MEMBER OF THE MONTH
MARCH MEMBER OF THE MONTH
Why have we chosen Jono as our TC M.O.M?
Since Jono has started at TC he has been nothing but a great bundle of energy! No matter how difficult the workout may be, jono never complains and works effortlessly hard in every class.
Jono first started in our sweat classes and has just started transitioning to CrossFit. Jono’s technique is improving each week which is a result of his hard work and commitment to improving. He has also encouraged other members to try CrossFit!
Jono always makes other members feel welcome and pushes them in every workout too. He is a pleasure to coach, always willing to learn and actively practices every piece of feedback he has been given. He has even just mastered his first few snatches!
We can’t wait to watch you do some rope climbs soon!! Keep working hard jono!
Our Questions to Jono
- What motivates you?
I have been an avid gym goer since I moved out of home in the mid-90s. I very clearly remember the then owner of Newtown Gym saying to a very fresh faced me, when I rocked up to my first class (a classic Les Mills pump class), just a week before Mardi Gras 1996 – “You can’t achieve much in a week you know”. We’ve been friends ever since!
- How do you stay committed (motivated)?
I am the classic ‘last picked for the team’ type of guy, but I was always interested in being physically active – but I couldn’t find where to channel it. I tried stints with swimming and tennis in my youth but gave up in favour of academic pursuits during my teens. It wasn’t until I became a member at Newtown Gym, that I felt I found ‘my thing’. I started with old school floor aerobics, and moved on to Step Aerobics before Pump and free weights. Step aerobics was my gateway ‘drug’. I loved it and went hard at it for more than 20 years – I still channel it for the box jumps at TC. Currently I’m motivated to achieve a rope climb, a strict pull up and the dreaded HSPU! In time….
- What do you do, outside of the gym that compliments your training?
I stretch regularly – almost daily – and I think it is the most beneficial thing I do – even more than the training itself. I also found meditation about a decade ago and I believe it is very important to practice mental stillness and quiet in our daily lives.
- What is your 2022 health / fitness goal?
To continue with my running and complete my 5th marathon in September 2022.
In 2020 I was planning on completing my 5th – then COVID! So, I’m hoping that my attendance at TC is the thing that will break the COVID spell and help me prepare for the half marathon in May, and the Blackmores marathon in September…. stay tuned….
- Any advice for people (newbies) wanting to begin their fitness journey?
Just start, and start with something small – the only way is up!
When I started running I was 37yo and started running with a very fit friend. I ‘ran’ the Bay Run with so many stops and ‘I just need to walk for a bit’ moments. I felt the same way when I started at TC at 45 – only my coaches weren’t so keen to indulge my ‘I just need to walk for a bit’ moments’!.
The thing I find really amazing is that you improve so quickly if you commit yourself, and the weights or repetitions that seemed so unachievable a month ago are suddenly within your grasp. That feeling is awesome and keeps you coming back and trying harder… to achieve more… like rope climbs!
- Random question, what is something we don’t know about you?
So many things!
1. I stood naked on the steps of the Sydney Opera House and later in the Concert Hall in 2010, along with a lot of other brave people (it was a very chilly morning!) to be photographed by Spencer Tunic.
- I have a bronze medal from the Gay Games Sydney in 2002 in the team Synchronised Step Aerobics (how camp!).
Ultimately, if you want to know anything more about me – say hello when you see me next at TC!
MEMBER OF THE MONTH
FEBRUARY MEMBER OF THE MONTH
Is …
John Atalla (aka the 5am Egyptian Pharaoh)
Congratulations John for being our first celebrated member of the month.
We awarded this 5amer the prize due to his commitment to training (5am CrossFit is not an easy dedication), and bring a coaches dream.
Not only does John commit to the daily 5am CrossFit session – after class you will catch him pumping weights with the 5am boys (those arms didn’t come easy).
But his fitness regime doesn’t stop there, we spot John regularly in our ‘outdoor sessions.
For those of you who haven’t tried ‘Outdoor, these guys are a tad crazy, this class can easily be classified as one of the toughest sessions of the week.
So, we know John works insanely hard for his achievements.
Beyond the charming good looks and the unwavering smile, John is always listening to coaching cues and working on his weaknesses.
John is friendly, welcoming and supportive of everyone he comes across inside TC … and always up for a laugh (yep at 5am).
Congrats on M.O.M.
Very well deserved!
Our Questions to John
- What motivates you?
I am motivated to continually challenge myself and be the best that I can be. What I love about CrossFit is that it really pushes your physical and mental limits, which is something I take into both my work and personal life. Life is short, play hard!
- How do you stay committed (motivated)?
Continual growth and seeing improvements in PB’s and performance help me stay motivated. The environment at TC really makes a difference as there is always room to grow, a variety of classes (like sweat & outdoor) and of course the BEST people to help keep you accountable.
- What do you do, outside of the gym that compliments your training?
Food is a major part of my training regime. Having spent the time to better understand nutrition has made a big difference to my performance and results, and I have learnt it doesn’t mean you need to give up on life
I also like keeping active outside of the gym even with a swim, jog or walk. Having 2 young kids definitely helps to keep me busy .
- What’s your 2022 health / fitness goal?
Mobility! Those who train with me know I am not the most flexible and this has often limited some of my movements. I am trying to focus on this much more in 2022 and hopefully I can finally master the OHS’s
- Any advice for people (newbies) wanting to begin their fitness journey?
Stop making excuses and Just Do It! 💪🏼
When I started my fitness journey I was always waiting for the right time to start and was worried I would never be able to keep up. What I found at TC was an amazing community that encouraged each other to be their best no matter what level you have started from. If I have any regrets, it is not starting earlier.
- Random question – What is something we don’t know about you?
I am a good chef and I do a great Michael Jackson impersonation.
