Lesley is our MOTM! If you haven’t seen Lesley at the gym then you haven’t been to the gym lately. She’s been really pushing herself in her workouts, whether that be smashing the dreaded Echo Bike to finish up a long workout or pushing the weight in her lifts. 

Lesley is such a pleasure to have in class! She comes in and doesn’t complain, puts her head down and works hard. She isn’t someone you have to tell to push themselves, she does it all on her own.

Also, she may have the best dang shirt collection anyone has ever had, filled with great quotes and the occasional Spongebob graphic. We are so lucky to have Lesley at the gym and so excited to see where she goes from this point on. If you don’t read her Q & A you will be 100% missing out. 

When did you join Croga?

August 2002

What were you doing before for fitness?

Lying on my couch and wallowing in self-loathing. I had been a runner before that, but was experiencing chronic knee pain that slowed me down so much it wasn’t worth the effort anymore.

What was your first workout? First reaction to your first workout?

I can’t remember the exact workout, but I remember feeling super winded afterward and thinking “Jesus Lesley, how could you let yourself end up like this? 20 minutes of work and you’re lying face down on the floor trying not to throw up! Do you want to end up like your granny, being forced into a nursing home in your 60s because you have the health and mobility of a 90-year-old smoker with chronic asthma?” I decided then and there that I was going to do everything in my control to make sure that when I turn 60, I will be a burden to nobody but myself. Beach body be damned, I want to climb stairs and carry my own groceries when I’m older.

What improvements have you seen in the way you look, feel and perform? 

Oh gosh, where do I begin? I’m seeing some muscle definition in my legs, my core feels stronger, my jumping has improved exponentially AND I even started doing some running again! I still deal with knee pain, but I’m learning I need to work through it instead of getting discouraged and giving up on exercise, even if it means scaling WODs/reps or taking a day or two off to recuperate.

What days and times do you come to Croga?

I used to come in the AM, but was struggling with some sleep issues so I switched to afternoon classes.

What’s your favorite WOD?

Anything with handstand work. I used to do gymnastics when I was a lot younger, and handstands are the only movement in CF I can do really well. Also love movements that focus on quads/hammies/thigh muscles in general. And running, really enjoyed the 5k WOD a few months back, even though I was slow AF.

What’s your least favorite WOD?

Aside from the obvious crowd least-favorites like burpees and the assault bike? Snatches. If I ever injure myself in CF (a highly unlikely scenario, our excellent coaches would never let that happen) it will involve snatches in some form. I still show up for snatch WODs though, because everybody knows you’ll never get better at something by not doing it, right? Also double unders. Clearly there’s a trick to nailing the movement that I have not cracked yet and it causes me major angst.

“The Lesley” WOD! What would it be?

There will be handstands, of course, as well as some thigh conditioning, and a little cardio to round the whole thing off. I’m thinking something like the “Mary” WOD with running.

What’s your favorite post-workout routine?

Lying on the cold concrete walkway outside the gym making “sweat angels”.

What’s been your favorite culinary discovery since joining Croga?

The wonderful wide world that is meal planning.

What’s your biggest fitness goal for this year?

Building strong muscles and improving mobility so in 30 years I can sashay into my golden oldies with grace and aplomb. I don’t want to be a 68-year-old punchline for LifeAlert products, thank you very much.

What do you love about this type of fitness?

The variety. I love checking the BTWB app every Sunday to see what new WODs we’ll be doing the following week. And most of all, I don’t have to spend hours planning out which workout to do which day and which muscles to focus on, or what machines I should use etc. All I have to do is just show up and sign in.

What words of advice do you have for new members or people considering joining Croga? 

The hardest part of CrossFit is committing to joining a CrossFit gym. The second hardest part is completing your first class. It does get easier and a whole lot more fun, I promise, but you have to keep showing up doing it regularly. Also, don’t wait until you get your “gym body” to start wearing the clothes you think only your future “fit” self deserves to wear. Buy the damn crop top/tank top/dress/skirt/shorts/bikini/speedo in your current size and wear it NOW!

Leave a Reply

GETTING STARTED IS EASY!

Simply fill out the form below and then schedule Your FREE intro session on the next page.

Shortly after we will be in touch with you to confirm your intro session. We are excited to meet you!

(give our form below a second to load, we love you for it!)

Jill Parker

Product Assistant

About

Jill helps us out with member relations, event planning, social media, admin tasks, and other projects. Feel free to email her at jill@crogafitness.com with any fun event ideas or if you have any questions about getting started at Croga

David Musgrave

Owner

About

From a very young age, it became apparent that Coach Dave loved all things sport and competition related. Maybe it was being the youngest of four or maybe it was being the only boy in the family. Whatever it was, it has created a fire inside of him that fuels his urge to constantly be striving for excellence through consistent and steady improvement. His unwavering persistence and eternal optimism are his two greatest assets as a husband, father, coach, entrepreneur and athlete. They are the pillars he has stood on for as long as he can remember and are the reasons he is such a fantastic leader. He grew up playing competitive soccer, loves snowboarding and enjoys traveling the world. Dave was thrown into the world of CrossFit in 2008, he has competed in the largest competitions in the CrossFit world and in 2017 he was the 18th Fittest Man in Northern California in The CrossFit Games Open, finishing 34th at the California Regional as an Individual Athlete. Dave relocated to Boise, ID with his wife and two daughters but still has a hand in directing the heart of Croga Fitness. When he is not coaching or training, you can usually find him reading a book, listening to a podcast, doing some online continuing education or having a chat with someone he thinks he can learn from. As a very curious, driven and dedicated individual, he like to say that he is a serial learner and has an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. Over the years, Dave has experimented with a lot of different types of eating, but never really felt like he was in control or consistently making the correct food choices that would result in long term success until he found WAG and “flexible dieting”. Dave and his wife have both had significant success with improved body composition and performance since incorporating this healthier and more sustainable type of eating into their lives and it has inspired Dave to want to share with others and inspire them to improve their health through flexible dieting as well.

Qualifications

  • CrossFit Certified Trainer (CCFT) (CrossFit Level 3)
  • CrossFit Level 2
  • CrossFit Level 1
  • Certified Working Against Gravity Nutrition Coach
  • Active Life Coach Awareness Seminar Certificate
  • CrossFit Masters Course Certificate
  • CrossFit Aerobic Capacity
  • USA Weightlifting Sports Performance Coach
  • CrossFit Anatomy Course Certificate
  • CrossFit Scaling Course Certificate
  • CrossFit Spot The Flaw Course Certificate
  • CrossFit Lesson Planning Course Certificate
  • CrossFit Dumbbell Course Certificate

Ethan Fein

Coach

About

After trial runs at baseball, fencing, and soccer lasting two seasons, a couple years, and one practice respectively, Ethan found ice hockey at nine years old and was immediately hooked. Wanting to get stronger going into his freshman year of high school in 2016, Ethan started working out at Croga, where his mom, Julianna, was already a member. CrossFit became a separate passion, rather than just a supplement for hockey. Now a freshman at UCLA, the pandemic delayed Ethan’s move to southern California and allowed him to focus on other interests. He has always been interested in the mental side of sports and as someone who loves watching sports, he enjoys learning the nuances of each game. Becoming a coach has given Ethan a different perspective on CrossFit as an athlete and a chance to help others improve and reach their fitness goals.

Taylor DiBiasio

Coach

Snatch – 245

Clean and Jerk – 305

CrossFit Total – Back – 485 Strict Press – 220 Deadlift – 445

Personality – Priceless

About

Taylor moved to California in 2021 and is originally from Alaska by way of Portland. During the Day he is an HR professional. During his free time, he loves to disc golf, play board games, eat good food, ski, and travel.

Turning Point

I am a D1 volleyball athlete turned recreational rugby player turned mediocre disc golfer. After leaving college I had no idea how to take care of my body or my nutrition. Then at 23, I started what would become a 7+ year battle with cancer and my body was just falling apart. 5 years ago, in between rounds of chemo, I found CrossFit. The diverse workouts kept me excited, the community kept me showing up, and the rest is history.

Motivation & Passion

I truly just want everyone to be as excited about movement as I am. Sure is the competition side of CrossFit fun and exciting? Yes. But there is nothing like discovering the power inside yourself to positively create change within your body, within your life. That feeling from when you’re 6 years old and you make it across the monkey bars the first time does not go away. Whether it’s cross-training for athletics, trying to keep up with your kids, or getting in the best shape of your life at age 50, I want to be a part of that journey for members. That’s why I coach, and that’s why I show up at the gym (almost) every day.

Qualifications

CrossFit Level 2

CrossFit Kids

Carmen Romano

Coach

Back Squat: 285#

Front Squat: 225#

Bench: 185#

Dead Lift: 295#

Member of the ROGUE 750# CLUB…woohoo!

About

I’ve been interested in the human form and movement for as long as I can remember and decided at University to get serious about learning it! I’m a practicing Physical Therapist, fitness coach and mama of three. Those little rascals are by far my favorite and greatest motivation. Some of my interests include: playing the tenor sax, anything water-sport (including sailing), horseback riding, racquetball, dancing, wine tasting …and fun!

Turning Point

I was a boxer and broke my hand in the ring. While I was post-surgical, in my cast and feeling sorry for myself, I started focusing on strength training. After a couple of years and noticeable progress, I decided to try out CrossFit.

Motivation & Passion

When people come together, support one another and get health benefits that surpass conventional outcomes by moving better and working hard..well then we’re on to something. CrossFit facilitates this AND gives an opportunity to all, athletes and coaches alike. Getting someone moving better and proud of their own achievements / progress is my motivator. I may not get them to their finish line, but if there is an opportunity along their journey I can educate, coach and push them, oh…I’m there!

Qualifications

CrossFit Level 1 Trainer

Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist 

Bachelor’s of Science Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Science

Doctorate of Physical Therapy

“Keep moving, keep trying, keep smiling…you are making a difference.” 

  – C. Romano

Johnny McDermott

Coach

Back Squat-350

Deadlift- 405

Bench-255

About

Work as a project manager for a general contractor by day, and throw weight around at my favorite gym by night. I love working out, I want to share my love for working out with everybody and hope it rubs off. It is the best natural medicine for anything. The more people realize that the happier our lives will be.

Turning Point

I have a passion for sports and working out. I want to share that passion with people, and hope it gives them what it has given me throughout the years. I wasn’t able to do that while working as a project manager, I was blessed with the opportunity to do so at Croga and it has been very fulfilling.

Motivation & Passion

I want to see people live happy lives, and one of the best starts to do that is feeling like the best version of themself. Going to the gym and having fun a few days of the week is a step in the right direction.

Qualifications

  • CrossFit Level 1

Nicolas Tran

Coach

About

As the younger sibling of an older brother who was well rounded in sports, Coach Nick was always surrounded with opportunities to dabble in all kinds of sports. He became a multi-sport athlete in wrestling, track and field, volleyball, and was the captain of his varsity football team. As a result of playing all of these sports, Coach Nick found his love for how versatile the human body is from his football coach.

Turning Point

From then on, he wanted to pursue a career in physical therapy so that he could have the opportunity to help people and guide them down a path of living a longer and healthier life. Coach Nick worked as a physical therapist aide at numerous clinics in San Jose and wanted to broaden his horizons with more hands-on training. He looked at gyms and came across Croga Fitness that had a loving community and the rest is history!

Julia Muller

Coach

Deadlift 265#

Bench 137#

Squat 205#

Snatch 105#

Clean 140#

Jerk 150#

About

I am a fitness forward physical therapist and coach with a passion for helping people move better, feel better, get out of pain, and hit their PRs. Being able to share my PT experience with athletes is one of my biggest joys. I am originally from the northeast (Boston area and central NY state) and started coaching while in grad school. I fell in love with group functional fitness for its ability to challenge me both mentally and physically. The communities were unmatched and seeing athletes of all ages achieve new heights was captivating! I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of incredible coaches and mentors. I also grew up a competitive swimmer for over 17 years and have recently gotten into long distance running outside of functional fitness.

Turning Point

When I first started group functional fitness at various gyms back East, it was the first time I ever felt welcome in a lifting atmosphere as a female. Having incredible female coaches was what kept me feeling safe and welcome in the gym. I never thought I would ever have enough experience or confidence to lead fitness classes. As I started taking more lifting specific continuing education in PT school, I realized that I had the knowledge to be the female role model that I had. I hope that other female athletes can feel confident and a sense of belonging in gym spaces.

Motivation & Passion

I am passionate about supporting people with their fitness across the lifespan. I have specialized experience and interest with fitness during pregnancy, postpartum as well as with geriatrics. I love being able to use my PT skill set in the gym to modify workouts appropriately and help athletes feel like they are still performing at their best. I am too aware of the negative health effects that lack of physical activity can have on all systems of the body and it is my mission to help athletes feel welcome and supported with their fitness journeys.

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Ithaca College and CA Licensed Physical Therapist working at P3 Athletic in Milpitas, CA
  • CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
  • Certified in the Clinical Management of the Fitness Athlete (Cert-CMFA) through the Institute of Clinical Excellence
  • Pelvic Physical Therapy trained through the Herman and Wallace Institute and the Institute of Clinical Excellence
  • Bachelor of Science (BS) in Clinical Health Studies, Ithaca College
  • Bachelor of Music (BM) with Flute concentration, Ithaca College

Cody Rubel

Owner and Head Coach

About

As the oldest of three brothers Coach Cody’s job growing up was to set the path for his younger brothers and to make sure he never let them get the best of him ;). He was a multi-sport athlete in High School, playing Football, Basketball and Golf, which gave him a well rounded view and background in fitness. Along with his brother PJ, aka “The Brother’s Rubel”, he found CrossFit in 2011 and immediately fell in love with the challenge that each day presented and also how great it was having a supportive community of like minded athletes helping you along and cheering for you to be successful in your pursuit of improved fitness and health.

Turning Point

After a few years of using CrossFit for personal growth, Cody realized that he loved being a leader and helping those newer to CrossFit learn and reach their personal goals. He decided to pursue a certification in CrossFit and the rest is history. He has been coaching full time for since 2014 and is extremely passionate about coaching athletes through workouts and teaching them new skills and techniques.

Qualifications

  • CrossFit Level 2
  • CrossFit Level 1
  • ISSA Certified – Specialist in Fitness Nutrition
  • Certified Working Against Gravity Nutrition Coach
  • Active Life Coach Awareness Seminar Certificate
  • CrossFit Aerobic Capacit
  • CrossFit Spot The Flaw Course Certificate
  • CrossFit Lesson Planning Course Certificate

HAVE QUESTIONS?

We Would Love To Meet You!

Simply fill out the form below
& one of our amazing
coaches will be in touch asap! We are excited to meet you!

ARE YOU LOOKING TO DROP-IN?

We Would Love To Meet You!
WARNING! Class Sizes Are Limited.

If you would like to reserve a spot…
Simply click on the button below to Drop-in!

OUR DROP-IN RATES

$30 Per Class

FIND US AT:

FIND US AT
1547-40 Meridian Avenue,
San Jose, CA 95125

(408) 533-8093

OUR PRICING IS SIMPLE

We Want To Offer You The PERFECT Membership For YouR NEEDS.

Simply fill out the form below and one of our amazing coaches will send you our current membership information.