May Featured Athlete - Elise Eckman

Where are you from?

Youngstown, Ohio

What brought you to Ithaca?

Grad school

Tell us about your studies?

I’m currently finishing up a PhD at Cornell in Aerospace Engineering, where I study how to create infrastructure on the moon from moon rocks. I worked as a Project Engineer for the Canadian Space Mine Corporation, focusing on how to manufacture on the moon and provide power on the moon for a future lunar base. 

How long have you been in Ithaca?

5 years

What brought you to Pallas?

I was lacking community, didn't know anyone when I moved here initially and attempted going to a gym by myself, which was not fulfilling in variety or socialization. 

Josh, who was technically my roommate, albeit illegally, told me about Pallas.

How long have you been a member at Pallas?

February 2023

What keeps you motivated?

Honestly, there is nothing like the endorphin high after a hard CrossFit workout and I love feeling the accomplishment. Yeah, just NOTHING like the endorphin high from CrossFit, never felt it

What’s your favorite and least favorite CrossFit movement(s)?

Wall balls because its strength and cardio all in one/anything on my hands, wall walks, handstand related, I lack all shoulder strength.

What would your ideal WOD consist of?

Heavy back squats

Dubs

Box jumps

Above WOD playlist/5 song max?

Paradise by Big Sean

Wolf Pack by Pigeon Hole

Tomboy by Princess Nokia

Vegas by Doja Cat

Sanctified by Rick Ross

What’s your go to comfort food?

Mac-n-cheese

How did your Cornell volleyball team do this semester?

We are 2-2 and having a great time. We played for 3 hours on Sunday because no one wanted to stop practicing. Our last game is Monday, May 6.

Where is the coolest place you’ve visited?

Guanajuato, Mexico

What reading/book would you recommend to a stranger?

I don't read for fun, I read too much academia and just don’t want more reading.

If you could live anywhere and money wasn't an issue, where would you choose?

I wanna say Pallas, for the people for sure

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise most people?

I can’t rotate my fingers in opposite directions.

What advice would you give to someone who is hesitant to start at Pallas?

I think that CrossFit is magical because if you think that you are fit you are going to be humbled, but If you are not fit and want to get in shape, everyone involved from the coaches to the classmates are going to help you modify to get you through it and grow from it. Everyone gets what they need from it. I'm so much happier because of it.