Rachel Ann Martin

Throwback to being part of this news feature during my first big CrossFit competition!

When I first decided to do CrossFit, it was after watching the Manila Throwdown Individuals Edition back in the Summer of 2016. That following Monday, I dove right into the deep end and started training. I told myself I would make it a goal to compete in the Manila Throwdown too.

A year and several months later, not only am I a CrossFit Coach, but my team - Team Belles & Balls - made it into the Manila Throwdown Team Edition 2017 finals! The road through qualifiers was challenging, and since the beginning stages we had injuries, illnesses, obstacles, etc. and more seemed to come up as the finals came closer...but at the end we pulled through and did the best that we could. I learned a lot from this experience, met lots of new people in the CrossFit community, and I’m happy we ended it on a positive note. It has been a memorable experience.

Thank you to my family and friends who supported and motivated me in times of struggle. Thank you and congratulations to my fellow teammates Ave, JB, and Carlos — we may not have placed on the podium, but we are all winners in my book.

Until next time.

The Score: Manila Throwdown Team Edition Hundreds of fitness enthusiasts attended the 6th edition of the largest crossfit event in the country, the Manila Throwdown Team Edition 2017. Subscribe to A...

011717 Progress Photo // Approximately 3 weeks into my bodybuilding program and my shoulders, biceps, and lats are coming in very nicely. Sometimes even a coach has her own coaches 🙏🏼💪🏼 • shirt by .

*Late Post* I finally did my first box hop and also achieved my first Hero WOD 🎉 To celebrate Independence Day in 'Murica, Q Box decided to do the "Murph" Hero WOD 🇺🇸 (CrossFitters know this one is a killer!) Since I was the only girl present, I decided to keep up with the guys and not do the scaled version of the workout...and despite the intensity and moments that I thought there was no way I could finish, somehow I completed it 💪🏻🏆 -- though I was 10 min. over the 1-hour we were supposed to finish it in haha (but I wasn't last! Hehehe) Thanks guys for the super pumped session!!! Happy 4th of July America! 🎊❤️

Instagram photo by Rachel Ann Martin • Jul 10, 2016 at 1:40am UTC See this Instagram photo by • 29 likes

This may be called the "Sport of Fitness" and though we athletes strive intensely to become better/fitter/stronger on individual levels, we never fail to motivate/support and help build each other up along the way. We train together, struggle together, grow together. Community...Fellowship...Family. "Community over Competition." CROSSFIT.

Instagram photo by Rachel Ann Martin • Jul 10, 2016 at 12:42am UTC See this Instagram photo by • 24 likes

CF Halcyon and CF Taft merged for Louie's Despedida WOD! 💪🏼😎🎉 I'm so happy to get to meet new people within the CrossFit community while bonding over lots of sweat, sometimes tears, yelling/cheering, and the occasional instances of blood 😂 Thank you to Coach Louie, Eric, Nix and everyone who showed up for the wonderful time.

Instagram photo by Rachel Ann Martin • Jul 10, 2016 at 12:21am UTC See this Instagram photo by • 28 likes

Oh, hello there 😳😊

🌎 LOCATION: Philippines 🇵🇭 - San Francisco Del Monte, Q.C. // Hello to the brethren all around the world! Let us continue to unite with our Executive Minister, especially in spreading love and sharing the words of the Almighty God to our fellow men (and women!) Today, we woke up very early to take part in the pamphlet distribution. Here are some of the brethren and officers from our area group ❤️