Andrew first joined in Feb 2024 and dove right into the workouts and the community. Heading straight to the top of the check-in leaderboard each month, putting in extra work after classes and in things such as Coach Chris L.’s Pull-Up excursion, and showing up for our social and competitive events, Andrew was not afraid to commit. Anyone who has met Andrew knows that he has a great attitude, is especially welcoming especially towards new members, and really embodies our values of Learning, Working Hard, and Having Fun. For all of those reasons and more, Andrew is our July Member of the Month – Congratulations!
Name
Andrew Davis
Occupation
Software Developer
When did you start at Kanna?
February 2024
What are your favorite numbers and why?
17. Worn by by two all-time favorite Philadelphia Flyers! Rod “The Bod” Brind’Amour and Wayne Simmonds.
What movements do you like?
Anything with a barbell in my hands (especially Oly lifts!), Rowing, Echo Bike, and pull ups of any variety!
What movements do you dislike?
None that I outright dislike, just some that I have a harder time with 🤪
What sports or fitness things did you do before Kanna?
Hockey/Baseball in my teenage days, off and on as an adult.
How did you find Kanna? How did you feel when you first walked in?
Instagram, if my memory serves. Initial feelings were nothing short of a roller coaster of emotions. I was anxious about stepping into the unknown, but I was also excited knowing it could be a game changer for my overall well-being. Marla was also a massive help during basecamp in alleviating my anxiety about how everything worked and giving me a better understanding of my baseline on some of the foundational movements.
What’s your “why” for working out?
My ‘why’ has definitely evolved over the past year. I initially started working out because I was going through a hard time after a significant loss in my immediate family, and it was the one thing I could control. It gave me a positive focus. I’ve stuck with it because I realized how much it helps me feel healthier and stronger in every way. It’s as much for my head as it is for my body.
What’s your favorite thing about Kanna?
The culture! It feels so nice to be part of a community where celebrating individual milestones is common. I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many warm and generous people who I’m really happy to call friends now! Regardless of what might be happening in my personal life, my mood always elevates a bit after seeing some friendly faces here.
What are your hobbies?
I really enjoy board games, crossword puzzles, reading, seeing live music, and solving interesting problems with code.
What’s something most people don’t know about you or a fun fact?
I’ve given several technical talks on web accessibility/empathy-driven development!
What PRs or accomplishments (fitness-related) are you most proud of?
I’ll narrow down two for this one. First would be getting to experience the CrossFit open this past March. Workouts were challenging, but the camaraderie over those three weeks with the team Leslie and I co-captained was fantastic! I think it really just encompassed all the positives I’ve experienced over the last year: tough workouts, community support, and a little bit of zaniness. Second accomplishment of note is the twenty-four hour row I did with Hack and Asia Sigda. It was a challenge staying on for hours at time but ultimately a really worthwhile experience overall. I’m also looking to do it again this year! (If anyones interested in teaming up, LMK! 👀)
What’s on your fitness bucket list?
Couple of things: Level up in some gymnastics movements. It’s been my experience that they all have the highest ceiling for increasing skill/strength for. I’d also like to participate in some more team-based competitions. Lastly, I’d like to get an L1 certification to become a bit more knowledgable about nutrition, preventing injuries, and more foundational information about CrossFit methodology/movements.
What’s on your general bucket list?
Being open to new experiences, volunteering more, and staying curious
What advice do you have for people new to Kanna?
If you are even tangentially interested in incorporating a fitness regimen into your life, I would encourage you to give Kanna a look. Prior to February of 24′ I had never stepped foot into any sort of gym in my life and can’t imagine going without it as of writing this now. The coaches want to help you reach your goals, and the members will be there to support you as well. Change won’t happen overnight, but it doesn’t have to take years either.
Anything else you’d like to mention?
Shoutout to the 6:45ers! On a more serious note, thanks to every single coach/staff member for always being patient with me and giving me feedback for improving in certain areas. I’ve learned so much from all of you, and I look forward to many more classes to come! Also, thank you to all the members I’ve had the chance to get to know better this past year; you all are why I come as frequently as I do and are a continuous inspiration for me. You know who you are!
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!
