Member Spotlight: Say Hello to Heta

Heta, Heta, Heta, Where do we even begin? It has been one "whooooooooooooping" good year for this lady, and it's no coincidence that Heta is our final Member Spotlight of 2020.

Heta stepped into our Xuan Dieu basement in September 2019, and since day one has embraced all senses of CrossFit Tay Ho. She encompasses everything our community stands for: commitment, integrity, community, and growth, to name a few.

Heta jumped in headfirst from the minute she graduated her Essentials Course. Showing up consistently and with a can-do attitude. Just a few months later she won the Spirit Award during the CrossFit Open for the member who showed the most enthusiasm, optimism, encouragement, and support for our community.

​Over the course of 2020 she has gone above and beyond turning up to the WOD floor. Week after week. Barbell Club to Bamboo Club to Barbell Club. Heta puts in the work and it shows. From assisting in clearing out the basement, judging qualifiers & Throwdowns, rallying the Tay Ho army, and of course cheering through it all.  Her work ethic and intrigue for the sport has grown exponentially, and Heta continues to be a force in the box. 

On top of her tenacity and the love of the sport, Heta is motivating, supportive, and friendly to everyone who steps through our doors. We asked a few members to describe her, and the same answers were given repeatedly:

"Energizer Bunny"
"Consistent"
"Positive"
"Encouraging"

Those words perfectly sum up Heta. We are so thankful to have her be a part of the CFTH community. Read on to find out more about Heta both inside and outside the box. Here is what CrossFit Tay Ho means to Heta:

It's just as much about exercise - getting stronger and fitter - as well as social engagement with some amazing people.

It's needless to say that this year has thrown us a curveball. CFTH has had such a huge meaning for a lot of us providing stability and support. It is important to have a space where you can focus on bettering yourself and forget your worries once you step in the box.

CFTH 2.0 also has more space just to hang out, have some coffee and chitchat, which is great.

What was your very first class at CFTH like?
In the end of essentials course we had some wall ball-mayhem, which probably kicked off my love-hate relationship with WB’s. There were a couple workouts in the beginning that had me questioning why on earth had I joined but I do remember feeling welcomed and encouraged by everyone around so it kept me going.

What are some of your recent accomplishments/a-ha moments/or something you have been proud of in the gym recently?
There've been so many greats lately and I'm so proud of everyone at the box. Manjusha is getting so strong, Lana, Lewis and Darrell hitting their deadlifts, Sophie and Holly getting their pullups, Emma and Sabrina are killing it, seeing Sam and Vu and Lindsey and Carrie and rest of the teams crush it in the qualifiers..

What are some goals you are working toward?
Gymnastics - trying to work hard on my handstands and pullups. I just don't understand kipping pullups and which direction I'm supposed to move on the rig but Im sure it'll click soon. Vietnam Team Throwdown (thanks again Tra) also gave me a good idea what I need to work on. So pretty much getting better at thrusters and wall balls..

Im trying to focus on mindset as well. Confidence and grit!

Favorite movement/WOD and why?
It's probably a cliche, but barbell and dumbbell cycling is always fun. I mean who doesn't love a heavy barbell? DT is always a favourite!

Favorite CrossFit Tay Ho moment (doesn’t have to be during a class, just any favorite moment at CFTH)
All the competitions from this year - Vietnam Summer Throwdown, Westlake Throwdown and Vietnam Team Throwdown. The adrenaline rush you get once the clock starts and everyone is cheering around is truly something - both for the athletes and spectators. 

The 2020 Open also had a big impact on me. I had only started a few weeks before the open kicked off and it was just something completely new and exciting.

Something positive Crossfit has taught you?
Resilience.

Any advice for someone just starting?
Scaling for the win! Everything can be scaled and everyone starts with their own level and capability and each score is celebrated the same. Giving yourself time is the key. If you just put in the work, you are guaranteed to see a jump in your skills and stamina.

I do also recommend barbell club to everyone. It really helps build a good foundation for lifts and those skills immediately translate to the workouts.

How has your health/fitness/mindset changed since starting CrossFit?
I just love the functionality of it - its more about what your body can do, not what it looks like

How long have you been in Hanoi?
A little over 3 years.

Favorite thing to do in Hanoi (outside of CrossFit)?
Overeating in the many restaurants of Hanoi. Pool hangouts during the hot Summer months. Westlake Mini Golf. We also recently tried axe throwing at VietAxe which was super fun!

Favorite Hanoi Restaurant?
Since it got chilly, definitely Pho Ly Quoc Su (either the OG or on Dao Tan). Bao Wow is always a good shout as well as wings at the Moose & Roo Smokehouse.

What is a fun fact that would surprise us about you?
Don't know if it counts but one of the reasons why I love the ski erg is that we really used to ski to school when we were kids.