Member of the Month: Rainer Brohm

It could not be more fitting that April's male member of the month is Rainer. An OG member of Crossfit Tay Ho, Rainer has been part of the backbone holding CFTH together for the last 5 years.

He is typically an early morning CrossFitter, starting his day with the 5:30am crew. Rainer can talk to anyone about anything. He brings a sense of calmness and positivity to all situations and conversations - anyone who has had the privilege of knowing Rainer, know this about him. Rainer continuously aims to better himself. Asking for advice on movements, putting in the work to improve, and recently taking on the added challenge of competitions.

It is with great sadness that we had to say goodbye to Rainer abruptly, and without much notice. His family made the hard and fast decision to leave Hanoi and head back to Germany a few months early. We will miss him and all that he has brought to the CFTH family over the years.

​Here is what Rainer has to say about what CrossFit Tay Ho means to him:

CrossFit has totally changed the way I approach my health and fitness. Since I started CrossFit, this has become a clearly progressive journey for me. I am constantly improving my abilities and functionality of my body - even though these steps are mostly tiny ones and there are periods without progress - it is now about gains and reaching goals, not about digression and fighting against physical degradation and "age". Since I have entered the second half of my forties, this is quite something! Besides this, CrossFit Tay Ho has become a constant in my life, a "second home" were I am part of an awesome family, a very diverse crowd of people but all on the same mission.  Everyone sweating next to each other, everyone on the same level and intensity, no matter if a bamboo stick in the hands or a fully loaded barbell. And all gains, tiny or large are equally respected and cheered.

 How long have you been doing Crossfit/how long at CFTH?
I started at the end of 2015 with CrossFit at CFTH's first location on 44 Au Co, after Loris Ditta, founder of CFTH had to leave Hanoi on short-notice for job reasons. He had been inviting me to try CrossFit several times but I never got my butt off the sofa. When he left, I felt bad and went to the box... and got hooked, as so many.
 
Favorite movement/WOD and why?
My favorite barbell movement is the deadlift, probably because its the only one where I'm hitting 3-digit numbers :) Apart from that, I learned to enjoy gymnastics, such as the pull up movements. Again, it's about the tiny little progressions over the years - I started with no pull up at all in 2015 and managed a first bar muscle up in the open 2019.
 
Something positive Crossfit has taught you?
I learned that I can improve my physical abilities and body functionality when I am putting in the work and time and when I am doing this in a supportive environment. Consistency is key but I also learned to listen to my body and give it the necessary time for recovery.

Any advice for someone just starting?
See it as a life-time journey, a sustainable process of constantly improving yourself and staying healthy. Be patient and enjoy the tiny little steps. Set short-term and long-term goals. Listen to the coach but also listen to your body. Sleep well, eat well.

How long have you been in Hanoi?
It is my 6th (and final) year.
 
Favorite thing to do in Hanoi (outside of Crossfit)?
Discovering new food places. Since I recently started a plant-based nutrition journey, I am currently scoping the vegan food scene in Hanoi which is much bigger than I expected.
 
Favorite thing to eat in Hanoi?
Some pearls from Hanoi's veggie universe: Uu Dam Chay, Galeria Cafe, Roots Cafe, Maison Tet, V's Home, Salt'n Pepper, Kiez (new in lane 31 Xuan Dieu!)