Crystal is our well deserved Member of the Month!
Since joining us in January, Crystal has been the definition of consistency and positive energy. Whether she’s walking in for a 5:00 am grind or wrapping up her day with the 5:30 pm crew, she always brings a smile and uplifting attitude to the gym.
Crystal is known for claiming she can’t lift something or isn’t ready for a movement — and then turning around and crushing it. Her recent deadlift PR is just the latest example of how strong she’s become since starting her journey with us.
Don’t let her playful resistance to the workout fool you — once that clock starts, Crystal goes all in. Her effort, energy, and genuine joy make her an awesome part of the Croga community.
We’re proud to celebrate Crystal as our Member of the Month. Keep killing it, Crystal — we can’t wait to see what you do next! 💪
Way to go, Crystal—you’ve earned it!
When did you join Croga?
I joined at the end of January 2025 — technically by accident.
What were you doing before for fitness?
Before Croga, I was mostly just gym-hopping. I’d recently moved to California in December and wanted a local gym. I was thinking “treadmills and dumbbells,” not realizing I was about to walk into the world of CrossFit.
What was your first workout? First reaction to your first workout?
My “first workout” was signing up for Croga’s 28-day plan thinking it was just a normal gym challenge. Then I realized it was CrossFit… and I was too chicken to back out. My reaction? “Well, I guess I live here now.”
What improvements have you seen in the way you look, feel and perform?
I’ve lost over 20 pounds since joining, but more importantly, I’ve gotten stronger — physically and mentally. I learned how to use a barbell for the first time in my life and discovered muscles I didn’t know I had.
What days and times do you come to Croga?
I’m a 5 a.m. girl !…but sometimes a dabble! Generally Monday,Tuesday , Thursday and Friday.The vibe is immaculate and the people are my kind of crazy. Shout out to my 5 a.m. crew — thanks for tolerating my overly energetic morning self.
What’s your favorite WOD?
Farmer’s carry. I don’t know why carrying heavy things feels so satisfying, but I blame Coach Nick for loading me up with ridiculously heavy dumbbells.
What’s your least favorite WOD?
Anything involving burpees. Burpees are a crime against humanity.
“The Crystal” WOD! What would it be?
Front squat to start. (I’ll leave the RPMS and stuff like that to the professionals
400 m buy in
30sec on and 30 sec off
Overhead plate or dumbbell march
Russian twist with plate or dumbbell
Plate or dumbbell sit up
Lunge with plate or dumbbell twist
Farmers carry
400 m buy out
Should take around 15 mins
2 or 3 rounds… I don’t know adjust accordingly
What’s your favorite post-workout routine?
Stretch, drink water, and bask in the fact that I was awake, sweating, and done before most people hit snooze for the second time.
What’s been your favorite culinary discovery since joining Croga?
That meal prep actually works. Who knew being prepared could keep me from inhaling half a pizza? And also ethnicity is not an excuse. I’ve learn how to make my same Jamaican recipes appropriately to make healthier versions of themselves.
What’s your biggest fitness goal for this year?
Continue building strength while staying lean — and maybe finally mastering pull-ups without making a dramatic scene about it.
What do you love about this type of fitness?
It’s impossible to be bored. Every day is different, the people are amazing, and the coaches are the perfect mix of encouraging and “I’m going to make you lift heavier than you thought you could.”
What words of advice do you have for new members or people considering joining Croga?
Don’t let the fear of being “not fit enough” stop you. We all start somewhere — I literally didn’t know what CrossFit was when I joined. And if I can survive 5 a.m. workouts, you’ll be fine.
Anything to add that we didn’t touch on yet?
Big love to all the coaches — Nick for making me realize my strength, Carmen for showing me that muscles and femininity can co-exist and look hot, and Cody for being the warm welcome I didn’t know I needed.