Ethan P. is the April Member of the Month

Ethan is your Member of the Month! He has been a member of ours since we have been working out in the parking lot. In the time since he has joined, he has become a big part of our community at the gym and is an avid 4:30 PMer. 

Ethan comes into class early almost every day and stretches before the class starts. He is committed to becoming more mobile because he knows that will help him in and outside of the gym. Many people could learn a lot from his commitment to mobility and would really benefit from it. 

Since Ethan started with us we have seen some amazing progress in all aspects of his health. He can lift more in each weightlifting movement, he can crush cardio workouts and can also crush gymnastic movements. It seems like his name is on the PR board every week! 

Ethan comes in every day, stretches out, works hard and brings good energy to every class he comes to. If you have met Ethan, you know everything that I am saying is true. Ethan is a great guy and it is a pleasure to have him at the gym.

When did you join Croga?

‍October 2020. It was a strange time. Deep into COVID and it felt like the world was shut down.

‍What were you doing before for fitness?

‍Before joining Croga, I went to Orange Theory, and before that, I used to train in Muay Thai (Thai kickboxing) and Krav Maga (an Israeli close combat fighting system).

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

‍I don’t recall the first WOD, but I know it was outside and involved dumbbells. I almost died! I couldn’t walk straight for like three days! But it felt great, and I knew this would be the gym for me.

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

‍I’ve noticed a difference in the way I felt every day! I have much more energy and am ready to tackle the day’s challenges. I’ve lost weight and noticed a difference in how my body looks. I’m performing better during the daily WODs but have to make sure I attend class at least three days a week, preferably four days a week. If my schedule gets in the way and I cannot attend for a few days, my cardio takes a S**T!

‍What days and times do you come to Croga?

‍I try to attend four days a week, usually M/T/W/TH. Representing the 4:30 crew!

‍What's your favorite WOD?

‍Anything with snatches! I prefer Olympic lifting days, rowing, Russian twists, and double unders. I’ve learned to love burpees.

‍What’s your least favorite WOD?

‍Anything to do with thrusters! Puke! Not a fan of the bike either.

‍"The Ethan" WOD! What would it be?

‍Four rounds for time:21 Row calories15 Power snatches9 Russian twists (using heavyweight)

What’s your favorite post-workout routine?
I usually try to have a protein shake; then, it’s time to make dinner for the family.

What’s been your favorite culinary discovery since joining Croga?
I discovered Reign energy drinks. After class, we’ve had a couple of taste tests, and I like the Gummy Bear flavor. I cannot call this “culinary,” though, and I prefer the Fitaid drinks I discovered since joining Croga.

What's your biggest fitness goal for this year?
I've never been able to do a pull-up in my twenty-eight years of existence (ok…that may be an exaggeration, and I may need to add another fifteen years). It’s been a lifetime goal to do at least one pullup, and I achieved that goal in March and was able to do two strict pull-ups in a row. Now, I’d like to do ten strict pull-ups in a row, and I also want to be able to do a muscle-up!

What do you love about this type of fitness?
I love that it mixes weightlifting, cardio, and mobility work. I also like that the WODs are different every day, and I look forward to something new every week. I love the comradery in class and that we all challenge each other and celebrate wins.

What words of advice do you have for new members or people considering joining Croga?
Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and try it. I love that Croga is so accepting of new people. Wise, young, big, small, tall, short, you name it. Ari tells us to EMBRACE THE SUCK, which couldn’t be further from the truth. Some WODs will suck and hurt, your lungs will be on fire and your muscles will blow up. But, we don’t get better as athletes if we don’t embrace it and suck it up for the hour. Give it your best and try your hardest! You’ll feel better afterward!

Anything to add that we didn't touch on yet?
Thank you to all the coaches who make Croga awesome! And thank you to the members who make this gym the best!