Christina is a teacher by day and attends the 5 AM class by night (if it is still dark out, then it is night). As many can barely fathom coming into a 5 AM class and doing anything physically or mentally, Christina does just that everytime with a great attitude! With her teaching schedule she doesn’t have a lot of time to get workouts in, so she has committed to coming to every 5 am class, and if she happens to miss one, you bet you will see her in early morning Open Gym to make that day up.
Christina loves to lift barbells and feels oppositely about burpees, but either way she shows up for every style of workouts. Every time one of our coaches sees her come into their class, they are happy to see her and she will make that class that much more enjoyable. It has been such a pleasure having Christina and her positive attitude at our gym and she is someone that really brightens up our early morning classes.
When did you join Croga?
I joined Croga sometime around September 2019.
What were you doing before for fitness?
I was part of the Pasadena Pacers down in SoCal, and running was the bulk of my fitness routine. Along with a few days a week at the local Gold’s Gym for fitness classes. However, once I moved to the Bay Area my fitness routine was non-existent, until I found CrossFit, and fell head over heels for it.
What was your first workout? First reaction to your first workout?
I can’t remember exactly the first workout at Croga, and I do remember strict press, and lots of it! I remember leaving the gym, and thinking that I had found my new gym that felt good and comfortable. Before signing up with Croga I dropped in to other area gyms, and none felt quite right.
What improvements have you seen in the way you look, feel and perform?
The biggest improvement I’ve noticed is the shift in my moods and energy levels. As a teacher I’ve found that when I work out before teaching I’m a better teacher for my students, and I can handle all the wild antics of teenagers. The cherry on top is having clothes fit better, and a more defined waist. Performance wise I feel ready to tackle the WODs regardless of the movements, and I no longer feel personally attacked as much by the assault bike! It still sucks and burns, but not as bad anymore.
What days and times do you come to Croga?
Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 5am. Sometimes 7am when I have a morning off from work.
What’s your favorite WOD?
DT and anything with rowing.
What’s your least favorite WOD?
FRAN! And anything with the assault bike and wall balls.
“The Christina” WOD! What would it be?
Definitely some rowing. I’ve been obsessed with 100 calorie row since we had that one epically long WOD a few weeks ago. Farmer carry, some DB snatches, abmat sit ups and single unders just for funsies.
What’s your favorite post-workout routine?
Fresh cup of coffee or a latte and text my fiancé what and how I did for the workout.
What’s been your favorite culinary discovery since joining Croga?
My cooking is minimal and simple, however since joining Croga the way I see eating and food has changed so much! I’ve definitely learned to be more inclusive with what I eat, and not see eating as a deficit.
What’s your biggest fitness goal for this year?
Get my first wall walk up.
What do you love about this type of fitness?
I love that it’s always a challenge, and when I think I have it figured out I don’t. I also love all the different ways to scale and modify movements.
What words of advice do you have for new members or people considering joining Croga?
Start small and pick one thing to focus at a time. Be consistent, even when it feels hard. Most importantly, don’t forget to have fun! And breathe!!!
Anything to add that we didn’t touch on yet?
I’m forever grateful to all the coaches at Croga for always pushing all of us to be better and making all of us smile and laugh. Ari is the best 5am coach! And she definitely makes the 5am WODs super fun and we always have a blast! Shout out to the 5am crew!
