The original CrossFit benchmark workout Annie was first programmed on CrossFit.com for Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2005.
The workout was named for Annie Sakamoto, who started CrossFit at Greg Glassman’s original gym in Santa Cruz, California, in 2004. In 2005, Sakamoto appeared alongside Nicole Carroll and Eva “T” Twardokens in another CrossFit benchmark, Nasty Girls.
Sakamoto went on to become a trainer at the original box before later becoming co-owner of CrossFit Santa Cruz Central. She’s also a perennial Games athlete and was named Fittest on Earth in the 45-49 division in 2021.
But even someone as fit as Sakamoto can learn and develop new skills.
Last month, we asked Sakamoto if she would take on an upgraded version of Annie — a new benchmark called Gymnasty Annie that adds presses to handstand to the original double-under and sit-up couplet. She noted she didn’t have the press to handstand but agreed to take on the challenge of learning them — and quickly.
See how it went.
Comments on Gymnasty Annie WOD Demo
Definitely want to try this in a class at the box!
So stoked to have dropped into one of your classes (with honestly no idea who you were at the time). You just make me smile and want to do more CrossFit, your are most awesome Annie, thank you.
I’m curious what the standards are for a press handstand. Is RX from a sit or a stand? Do you have to go off of your toes? Can you jump from the straddle up to the handstand? If not, how do you judge this? What are the requirements for coming out of the handstand?
Amazing... 25 days?!
Wow, very impressive. It’s good to understand that even the best of the best are evolving and learning in CrossFit!
What a bad ass. She’s always been so damn fit. Thanks for the motivation Annie.
Gymnasty Annie WOD Demo
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