Janina is our Member of the Month! If you haven’t met Janina yet, that is your loss. Janina joined us a couple of years ago and has been such a joy to have in classes ever since she attended her first class at Croga.
She is somebody that always brings good energy and positive vibes to every class and we all really appreciate it. When she started with us, she immediately was someone that asked for help with her form and that mindset, of form over weight, is the reason that she has progressively gotten stronger and fitter every year she has been with us. She works very hard in every class and only complains a little bit before the workout (as most of us do haha) but when the clock starts she gives it her all. We can’t wait to see how much more progress she will make going into the future. Congratulations!
When did you join Croga?
March of 2022.
What were you doing before for fitness?
Orange Theory, and prior to that Mixed Martial Arts.
What was your first workout? First reaction to your first workout?
It was outdoors because we were still being tortured by The Rona. I remember the workout involved a jump rope, a kettlebell, and a mat. It seemed simple enough on paper, but I remember feeling out of breath and sore afterward.
What improvements have you seen in the way you look, feel and perform?
I had never lifted an empty barbell and never thought I could lift heavy weights on a barbell – now I can, not a lot, more some is better than where I started. My legs are stronger, and most of my work blouses from pre-Croga do not fit correctly, thanks to the muscles in my shoulders and arms.
What days and times do you come to Croga?
I’m a 3:30er with my girl Ari, and I try to come 3-days a week, but you’ll rarely see me on the weekends, I like to sleep in until 9am and there is often a sporting event for a little pepper to attend. I have also been coming to the Friday 9am class with Cody.
What’s your favorite WOD?
Anything with rest in between! Lol! I do love a heavy cardio AMRAP. I also enjoy Helen especially when it involves the hounds.
What’s your least favorite WOD?
Ari will say any WOD with running. She wouldn’t be wrong, but I’ve been assaulted by a specific piece of equipment in the gym on more than one occasion. So any workout that involves it is my least favorite. Hint: the word assault is in the name of the equipment. That stupid bike is insulting, and the calorie counter is rigged!
I’ve been known to call another movement the “Turkish Bullshit” – I disliked any WOD that included it, but I will admit to enjoying it now. It’s a great whole-body workout.
“The Janina” WOD! What would it be?
I love a WOD with a little bit of everything. CARDIO (double unders, box jumps, rowing) WEIGHTS (Kettlebell Swings, Deadlifts, Cleans) and GYMNASTICS (toes to bar, hand stand push ups) — for extra bits: some extra ab work to feel the burn.
What’s your favorite post-workout routine?
Laying on the floor and praying to God I don’t die. Then showering, rolling and sleeping.
What’s been your favorite culinary discovery since joining Croga?
That chicken may have a lot of lean protein, but it’s still boring and gross. Sauces can make anything taste better. Macrobar’s are my fav protein bars.
What’s your biggest fitness goal for this year?
Would love to do a handstand push-up or a kipping pull-up.
What do you love about this type of fitness?
The workouts are never boring, ALWAYS challenging, and there are always new goals to set and achieve.
What words of advice do you have for new members or people considering joining Croga?
YES, YOU CAN DO CF. If I can lift something heavy or do weird gymnastics moves as the most uncoordinated person in the room, SO CAN YOU. You’ll also get to work out with some pretty amazing and FUN people with different skill sets.
