Thao is our well deserved Member of the Month!
Thao is one of our newer members but has already ingrained herself into our community thoroughly. She comes into the afternoon classes 4-5 times a week and always comes in ready to attack the workout with a good attitude! Thao is at every event that we have and tells everybody about how she loves us and the community at Croga. She is such a blessing to have at Croga and if she didn’t get this award this month, she would have gotten it soon after. Congratulations Thao! We are so lucky to have such a great person at our gym and I can’t wait to see you continue to grow and crush some more Handstand Push Ups!
When did you join Croga?
- I joined WAAAY back in February 2024 via the six-week challenge. My colleague and friend, Sean Embry, would not stop talking about his new gym, sore muscles, and macros (still don’t know what those are or how to count them!). Somehow he *encouraged* me to set up time to check out the gym and chat with Cody. There was nothing left except excuses, so the rest is history and we’ve been a recruiting machine for others to join the fun.
What were you doing before for fitness?
- Prior to Croga, I had been working with personal trainers for more than 15 years and thru two pregnancies. I find that I’m more consistent with external accountability, with set times and commitment outside of myself because time is money!!! Though happy with my trainers, I wanted something more challenging. The Croga community has been the most welcoming, encouraging, and motivating group of folks, which has really propelled my fitness journey beyond boundaries I’ve ever considered. #spicyWODs
What was your first workout? First reaction to your first workout?
- I jumped right into classes after the intro meeting and my first workout included bench press, bent over rows, bikes, and burpees (OH MY!). It was intimidating at first, especially with the new terminology, working with barbells for the first time, and ALL THAT CARDIO. Through it all, I felt supported and that someone had my back. Shout out to Jude, who graciously partnered up with a nube and has been a source of camaraderie right from the start.
What improvements have you seen in the way you look, feel and perform?
- Wow, where do we start?!?! I feel so much more…capable…both physically and mentally. TBH, I thought I’d see a bigger difference on the scale than in actuality – ya gurl still indulges in fries and beer on occasion, sometimes at the same time. Thanks to the variety of movements in the workouts, there’s more definition in my arms (sun’s out guns out)
and I am definitely stronger (Coach Nick and Coach Taylor are quite *persuasive* in *suggesting* a more challenging option). Seriously, all of the coaches have been so instrumental to the improvements I see and feel. <3
What days and times do you come to Croga?
- I’m mostly an afternoon aficionado going at 3:30pm or 4:30pm, but have been known to pop into a morning sesh here and there (whether on purpose or because I accidentally set the wrong alarm – it’s happened!). Oh, and the Saturday morning partner workouts too, even though that requires an alarm and rolling out of bed waaay too early on the weekend.
What’s your favorite WOD?
- Sooo many choices… I’m currently loving the ones involving handstands, pull-ups, bar squats, and deadlifts.
What’s your least favorite WOD?
- Anything that involves the bike! This shorty does not enjoy attempting bike calories on her tippy toes.
“The Thao” WOD! What would it be?
- My WOD would include handstand push-ups, pull-ups, some sort of bar squat, deadlifts, and a short run for a little cardio sprinkled in.
What’s your favorite post-workout routine?
- Does sitting on the couch count? 😉
What’s been your favorite culinary discovery since joining Croga?
- Boba tea protein drinks! My favorite brand is Boba Tea Protein in Oolong, Taro, and Jasmine (in that order). This has nearly replaced my boba habit.
What’s your biggest fitness goal for this year?
- I want to be able to do ONE strict pull-up, from a dead hang, with no assists…and without having to peddle my feet or have ugly face!
What do you love about this type of fitness?
- Hands down, the variety of movements that work the entire body. Plus, the group format while allowing individual scale is so fun.
What words of advice do you have for new members or people considering joining Croga?
- As someone who advocates and recruits for Croga on an almost-daily basis, my advice is to just TRY. The activity may seem daunting, but there’s always a way to make it work. The coaches know what they’re doing and are here to help. Plus, the Croga community is here to cheer you on along the way.
Anything to add that we didn’t touch on yet?
- A huge THANK YOU to the Croga community for being so gracious and generous with your high-fives, fist-bumps, and support.
