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We’re so excited to recognize Veda as our Croga Fitness Member of the Month!
Veda has been with us for a couple of years now, and when he first joined, his main goal was to hit a 135 lb bench press. Since then, he has blown past that milestone and continues to make incredible progress, especially with his love for lifting. If you haven’t seen him around, that’s probably because he’s one of our early morning regulars, quietly putting in the work before most people are awake. Watching his consistency and dedication in class has been such a joy for our coaches, and his energy has made him an awesome addition to the Croga community. Everyone loves having him here, and we can’t wait to see how much more progress he makes in the future!
Way to go, Veda—you’ve earned it!
When did you join Croga?
I joined Croga in January 2023. I work(ed) with Kal and CJ, and they said I should go workout with them…
What were you doing before for fitness?
I used to train weights with just the basic lifts and run medium-long distances until I did my IT band. I also started CrossFit in a gym near Croga after I moved to the Bay Area in 2021, but never got consistent with it. I also used to play sports … but never picked it up since I moved to the Bay.
What was your first workout? First reaction to your first workout?
It was a 20 min AMRAP of pullups, situps, double unders and suitcase carry. I was below average with dubs and pull ups, I scaled it yet got a good work out of it. I was enjoying the vibe and the company at Croga more than my previous gym.
What improvements have you seen in the way you look, feel and perform?
More mindfulness to mobility, form, breathing, overall fitness. I used to think lifting heavier, running faster, doing more reps was the goal when I started CrossFit but I have gone through minor injuries here and there is some level of recalibration since. Coaches here helped me adjust and grow, especially for longevity and consistency.
What days and times do you come to Croga?
Primarily 4-5 days a week with Wednesdays and Saturdays being non-negotiable. Used to be a solid 7am dude until 2023… then my kid’s sleep schedule pushed it to 6am. Then my wife’s work schedule pushed it to 5am. I am usually a 5am/6am class person except some days I try to take Coach Nick by surprise and turn up at 3:30pm.
What’s your favorite WOD?
30 min AMRAP – As Much Rest As Possible.
I like workouts that are a combination of barbell cycling and some cardio mixed in — like burpees or rowing or running. DT is my favorite Hero WOD but I still haven’t done it RX yet!
What’s your least favorite WOD?
Anything with Wall Walks or Handstands. My glasses fall off all the time. Also, Muscle Ups since I don’t have Muscle Ups yet, and I end up scaling them entirely.
“The VEDA” WOD! What would it be?
Oh, I have always wanted to write a workout and I have always envisioned it being a partner Workout. So here goes…
Buy in : 1000m row
20 min AMRAP
partners trade full rounds
3 hang power cleans (115/75)
6 burpees over bar
3 clusters (115/75)
Buy out : 1000m row
Score : Total Rounds minus Row Minutes
What’s your favorite post-workout routine?
Lying on the gym floor revisiting life choices. But after that, protein shake and a cold shower. These days I also stretch and do some mobility.
What’s been your favorite culinary discovery since joining Croga?
Big bowl of nonfat greek yogurt with some almonds and raisins.
What’s your biggest fitness goal for this year?
Stay injury-free. Get back to reasonably heavy power and olympic lifts. Get to 50 burpees in 2 minutes.
What do you love about this type of fitness?
The variety, the community, the ability to not think too much before a workout — I can just walk in and a good workout is programmed by the coaches already.
What words of advice do you have for new members or people considering joining Croga?
Focus on your journey. Don’t get pressured by anyone to do more than your body tells you to — even Coach Nick 😉
Anything to add that we didn’t touch on yet?
Just enjoy and try coming in as much as your body allows you to!
