Get to Know Alyssa Ritchey

Weightlifting was something I did to help better me in track but the coach loved my confidence and he somehow could tell I was unnaturally strong for my size. I laughed at him when he said I needed to compete in weightlifting that is until I started winning competitions. I never lifted weights until I started weightlifting and ended up qualifying for junior nationals my first year. I got into Crossfit because I wanted to have that feeling of competitiveness back something to strive for and focus on. I was getting tired of lifting weights everyday I needed something more and Crossfit was that something.

How did growing up as a farm girl in Ohio help your strength/work ethic?

I grew up on a farm for about 9 years. We had 30 head of cattle and about 10 baby calves, and several chickens for eggs and meat. I had to wake up at 5:30 before school to feed my calf milk and warm water. After school we had to do the same and walk them to prepare them for fair. Also there were plenty of nights I would help my papa bed (lay straw down) the cattle which was fun. They would get so excited by running and jumping around the cage which helped push the straw around. I would help with feeding by carrying buckets of feed which weighed 30lb each from barn to barn. There was also the cleaning of the cages; I had to clean my calves cage by shovels. I would come out in my shorts, belly shirt, and bandana around my nose because the heat would make the smell of urine and crap smell twenty times worse. It would take us 2 hours to get it shoveled and wheelbarrowed out to the garbage area.

My dad always wanted us girls to grow up strong minded and independent, never depend on a man he would say. The farm taught me responsibilities, strength, and plenty of work ethic.

What’s your favorite thing about competing in CrossFit and what is the most challenging element for you?

My most favorite thing in CrossFit is the heavy lifting and the people you get to meet! The most challenging elements rowing and squatting heavy weight fast.

I know Oreos are the backbone of your diet, tell us about the rest of it and how you stay so lean?

Genetics my friend. One of my girlfriends tried to eat like me one summer and couldn’t do it because she saw herself gaining weight. Everyone’s different so do what works for you. I also train 6 days a week from 2-4 hours a day. I don’t buy breads or dairy products, but if I happen to go out and order a burger I eat the whole thing like a fatty the bun, cheese, and fries. Yes, I am a little fatty for my size when it comes to eating.

What’s your favorite lift/exercise? What are some tips you have for people to improve in it?

My favorite lift is the overhead squat. This is a lift that needs plenty of mobility. When the weight is lifted off your shoulders, you need to remain tight with a good base of support and active shoulders, press on the bar. When you begin to squat down keep tight, press knees out but not forward, stay on your heels, look forward and keep your core & back stabilized. When I come out of the OHS I think squeeze your butt like your going to the bathroom it helps people understand the technique better.