Training for Life: How Jami Karper Found Strength, Balance, and Longevity
April 1, 2026
April AThlete of the month: Jami Karper
Our April Athlete of the Month - Jami Karper - brings a lot of tenacity, determination, and a phenomenal sense of humor to the gym with her every day! When Jami joined Blackbird, she was looking to convert some unintentional weight loss into the start of habitual progress, and boy has she delivered! Coaching Jami is a joy - she consistently pushes herself while also making smart choices, and takes care of herself outside of the gym too. You can often find her doing supplemental mobility and PT exercises to keep her body moving with comfort and ease. After taking a few swings at finding a routine that fits her lifestyle, Jami now trains for longevity and the sense of connection and control with her body.
Jami is one of our 6:30 am regulars, despite a busy schedule at her job and raising two teenage sons with active extracurricular calendars. But when she happens to hit snooze a few too many times, you can find her at evening classes as well! Family, and community, are both important to Jami. That's just as apparent when she helps promote local fundraisers for our schools as it is when you’re near her for a lift and she offers you the camaraderie of sharing a rack and her support.
Kind, witty, and perhaps a future Blackbird pottery clinic teacher, Jami is one of a kind.We are so happy that Jami decided to give Blackbird a shot - despite knowing Coach Chris from the neighborhood beforehand - and are so proud of how she has managed to create healthy, sustainable habits that will continue paying dividends for her in the future.
Read More About Jami Below!
Tell us about yourself:
My name is Jami (no e). I was born and raised in Western Maryland before going to UMCP. I have been married for 20 years (in October) and have two teenage boys, a velcro dog, and a lot of family in my life.
What made you start CrossFit? What has kept you doing it? Has your motivation changed from when you first started?
I had some health issues that caused significant weight loss. I thought I wanted a way to maintain a lower weight but I quickly realized that I really wanted to feel in control of my body.
What have you learned about movement, fitness, and yourself since joining Blackbird?
Consistency is the most important thing for me. I failed many times to create a fitness habit. I learned that I just had to show up, follow direction, and trust the process.
What is your favorite CrossFit movement, lift, or WOD? Is there something you dread seeing on Wodify?
I can never pick favorites but I will take lifting over cardio any day. I do not look forward to running or pushups, but if there are snatches I might sleep through my alarm.
What do you enjoy most about Blackbird or CrossFit in general?
I appreciate how supportive and accepting the Blackbird community is.
What are your CrossFit or fitness goals? How close are you to reaching them?
My goal everyday is to show up for myself, try my best, and listen to my body. I am working on a lot of different things at the moment.
When you are not in the gym what is your favorite thing to do?
Board/card/tabletop games with my family and friends.
What is one fun thing about you that we may not know yet?
I've taken up pottery as a hobby fairly recently. My husband and I got into it together and things snowballed into a garage studio pretty quickly.
What is the one tip you would give someone considering CrossFit or new to CrossFit?
Don't be afraid of failing. Failing is a sign that you are pushing yourself, so if you don't fail occasionally, you should work harder.
What is your favorite workout fuel? What’s your favorite indulgence?
I can't eat before working out, but I like mixing chocolate protein powder with cold brew and oat milk after a morning workout. I have no self control when it comes to ice cream and donuts.
Have you rehabbed an injury? If so, what takeaways or insight into training for longevity has that taught you? Has your long term approach to your training changed as a result of your experience?
A box tried to take out my tibia and my rotator cuff was tweaked. In both cases, I kept showing up and scaling workouts. The shin just needed time (so much time!) but the mental impact was larger. I took a break from box jumps and then slowly worked my way back up. For the rotator cuff, I did my PT and then keep doing it. I still run through a few accessory exercises at least once a week just to remind those little slacker muscles to pay attention.
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