AOTM - Kate & Aaron Burke

Certifications: CrossFit Level 1 Trainer, Dynamic Stretch Specialist, NCSF-CPT (in progress) Member Since: December/2024 Coaching Since: April/2023 Favorite Movement: Strict handstand pushups Favorite WOD: Annie, fast and fun! (when doubles are doubling) Favorite Workout Gear (i.e tape, belt, grips, wrist wraps, etc). Knee sleeves! Game-changer for squatting, walking lunges suck less, and good protection for rope climbs. Born and Raised: Born - Holland, the Netherlands. Raised - Columbia, Maryland Favorite Food: Japanese hibachi or sushi Favorite TV Show/Movie: The Vampire Diaries or Schitts Creek/The Hunger Games series Hobbies: reading/journaling, exploring new coffee shops, brunch and brewery outings on a nice day out Hidden Talent: I have been told that I am really good at writing/expressing thoughts with words. Athletic Background: I tried almost every sport in high school. Field hockey was the only one that clicked, but I didn’t pursue it post high school. I participated in pick-up sports here and there, but nothing consistent before CrossFit. Long Answer (2-3 sentences) Favorite 12 Labours Memory: This past Resolution Games, Elena and I were dancing around 4th place leading up to the final event: Tortoise vs. Hair. (let’s just say I am a Tortoise) The pressure to “send it” for the podium spot had me shaking in my boots, but we had ironically landed 3rd in that event and 3rd overall. When the results came in, I screamed, jumped for joy, and immediately located Elena to share the great news with an extra-enthusiastic jumping hug. Occupation: Marketing Specialist. I worked for a digital marketing agency for almost three years and have been freelancing and contracting since. Interesting Fact: I told myself I would never move back to Maryland when I left the state to attend Virginia Tech for college. Returning home was the best decision I have ever made and greatest joyful surprise, in-part largely for the ever-evolving close relationships that I keep developing here. Why do I coach? I coach CrossFit for greater access to the members and an ability to build close connections with athletes. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing a movement “click” for someone. Supporting their growth with front row seats to all the action is a big privilege for me. Miscellaneous - Add a custom question “What is one language you would choose to have automatically downloaded into your brain” I am half-Turkish, and would love the opportunity to communicate with some family who live there. However, I have always dreamed of spending a few months in the Netherlands, where I was born. I would have to pick Dutch.