When you come to lift with us at A Community Project CrossFit, we use a combination of weightlifting, gymnastics, kettlebells and mobility work to improve your strength, endurance, cardio fitness and agility. Our classes are taught in a small group setting and we pride ourselves on the quality of training that we provide in an atmosphere that allows everyone to draw from the energy and drive of the rest of the group. You'll get a challenging but fun workout and push yourself beyond what you thought possible. ACP CrossFit is also heavily involved in the community and all members are encouraged to participate in the community within the gym, as well as outreach programs in the greater Seattle area. We have some very exciting things coming up that will interest anyone looking to give back to the community. Even if you aren’t a part of our family yet, please participate in the programs we have available.

Coaches

Neil Donathan is a CrossFit Level 1 trainer and has attended the CrossFit Football Certification.  Neil’s passion for training and coaching began in the Navy and while on a deployment to Iraq in 2005 he had his first run in with CrossFit. To say his life was changed is an understatement. He attended his CrossFit Level 1 certification after his second deployment and after eight years of service he left the Navy with the hope of one day opening a gym of his own.

FROM YOUR COACH:

My coaching journey began at CrossFit West Seattle where I was able to learn from some of the best coaches in Seattle. I have been lucky to work at a few different gyms since then and it has let me learn from a multitude of amazing coaches. It is that gym and the coaches though that helped build the foundation of my training philosophy. I fell in love with Kettlebells and moving heavy weights thanks to them and it has ingrained itself into the core of my program. The program I run is for anyone and everyone. I want to make sure that CrossFit is something that everyone can do. The one thing I do know about the program is that if you come in and give it a try you are going to get stronger than you have ever been. Just ask Amanda and the rest of the community we have. 

First WOD?

My first WOD was Barbara and I was instantly humbled and in love.

Favorite Part of CrossFit?

My favorite part of CrossFit is being a part of a community that supports each other despite the differences in age, race, social status, or physical capabilities. The community that is built in each gym is unique and amazing and when you get to see people grow out of their own limitations it is an amazing thing.

Something you’d like to be better at?

The snatch

When you’re not in the gym, where are you?

Thinking about going back to the gym.

What got you into CF?

I was deployed to Iraq in 2005 and got to work with the Navy S.E.A.L.S. I was watching them workout one day and I saw the kipping pull-ups and wondered what they were doing that for. I researched it a bit and realized that if the baddest dudes on the planet are doing it then maybe I should look into it and here I am today.

Favorite WOD?

Helen

Amanda Righi Amanda has attended the CrossFit Level 1 and CrossFit Football certifications and has been an athlete all her life, playing soccer in high school, college and post-college. After discovering CrossFit in late 2011, she has become a convert to the CrossFit methods that combine Olympic lifting, kettlebells and gymnastics. The methods have pushed her to become stronger and faster than she has ever been and she looks forward to assisting others in reaching their individual goals – whether it’s gaining strength or cardio endurance, improving performance in another sport or looking better on the beach for that upcoming trip to Hawaii. Amanda has also worked as a soccer coach and a group fitness instructor. In her spare time, she is an aspiring environmental attorney.

First WOD?

Though not the first workout I did, the first WOD I distinctly remember was Murph (1 mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 squats, 1 mile run). It was my birthday, about two weeks after I started doing CrossFit. Needless to say, I thought I might die after about my 20th (assisted) pull-up. I think I ended up finishing the workout in about 45-50 minutes. I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting “Murph” since that first time but I’m pretty sure he and I would get along at least a little bit better these days.

Favorite Part of CrossFit?

There isn’t just one thing. The two things that are at the top are 1) the friends I’ve made through CrossFit are ones that I’ll have for a very long time; and 2) the sense of accomplishment I feel when I am able to conquer something I never thought possible (10 unbroken, unassisted pull-ups or 6 minute mile). And both of these together – community and accomplishment – are what make ACP CrossFit unique.

Something you’d like to be better at?

There are so many things, how to pick just one. Double unders, toes to bar, knees to elbows, hand stand push-ups. 

When you’re not in the gym, where are you?

When I’m not working or working out, I’m hanging out at home with my husband watching movies, gardening, and having friends over for good (mostly paleo) dinners.

What got you into CF?

I had been working out pretty consistently at a gym, doing static weight lifting and traditional cardio but wasn’t seeing a change in my body, despite a change in diet and more intense workouts. I had friends that tried CrossFit and loved it so I thought I’d try it out. After the first day with Neil (which consisted of burpees and wall balls) I was ready to sign up and have been addicted ever since.

Favorite WOD?

Anything with Deadlifts or kettlebells and no double unders.