna Fitness //
Blog //
5 min read
Kanna Fitness is proud to kick off 2026 by recognizing Amanda Abrahamson as our January Member of the Month! Amanda joined Kanna in May 2023 after moving to Ambler from Pittsburgh, bringing with her years of CrossFit experience and an openness to whatever this next chapter of life required. Over the years, her “why” has evolved through pregnancy, postpartum, professional challenges, and moments that demanded resilience and self-care. Whether showing up “very pregnant” for the CrossFit Open, rebuilding strength after a tough season, or prioritizing her health so her kids can see what strong looks like, Amanda embodies consistency, grit, and perspective. Her journey is a reminder that strength isn’t just about physical strength, it’s also about continuing to show up even when life is heavy.
Name
Amanda Abrahamson
Occupation
Quality Assurance Specialist, Supervisor
When did you start at Kanna?
May 2023
What are your favorite numbers and why?
9- my anniversary month, September, and my favorite month of the year! 1- got engaged on June 1, got married on Sept. 1; 13- got married in 2013; 23- Lizzy’s birthday is 11/23 and 23 was my number in high school sports; 4- Luke’s birthday is 4/4
What movements do you like?
Cleans, hang power cleans, deadlifts, rowing, dumbbell snatches, kettlebell swings, box jumps
What movements do you dislike?
Thrusters, clusters, double unders, pull-ups, assault bike
What sports or fitness things did you do before Kanna?
A few years of CrossFit in Pittsburgh! Also, barre, solidcore, spinning, triathlons, a half marathon, long distance biking, yoga
How did you find Kanna? How did you feel when you first walked in?
I first saw kanna walking to a food truck Friday event at ambler yards after moving in to our new home nearby. My neighbor, Dave Lembeck, mentioned he had joined and loved the gym. With a few years of CrossFit experience, I walked in confident but was blown away by the instant welcoming atmosphere and phenomenal coaches.
What’s your “why” for working out?
I have had so many “whys” over the years. First, it was to get strong before getting pregnant with my first child. Then, to keep moving during pregnancy. During postpartum, my “why” was for me, connecting with my body again and boosting my mental health. Then came the pandemic, a move here from Pittsburgh, secondary infertility and epically failing rounds of IVF. I joined Kanna after a failed round when I just needed something for me. It truly helped take my mind off fertility treatments. And wouldn’t you know it, just 3 month after joining I got pregnant, unassisted, with my son. Life is a miracle. Now, I’m back in the swing of things here at kanna after a rough year professionally and my “why” is for my kids to see their mom as a strong woman who prioritizes her health and well-being. And of course, for my husband, too, who I love so much and I want to be the best version of me for him.
What’s your favorite thing about Kanna?
The members and coaches! Everyone is at a different stage of their life and it’s amazing to see us all come together for an hour workout.
What are your hobbies?
Hobbies?? During my minimal spare time with a 7 year old and 21 month old, I go to kanna 🙂 If/when I have more free time, I love traveling the world, golfing, playing bocce, and sitting on the beach. I’m looking forward to coaching my daughter in field hockey this spring.
What’s something most people don’t know about you or a fun fact?
I can play the piano! Currently re-learning along with my daughter who started lessons this year. Maybe this should be listed as a hobby!!
What PRs or accomplishments (fitness-related) are you most proud of?
Doing the open in 2024 very, very pregnant with my son.
What’s on your fitness bucket list?
strict pull-ups and dubs
What’s on your general bucket list?
Maintaining 3 days a week at kanna and improving cardio endurance
What advice do you have for people new to Kanna?
Keep on keeping on. The first few months will have soreness and exhaustion, but so many wins. Be proud of yourself when you add a little more weight on the bar, do a few more reps than you expected, or go up a box height for box jumps. When you’ve walked through the door, you’ve already done the hardest part- showing up.
Kanna members: The MOTM custom workout date is TBD
How does one become Member of the Month? By embodying the Kanna ideals of Learning, Working Hard, and Having Fun. By contributing to the community and supporting others in and out of the workout. By being open to coaching and improving oneself for the sake of being better, not to “win” the workout. By just generally being a good person and having a positive attitude. And a lot more, but you get the idea!
