Sweatiest Angel - June 2017

Congratulations to our Sweatiest Angel for June 2017 - Amanda Stanoszek! The Sweatiest Angel award is given each month to the CSC athlete who displays significant work ethic, a willingness to support others and a true sense of camaraderie inside the gym. 

Amanda wears many hats - CrossFitter, competitive triathlete, school teacher, high school coach and owner and operator of Bomani Strength. As someone who is driven by helping kids she has been a coach for multiple sports at Shaw High School where she also spends a lot of time working out before and after school with her students. She does this through her charity Bomani Strength. Her passion for helping Cleveland's youth is something we should all take a cue from.

Congratulations Amanda! You are a shining light and beacon of energy on our gym community.

Amanda @ Pose Cleveland

How long have you been doing CrossFit?  

Amanda: Since 2008 (with A LOT of hiatus’ LOL)

What do you do when you're not at CSC?  

Amanda: I am a teacher at Shaw High School in East Cleveland. While there, I also run my non-profit CrossFit, Bomani Strength. Bomani Strength brings fitness to at-risk youth in the inner cities. I personally run the program with athletes at Shaw, and have another volunteer that runs the program at Collinwood High School. Its so fun to see  the athletes gain a love for fitness and CrossFit, and even start to change their eating habits for an overall healthy lifestyle. Many college athletes back in the summer to workout with us too, and I love hearing the stories about how they SLAY their college workouts because of the knowledge and conditioning they received while training with Bomani Strength.

I also enjoy swimming, triathlons, yoga, being regular guest at Lago, and traveling.

What is your favorite WOD/movement?  

Amanda: Looking! Looking at all the yummy topless men! Also, I like WODs with running, wall balls, sit-ups and dubs (double unders).

What is your least favorite WOD/movement?  

Amanda: LATERAL BURPEES especially with that damn clap… 

When did you come to find CrossFit and realize it was for you?  

Amanda: When I lived in Charleston, SC I had a little side gig working at Max Muscle. They needed me to go offsite to work a Grand Opening of CrossFit Integrity and give out sample protein shakes. As most of you know, I am very talkative and nosy, so I started asking questions about what they were doing, and next thing you know, I had some random chick giving out my protein while I did the WOD, which was Fight Gone Bad! I loved it and joined on the spot! I loved the competitive aspect of it. I had just finished my first Iron Man Triathlon, and was in need of a something non-triathlon, but still competitive! CrossFit fit that need to kick ass!! * side note * The chick who took over my protein shaking while I worked out is now my BFF, and my boss ended up showing up to the event, and fired me….HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!

What were your expectations when you started CrossFit?  

Amanda: To look good naked… still hasn’t happened, but its cool… I still look in the mirror daily and tell myself (Bae… you are looking thick and lit!).

What are your goals for CrossFit now?  

Amanda: Ass like Megan. Handstand and Handstand Walk. To get Todd to WOD Topless All the Time.

How has your experience with CrossFit been?  

Amanda: Great!! I have made so many lasting friendships, and found a love for fitness, where I’m constantly finding myself trying to achieve a higher standard of fitness and health. I love that at CSC people stay after to work on other accessories, or even dieting together! There’s always that support group! CrossFit also has made me a better athlete. When I started adding CrossFit into my training for Triathlons, I qualified for Nationals three years in a row! I wasn’t even close to that without CrossFit!

One thing you've done at CSC you never thought you would do?  

Amanda: Like JB (I thought he was a dick at first LOL). Tape my boobs in place to WOD because I lost my bra. Lose my bra soooo many times! Squat properly.

What advice would you give someone just starting CrossFit?  

Amanda: Don’t be intimidated! CrossFit is literally for everyone, just know your level and ability, and don’t be Billy Bad Ass right off the rip!

For an awesome and abridged video version of Amanda's interview, check out our Instagram video HERE.