Name: Alejandra Morisi
Age: 43
Occupation: Attorney/Managing Director of a non-profit field office
How long have you been a member at Baltimore Built? Since it opened which means I’ve been a member for 10 years this month!!!
Were you athletic or involved in sports when growing up? If so, what sports and or activities did you participate in? Nope. I was a scared and nerdy kid reading books. Though I somehow became part of the tennis team at my high school. I didn’t do much there and I’m still confused as to my role in that team. If you’ve seen me play, you’d agree.
Were you working out regularly prior to joining Baltimore Built? If so, what were you doing? Yes, before Baltimore Built was started, Dom trained me in a globo gym and then out of his garage. I worked out with Tony before then, too.
Why do you workout? Because I’m grateful and I regularly feel the benefits of working out. Being able to move and do what I do is a gift that I do not take for granted (even when I’ve been injured or I’ve had to modify movements). It is a de-stressor and working out through the years has shown me how strong I really am.
What is your favorite lift or movement and why? This is tough because I love so many things! But I’ll go with the overhead squat. I like it because it is hard and I feel like you can’t hide from the overhead squat in any way. It requires a mix of skills and strengths in order to execute it well: mobility, a strong core, etc. I feel like I can’t move past this question without also mentioning the split jerk. I love the split jerk so much.
What is your favorite workout or type of workout and why? I absolutely love team or partner workouts because I love working with others. I think team and partner workouts also test skills like communication and strategic thinking. How can we work together to achieve the most or to complete a task? It often means stepping up and supporting the team with your strengths while also letting someone else support you with theirs. It is less about ego and more about what we can do together.
What have you accomplished as an athlete (big or small) during your time at Baltimore Built? I still think it’s wild that I do gymnastics movements like handstand push-ups, pull-ups, etc.
What fitness goals do you have for the next year? I always want to be stronger! I’d love to make all my lifts heavier and get back to doing toes to bar and handstand walks. Not much at all really, lol.
How has your fitness influenced and/or impacted your life outside of the gym? I don’t know that I have the words to really capture this impact because I feel it in so many areas of my life. What we have at Baltimore Built is so special and what we do is deeper than “just working out.” Regularly pushing beyond my comfort zone, facing fears and limiting beliefs, overcoming insecurities and showing up when maybe I’d rather not has helped me do the same in all areas of my life. I have practice doing hard things and it’s taught me the value of showing up.
What hobbies and activities do you enjoy outside of the gym? I love traveling with my favorite coach and crush, Tony; trying out new restaurants and food, spending time with family and friends, reading and dancing. Also, I started knitting last week!