Name: Rakel Tryggvadottir
Age: 46
Occupation: Lab Manager.
Where are you from and what brought you to Baltimore? I am from Iceland and a job opportunity brought me to Baltimore.
How long have you been a member at Baltimore Built? Since May 2023.
Were you athletic or involved in sports when growing up? If so, what sports and or activities did you participate in? I did track and field from the age of 11 to 22. My main event was the triple jump, but I also competed in hurdles, long jump, and high jump. In my early 30s, I took up running 5K and 10K races, and then in my late 30s, I started CrossFit.
Were you working out regularly prior to joining Baltimore Built? If so, what were you doing? Yes, I have done CrossFit for years.
Why do you workout? Mainly because I have always loved working out, I find it fun and it makes me feel good. I enjoy challenging myself and seeing progress.
What is your favorite lift or movement and why? My favorite lift is the Snatch. My favorite movements are rope climbs, rowing, and box jumps, probably because these are movements where it helps to be tall 🙂
What is your favorite workout or type of workout and why? It used to be long endurance workouts, now my favorite is barbell club Saturday workouts (Snatch + Clean and Jerk).
What have you accomplished as an athlete (big or small) during your time at Baltimore Built? I have been able to improve my Snatch, Clean, and Jerk technique. Before starting the barbell club I used to power Clean and power Snatch with bad form and was never able to squat under the bar.
What fitness goals do you have for the next year? PR my Snatch, Clean, and Jerk. Get stronger squat and be able to handstand walk! I have wanted to be able to handstand walk since I was a kid.
How has your fitness influenced and/or impacted your life outside of the gym? Working out is a great way for me to cope with the stress of daily life. It is the time of the day I get for myself, part of my self-care, it is also a time I can socialize with friends. This all hopefully makes me a better mother and happier person outside of the gym.