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Thao is our 2025 Croga Fitness Member of the Year, and if you’ve ever been to a class with her, you know exactly why. No matter how chaotic her work schedule gets, she always finds a way to show up — mornings, afternoons, whenever life allows — and brings nothing but positivity with her. She supports every member, whether it’s someone’s first day or their hundredth, and her energy instantly makes any class more fun and uplifting. Thao has also given so much to our community outside of workouts, helping with events, videos, and even surprising the gym with her incredible cooking and baking, all out of pure kindness. Her progress this year has been inspiring, highlighted by her huge win of going from one pull-up to stringing together 3–5 strict pull-ups with confidence. She loves a good chipper, loves to hate wall balls, and always shows up ready to grow and challenge herself. Her dedication, joy, and generosity have made her an irreplaceable part of Croga.
We are so lucky to have her, and we are beyond proud to celebrate her as our Member of the Year. Congratulations, Thao!
Can you tell us a little about yourself (family, work, hobbies)?
I’m someone who loves staying active and chasing adventures, both big and small, especially with my family. I have a job that keeps me super busy, which makes my one hour at the gym each day extra special. Croga has become my “me time,” and I try to make it to 5–6 classes a week to reset, recharge, and move my body. Outside of the gym, my family and I love to travel and stay active. Another thing I love (and that the Croga crew has definitely learned) is cooking, baking, and sharing (especially comfort food) and I’ve been known to bring some treats to the gym from time to time.
What are some new things that you have learned about yourself since starting Croga Fitness?
Since starting at Croga, I’ve learned that I’m capable of far more than I ever gave myself credit for — physically and mentally. I’ve also learned that I can truly commit the time to working out. Before, I’d find excuses or tell myself I was “too busy,” but Croga showed me that if something matters, you make the time. I’ve discovered that consistency really does pay off and that even the movements that feel scary or really hard at first are absolutely possible with practice, patience, and great coaching.
Since joining us, what are the goals you have set and achieved?
When I first joined Croga, my main goals were to get stronger, feel more confident, and improve my overall fitness. I’m proud to say I’ve achieved all of those and then some. My biggest achievement (and the one I’m most proud of) is being able to do 3–5 strict pull-ups without letting go of the bar. A year ago, I was barely able to do one pull-up, which was my first-ever. Huge kudos to Coach Carmen’s pull-up master class and the daily camaraderie from my fellow Croganites who always encouraged me to practice. That combination made all the difference and showed me what consistency and support can truly accomplish.
Do you have a favorite WOD, lift, or movement? What’s one you love to hate?
My favorite WODs are chippers — you just have to put your head down and slog through them, and there’s something oddly satisfying about that. Bonus points if they include handstand push-ups. I love working on them, even though they’re hard and I still scale at times (progress over perfection!). As for love-to-hate movements… wall balls take the crown — or really anything where my shorty status puts me at a slight disadvantage.
What’s your biggest fitness goal for this upcoming year?
My biggest goal for the upcoming year is to keep building strength while staying consistent — and injury-free, especially after tweaking my “Funyun” snowboarding this year. Having to modify workouts for a bit was a good reminder to listen to my body, but I truly believe that the fitness and strength I’ve built at Croga helped me heal faster and get back to doing what I love. I’m working toward kipping pull-ups, double-unders, and maybe even a bar muscle-up (aim high, right?). Most of all, I want to enjoy the process and celebrate the small wins along the way.
What is one thing about you that people may not know?
Honestly, I’m pretty much an open book — what you see is what you get. I show up, work hard, and try not to take myself too seriously.
We know you like a good hiking spot, which spots are your favorite and what spots are bucket list hikes?
I LOOOOVE a good hike, especially ones with beautiful views. My favorites so far have been in Banff, Tahoe, and Hawaii. My bucket-list hikes include the Grand Canyon and Machu Picchu — both have been dream destinations of mine for a long time.
If you could have one meal for the rest of your life what would it be?
That’s a tough one, but it would probably be some kind of Vietnamese comfort food — warm, flavorful, and the kind of meal that just hits the spot every time.
If you could have a conversation with anyone that ever existed, dead or alive, who would it be?
I don’t have a specific person in mind — I’d much rather have a great conversation with good people, good food, and a lot of laughs.
If you could give your former self any piece of advice about your current journey, what would it be?
Take time for yourself. Progress doesn’t come from burning out — it comes from balance, patience, and trusting the process.
Anything else you would like to add?
Joining Croga has been one of the best decisions of my life. Not only am I in great shape and stronger than ever, but I’ve also made so many new friends. The support, encouragement, and sense of community here make every workout worth it.
