Rachel is this month’s Member of the Month! When Rachel is not saving lives at work, she is either hiking in some of the most beautiful parks in the world or crushing a workout at Croga at 4:30 pm.
We know that what we do at Croga Fitness is to provide workouts to supplement your life, well that is exactly what Rachel does. She comes in and crushes a workout and works on becoming a fitter version of herself and then she goes outside and uses that fitness by crushing long hikes. That is what we want everyone to do. We want people using the gym to be able to better enjoy the activities that they like to do outside the gym.
Rachel has been a great addition to our Croga community ever since she came to a class in 2020. At one point Rachel was the only person that would come to the 4:30 class. There were many days where it was just the coach and Rachel, and even though there weren’t more members to provide some energy to the class, she would provide the energy and crush the workout for that day. As time went on, people would start to attend the class and slowly the 4:30 class became the biggest class of the day.
Rachel always comes to class smiling and in a great mood, even on Overhead Squat days, which we all know are not on her list of favorite movements. However, her Overhead Squats have gotten so much better! You could say that Rachel was probably the main factor in making the 4:30 pm class as awesome as it is today. Rachel is very kind and welcoming to anyone that is a member at Croga or new people coming into the gym to try a class. If you see Rachel in class congratulate her on a MOTM award that is well deserved!
When did you join Croga?
Right before the pandemic hit.
What were you doing before for fitness?
Mainly hiking and yoga
What was your first workout? First reaction to your first workout?
One of the first workouts was in the park and I remember it was an EMOM with burpees, push-ups, and running. I couldn’t do any of it within the minute and I almost cried (and puked), but I finished! I’m pretty competitive so I remember being super jealous of those people who were doing the workout with ease, it made me want to get better!
What improvements have you seen in the way you look, feel and perform?
I feel so much stronger and happy in my body and the way it performs every day since joining Croga. Being a strong woman is super empowering! Exercise is my lynchpin habit so when I’m exercising regularly all the other healthy habits fall into place. Since joining Croga I have also really advanced my hiking to a higher level with longer and steeper hikes, even attempting my first 14er this year!
What days and times do you come to Croga?
M-F 4:30 class 4 lyfe!!
What’s your favorite WOD?
I love chippers & AMRAPs, barbell work
What’s your least favorite WOD?
Barbell snatches & OHS – loathe!!
“The Rachel” WOD! What would it be?
Chipper:
50 Alternating dumbbell snatches
40 Burpees
30 Hang power cleans
20 V-ups
10 Thrusters
What’s your favorite post-workout routine?
I make sure to eat something high in protein, and then I’m usually off to work! I work the night shift in the ER so exercising at Croga first wakes me up & gets me ready to tackle whatever the shift brings!
What’s been your favorite culinary discovery since joining Croga?
Barebells protein bars – amazing macros & really do taste like a candy bar
What’s your biggest fitness goal for this year?
Strict pull-ups, and hike in at least 10 different national parks
What do you love about this type of fitness?
Definitely the camaraderie at the gym and how every workout we are all supporting each other and pushing each other to be better. We are always joking and talking some (loving) smack to each other it’s fun & motivating! Also lifting heavy things is super satisfying
What words of advice do you have for new members or people considering joining Croga?
Don’t hesitate just come and work out! No matter where you are fitness wise there’s always a modification if you need it and everyone is super supportive. It feels amazing to watch yourself get better each week. You’ll thank yourself a year from now!
Anything to add that we didn’t touch on yet?
Thanks to all the coaches for putting up with us (especially our 4:30 class antics) and always showing up with a smile and advice! You all rock!!
