Liberated News - Spring 2026

We've got some happenings happening, Liberators.

First of all, congrats to all of you who completed Test Week last month and accepted an honest check-in with your progress.

I've got our Top Ten Most Liberated and Most Improved below. 

In addition, we've got a new Foundations class time to announce and a "Murph" tradition that's right around the corner. 

Test Week Results

April 2026 Top Ten Most Liberated

Men

1. Amin T (Adv)

2. Eli N (Adv)

3. Eugene C (Adv)

4. Seth P (Adv)

5. Jordan A (Adv)

6. Yusuke Y (Adv)

7. Alex F (Int)

8. Connor D (Int)

9. Alejandro C (Int)

10 Dragan M

Women

1. Jill V (Adv+)

2. Noelle D (Adv)

3. Ashlyn B (Adv)

4. Brooke E (Adv)

5. Sarah W (Adv)

6. Mandie R (Adv)

7. Alyssa L (Int)

8. Harriet SR (Adv)

9. Arthi R

10. Manasi A (Adv)

Most Improved

Seth P

I wish I could write a whole article about these results but who's really going to scroll that far down these days?

I will say a few words about our top performers.

Amin T has earned the top spot finally through day in and day out Liberated training. The man is consistent, diligent as could be, and dialed in on improving his test results.

Jill V is, of course, consistent, diligent and focused herself and proved this time around that she is still top notch. You're probably familiar with the idea that getting to the top is hard, but staying there is harder. Jill V is keeping herself at the top of the list and is the only woman (or individual, if we don't count Coach Mike) reaching the super-elusive Advanced Plus level.

If Eli N had tested 6 months ago he might have been our Most Improved this time around. Bro was in full-fledged campaign mode - possibly the busiest man in Morningside Heights - and putting up lifetime PRs at the gym. I loved seeing the hustle back from our longtime fighter. This man always has my vote. 

Noelle D is probably the most aggressive progress-or I've ever witnessed. Noelle sees an RX weight on the board and does it, no question. She sees a skill she can't do and drills the hell out of it with laser-focus. I'm in love with her tenacity. She's going to keep climbing.

Our Most Improved goes to (my workout buddy) Seth P. Seth improved on every single test except for the DB Press - which he tied. Seth worked hard on his weaknesses, majorly improving his Tuck Hang, Mile Run, Pull Up, and Broad Jump (this went up by 10 inches!). I was privy to watch Seth pushing for these improvements every day in the 9:30am class. He's got even more potential to carve out, so watch out. 

New Foundations Time

Speaking of progression, our 2026 beginner-favorite (and Coach Mike favorite), Foundations, is adding a new class time.

See, I recently realized that people without young children don't wake up at 6am on Saturdays.

They might not even wake up until 9 or 10am, I've gathered.

So, we're adding an 11:30am Foundations class to our Saturday class line up.

Tell your friends (or hone up on your own positions).

Memorial Day "Murph"

Memorial Day is coming up.

We have a long-running, solemn tradition to honor the day. 

"Murph" serves as a symbol of the suffering and sacrifice that has been endured by those serving this country.

It's a small gesture of solidarity that I've cherished over the past 20+ years.

Hope you can join us on Monday, May 25th.

We're holding a 9am class and will add another once it fills.

Grab a spot here.