 Picture this. It’s a whopping 38 degrees outside, but feels like 48. You’re living in Hanoi and not going anywhere this summer. Sweat drips down your back the second your step outside. The “breeze” from driving your motorbike cooks your skin as you zoom around the city. There is no reprieve from the sun and heat and humidity that infiltrates Hanoi in the summer months. You feel like you’ve been submerged in a hot pot. We’ve heard all of the complaints before: “It’s too hot!” “I’m so sweaty!” “It’s so uncomfortable out here!” “I can’t wait until it cools down!” But it is a way of life here in ‘Nam. Rather than complain the summer days away, embrace the heat and sweat and try out these different ways to beat the heat in Hanoi. EAT REFRESHING FOODSYou may hear different ideas of what food you’re supposed to eat during the hot summer months. Some may say that downing a hot bowl of soup is actually good for cooling you down. While others will argue that the best way to cool down is with a big ol’ glass of ice water. Whichever side you are when it comes to cooling down, check out this interesting article on How to Eat to Stay Cool, it gives some science and culture behind what some Vietnamese consider the “best foods to eat” to cool down. If you just want a refreshing bite that tastes delicious here are some options: Eat a Smoothie Bowl from La Studio We talked about La Studio in our post on the best places for a healthy meal in Tay Ho, so it’s no surprise that they are making it onto our list again. For no more than 65,000VND get yourself a refreshing, filling, and healthy smoothie bowl from this Hanoi cafe. They’ve got four different choices for smoothie bowls, all topped with fruit, coconut, and homemade granola. Our go to choice → Choco Banana Smoothie Bowl. Grab a Coconut Jelly From the Cafes Along West Lake As you drive along West Lake, you may or may not have been tempted to stop at one of the many cafes. Sipping a cold coconut is refreshing enough, but coconut jelly takes it to another level. Thạch dừa is basically jello inside a coconut. We don’t know the full details on how it is made (you can find lots of recipes online), but somehow the coconut water inside a fresh coconut is combined with some other ingredients to make this tasty treat. Try it for yourself! Cool Off with Ice Cream from L’Oasis Gelato Any ice cream treat will do in hot weather, but the numbers are out and it seems like L’Oasis Gelato is a favorite for those living in Hanoi. Described as a hidden gem of a place with lots of fresh and changing flavors of gelato - check this out for your next ice cream fix. Indulge in Kem Xoi (Ice Cream and Sticky Rice) A delicious combination of sticky rice and (typically) coconut ice cream - if kem xoi doesn’t cool you down on a hot day in Hanoi, it will at least make your stomach happy. The flavors, smells and textures of this summer treat perfectly compliment each other. Creamy ice cream + chewy sticky rice + crunchy coconut flakes = Perfect Combination. Take a Summer Street Food Tour From puddings to ice creams to salads, take a tour around the local stalls of Hanoi street food. Footprint Travel has put together two different articles on the best summer street foods of Hanoi and where to find them. Must Try Summer Street Food Part 1 Must Try Summer Street Food Part 2 STAY HYDRATED WITH REVITALIZING BEVERAGESAn ice cold beer may taste great in the heat of summer, but it won’t do you much good (other than have you craving more beer). Better yet, choose one of these refreshing drinks to beat the heat AND keep you energized, hydrated and healthy. Ice cold Coconut (Dừa Tươi) Coconut water is tasty and refreshing, especially when it comes straight from a freshly cracked coconut. Even better are the health benefits you get from drinking coconut water. It is a good source of nutrients and antioxidants, and can help against a variety of ailments. What is really beneficial about drinking coconut water in the Hanoi heat is restoring hydration and replenishing electrolytes lost during exercise and excessive sweating. For those of us living in Hanoi, adding a coconut into your regular routine is a delicious AND smart choice! Check out this article on the benefits of adding coconut water into your diet. Lime Soda (Nuoc Chanh) A do-it-yourself kind of drink, lime soda is equal parts refreshing, fizzy, and fun. Typically you will get served a glass of ice with sugar and lime juice. It is up to you to add the soda water. Sometimes you are given the limes to squeeze yourself. For the healthiest version, ask for "không đường" (no sugar) or "ít đường" (a little sugar). If you're wondering how drinking lime juice would benefit you, there are actually quite a lot of health benefits you can read in this article: 12 Health Benefits of Drinking Lime Water Sugarcane Juice (Nước Mía) You’ve seen the stalks of sugar cane and squashing machines around the streets of Hanoi, and perhaps wondered what what going with them. Sugar cane stalks are run through a machine to squeeze out the delicious liquid from the pulp. A calamansi is often added for some extra flavor. Served over ice, this drink is sweet and refreshing. It's also another beverage that provides health benefits. Here is an article on how drinking sugarcane juice benefits you. Fruit Smoothie (Sinh Tố) You should have no trouble finding a fruit smoothie along the streets of Hanoi. Just about every cafe and restaurant will serve you one. Dragon fruit, mango, avocado are popular smoothie choices. For the healthiest version, ask for one without condensed milk. GO FOR A SWIMJumping into a pool is probably one of the quickest ways to cool off. There are various pools in Hanoi that are good for different reasons - lap swimming, day drinking, taking Instagram photos. Do a search on any of the Hanoi Facebook Groups and you will be sure to get a lot of opinions on the best pools around the city. Here are some of the pools that come up most frequently. Dang Thai Mai Pool Located just a bit past CrossFit Tay Ho, this is a decent and cheap option for a pool in Hanoi. Not much of an ambiance, but it is a large pool good for swimming laps and chilling with friends. There is a cover over a good portion of the pool so you are able to get out of the sun a bit. Typically crowded with locals and expats. Thong Loi Pool This is an old favorite in Tay Ho. Thong Loi pool looks over West Lake. There is a large grassy area and a good amount of lounge chairs. The pool is medium sized and typically crowded with foreigners. Trill Rooftop Cafe This is a fancy rooftop pool in Cầu Giấy It is excellent for views over the city and a fun ambiance. The pool is on the 26th floor and costs 120,000 for guests. Hotel Pools Most hotel pools in Hanoi will let you in to use their facilities. The prices are higher than the local pools, but they also (usually) offer nicer facilities and quieter atmospheres. Some of our favorites are The Sheraton Pool, Peridot, and Daewoo. Ho Tay Water Park Maybe you have no desire to just lay in a pool to stay cool - go check out the Ho Tay Water Park. The water park has slides, pools, and a lazy river that will definitely keep you cool and entertained on a hot Hanoi day. ASK FRIENDS FOR ADVICEEating and drinking refreshing things and hitting up pools are classic ways to stay cool, whether you live in Hanoi or not. We wanted to get more specific when it came to beating the heat, so we asked people in the community who have been living in Hanoi for some time to tell us their tips and tricks to staying cool. Go to the Veggie Cooler Rooms in the Grocery StoresPlan your shopping trip just after a workout or during the hottest part of the day, then linger a bit longer in the refrigerator sections. Veggies and Naturally Vietnam have large walk in coolers where you can “shop” and enjoy the cool air on a hot Hanoi Day. Find a Place with a Nice BreezeEven on the hottest of days it is possible to find somewhere with a nice breeze to cool you off. O Kia Ha Noi is a cute cafe with good food and drinks in a peaceful atmosphere. There are trees and bamboo all around the garden and the shade and breeze allow it to be quite refreshing even on the hottest days. Don’t Be Shy - Rely on Your FriendsLots of people living in Hanoi have private pools in their houses. Now is not a time to be shy! Call them up and invite yourself over. Bring along some cold coconut waters or smoothies to thank them. Use Your Own RefrigeratorOne thing you might have overlooked is right in your own house. Use your fridge and freezer for more than food storage. Putting various everyday items in the refrigerator is a game changer on a hot day. Put face masks, wipes, deodorant, face cleanser, moisturizer and aloe all in the fridge to add that refreshing jolt when it hits your skin. Keep Your Gym Bag Stocked with an ‘Anti Heat Pack’You all never forget your shoes or jump rope or weight belt when you come to the gym. In the summer, stock your bag with a few more essentials for staying cool:
ESCAPE THE HOT CITYWhen you just can’t take it anymore, escape the city for cooler pastures. There are a lot of villas in and next to Hanoi. They are in the middle of the forest or at the top of the mountain. You need only 1-2 hours of driving. You can go there with your family or friends for 1-2 days; relax, host a pool party, BBQ ...it's a good way to escape the crowded city. Some places we like to go for weekend getaways outside of Hanoi:  EMBRACE THE HEAT AT CROSSFIT TAY HONo need to stop your fitness routine just because it is hot out! As long as you are staying safe, hydrating, listening to your body, and are out of the sun - a workout at CrossFit Tay Ho may just help you push through those hot days! One of our members has this to say about staying cool at CrossFit Tay Ho: "My secret is to have a training session, then sit in front of the big blue fan. It's freezing cold. You may need a blanket!" CrossFit Tay Ho now has a little cafe at reception where you can grab a cold drink like soda water or Pocari sweat. Our barista will also make cold smoothies and hot coffee, for whatever helps you cool off on a hot summer day in Hanoi.
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 Let us introduce you to our June female member of the month - Robin! Robin is a 5:30am warrior. She shows up everyday at the early hour ready to start her day on a positive note. Robin, along with her wife Kim, joined CrossFit nearly 1.5 years ago with the idea of just “trying it out”. CrossFit Tay Ho did what it does best, and got her hooked and coming regularly for the last year and a half! Robin has even gotten herself looking at CrossFit boxes around the world when she travels! Robin does not back down from a challenge. Never do you hear a complaint come from her mouth when it comes to her training. She focuses, listens, and works on constantly improving the way she moves through a workout. When Robin is “in the zone” you know it. She has got a concentrated look on her face, does not get distracted by anything, and just plows through the work! Robin and Kim are yet another pair to be leaving us in a few short weeks. They are off to Guatemala to start a new adventure, and of course, find a new CrossFit box and community to be part of. Her solid fixture in the early morning classes will be missed! Here is what Robin has to say about what CrossFit Tay Ho means to her: “It is both a joy and a curse! I enjoy the variety of exercises, love getting confetti on the app when I put in a new score or a PR AND I silently (and playfully) curse the coaches when I can’t move my body because my muscles are screaming! I NEED exercise to keep my mind and body functioning successfully. In the States I ran regularly, but that wasn’t working for me here. My wife hates running and I really wanted us to be able to exercise together...so we tried CrossFit. It is the best match for both of our exercise needs!” How long have you been doing Crossfit/how long at CFTH? I am still quite new to CrossFit. My first ever membership started at CFTH February 2019! Favorite movement/WOD and why? I really like Kettlebell Swings - I can keep up a consistent swing and it helps me ‘feel’ stronger. Something positive Crossfit has taught you? “Just keep chipping away at it” - a quote from Katie that I use in Chipper workouts and throughout my day/life. Any advice for someone just starting? Just do it! Have a positive mindset and know that you WILL grow stronger both physically and mentally. The coaches are great at modifying and helping everyone begin where they need to. How long have you been in Hanoi? I have been in Hanoi about a year and a half. Favorite thing to do in Hanoi (outside of Crossfit)? Exploring and learning...villages, back roads, local celebrations, street markets, and lemon coffee. Favorite thing to eat in Hanoi? Bao Wow - the Skinny Bao is my favorite and Hibiscus Lemonade with soda water. I could eat there everyday!  For our May male member of the month, we get to know none other than Graeme Jones! Graeme has been part of the CFTH community since he arrived in Hanoi in August 2017. And from that first moment he joined he has brought nothing but positivity and good vibes to the box. Graeme can talk to anyone about anything at any time. He is the first person to greet you when he walks through the door, and always manages to keep things positive and light even when they’re not. Graeme genuinely loves CrossFit and all that it brings to his life. We can always count on him to be sporting the latest CrossFit attire - not only does he show up everyday, but he shows up looking good! Graeme is one of the first to lend a helping hand and has truly been a backbone of our community for the last three years. Graeme demonstrates the great habit of persevering through it all. We have watched him rehab and recover from an injury and come out the other side stronger. Most recently we have seen him push through his frustration with the elusive double under - which he has now mastered. Graeme, along with his wife Carys (see her Member of the Month here!) will be leaving Hanoi at the end of the school year, and boy will it be bittersweet. We will miss his regular appearance at the box, but know he will be jumping right into a new CrossFit Box in his next home. Find out more about Graeme and what CrossFit Tay Ho means to him: CrossFit Tay Ho is more than just an exercise class. It is a community of likeminded people. It’s what I look forward to at the end of a busy day. It’s a group of people who come together to encourage each other to improve and progress. It’s a place where people leave their egos at the door, and enjoy the opportunity to work hard, and meet new friends. How long have you been doing CrossFit? I started CrossFit 4 years ago while working in Kuwait. There was a box as part of my international school which I attended each night after school. It actually took me almost a year of working at the school to pluck up the courage to go to CrossFit, as I had this idea that it was too challenging for me. However, once I went I fell for it hard. I love how varied it is, and how supportive it is. I have now been attending CrossFit Tay Ho for the three years I have lived in Hanoi. Favorite Movement/WOD and why? My favourite workout is DT. I just love heavy barbell cycling, and it’s a workout that is long enough you need to pace yourself, but short enough you can give it your all in those final few rounds. What is something positive CrossFit has taught you? Probably the most positive and humbling thing about CrossFit is having to learn new skills. Realising that you don’t know everything, and have to start as a beginner can be frustrating, but it is a sport where you can see progress relatively quickly, which is very satisfying. What advice do you have for someone just starting out? Attend classes regularly, and just enjoy being there. You aren’t going to know everything and that is ok. Also, don’t feel silly about asking questions. How long have you lived in Hanoi? I have lived in Hanoi with my wife Carys for 3 years. Favorite thing to do in Hanoi (outside of CrossFit)? Going to Hoang Sen Sauna for a tea barrel and a massage. Gorging on the delicious food here and drinking good coffee comes in a close second. Favorite thing to eat in Hanoi? All the Vietnamese food! But since I have turned veggie, I do miss bowls of Pho and Bun Cha. The Sicilian Pizza from Pizza Belga with added burrata is outstanding. The mushroom burger from Sunkats with fried egg and mozzarella is also a must try!  A perfectly timed Member Feature for this month of May: Colleen O’Brien. She recently turned year older (Happy Birthday Colleen!), and is sorely missed these days (particularly by that 9am crew!). Colleen arrived in Hanoi and CFTH in August 2019. Though with us for only a short time, she made quite the impact on coaches and members. Colleen is a literal ball of light. Her constant positive energy shines bright on everyone she meets. According to Coach Rebecca, Colleen is one of the most graceful people around. When she walked down the ramp at 77 Xuan Dieu, or made her way to the board, it was as though she was floating. Colleen is also very keen to improve. Despite a prior injury, she was always ready to embrace the work and improve in all aspects. Colleen had to leave Hanoi earlier than anticipated, though she continues to be an active member of CFTH. She made a lasting impression on all of us during her eight months in Hanoi.Here is what Colleen has to say about CrossFit Tay Ho: CFTH is a community of incredible human beings from all over the world who have provided so much support, wisdom, and encouragement inside the box and out. CFTH has allowed me to connect with people who inspire me and hold me accountable to being the best version of myself, both physically and mentally. I am so grateful for all the laughs, cheering, tough love talks, and camaraderie I have shared with this awesome group of humans. I have never once walked out of the box without feeling lighter, more joyful and stronger than when I walked in.” How long have you been doing Crossfit/how long at CFTH?
I was doing CrossFit for about 2 years back in the 'States before I moved to Hanoi in August 2019. I've been doing CrossFit as long as I've been teaching--it's a much-needed outlet for a tough job! Favorite movement/WOD and why? Sandbags! I can't get enough of a good sandbag clean, sandbag carry, or even sandbag hold. It's such a functional movement, and chucking a heavy bag of sand over my shoulder makes me feel extra badass. It's also an awesome stress release. Something positive Crossfit has taught you? I can be incredibly hard on myself, and ruminate unproductively on where I want to be next instead of where I've been or where I am now. One thing I really appreciate about CrossFit is that you can actually see yourself get stronger over time as you can move more weight, run faster, or access movements you previously couldn't do. CrossFit has helped me remember to celebrate the distance between who I was and what I used to be capable of, and who I am and what I can do now. Keeping that in mind sets me up to keep moving forward instead of getting stuck. Any advice for someone just starting? It's really easy to look at the weights other people are choosing for their WODs and get discouraged instead of inspired. Remember that you don't know what anyone else's journey (fitness or otherwise) has been. In all likelihood, they were once right where you are. Choose to be grateful you get to train alongside such badasses and let yourself progress one day at a time toward where they are (and beyond!). How long have you been in Hanoi? Since August 2019. Favorite thing to do in Hanoi (outside of Crossfit)? Kickboxing! I often double-up and head to kickboxing right after CrossFit. I also genuinely love my teaching job and get excited to go into work most days, as nerdy as that may be. Favorite thing to eat in Hanoi? I'm vegetarian and gluten-free, so when I find places that accommodate those needs, I usually become a regular. I am obsessed with La Studio in Tay Ho, and I absolutely adore the gluten-free pastries at the nearby Easter Oriental Teahouse and Coffee Parlor.  The third in our series of discussions, talks and insights. This week Coach Rebecca talks with Friend, Gymnastics Coach, Weightlifter and Handstand Extraordinaire Matt Reid. @ReidPerformanceGymnastics Together they talk about Gymnastics in CrossFit and what we can all be doing during lockdown to hone in our Gymnastic abilities. Also, injury management and the potential impact of injuries on mindset and progress. Tune in for some real insights and plenty of laughs. CFTH sTAYHOme PODCAST #003 The second in our series of discussions, talks and insights. Today we have Coach Rico who is joined by CrossFit Coach, Regionals Athlete, Nutritionist and friend Daine Mitchell. In this episode, training during lockdown and the new training opportunities we have all been presented with under these new circumstances. The guys also discuss: How to fuel your mind and body with solid nutrition. How to avoid cravings, finding personal Challenge/Balance and even “Nasal Breathing.” Tune in for back to back knowledge bombs and plenty of talk about Pringles.
CrossFit sTAYHOme Podcast #002 Introducing the first in our series of discussions, talks and insights. Today we have Coach Rico who is joined by longtime member, friend and all-round badass Carrie Veatch. Today we talk about coping mechanisms, life hacks and opportunities during this difficult time. Finding and accepting the “new normal” while trying to mitigate the impact of Coronavirus isolation on our physical and mental state. There’s a broad-spectrum of difficulties that we are all experiencing and this discussion will provide some solutions and may even alter your perspective on the situation. We truly hope that this will provide some relief and focus to anyone struggling with any aspect of isolation. Also, tune in to hear how many times Rico can say the word “sedentary” wrong in less than one-hour. CrossFit sTAYHOme Podcast #001 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!)  All over the world women are swarming CrossFit boxes in pursuit of health and fitness. CrossFit Tay Ho is no different. Our population of members is 60% female, and 75% of our coaching staff are ladies! Our group of strong women represent 15 different countries - from Canada to Wales to Bhutan to Vietnam and everywhere in-between. We have women who were college athletes and women who never stepped foot in a gym prior to CrossFit. CrossFit represents wellness, hard work, and persistence. It brings together people from all age ranges, races, religions, fitness levels, and educational backgrounds. CrossFit is redefining fitness and beauty for women. In an article for Time magazine in 2016, Katrin Davidsdottir said, "In CrossFit, there’s no such thing as a male or female workout—we all do the same exercises. There is no fear of women becoming “too strong.” Men and women compete in the same arena (literally), all as part of the same competition." The women at the front of this movement are not just the elite female athletes like Davidsdottir. It's the women coaches and box owners, female members, young girls who watch their moms, and supporters of the sport who are catapulting this movement. Here are just a few ways that CrossFit women are shaping the world of fitness. Being a CrossFit Woman Means Empowering the Female Community Every woman has experienced some form of judgement when it comes to exercising. Not enough of this or too much of that. Every person that steps into CrossFit Tay Ho is focused on their own personal journey, but with a lot of support behind them. The community of women do not judge - they empower! Being a CrossFit Woman Means Redefining Stereotypes CrossFit is not about getting ripped and lifting the most weights. It is about accepting your body and transforming it in whatever way makes you the healthiest and happiest. No longer do women aspire to fit into a certain body type. CrossFit women know that they come in all shapes and sizes. Being a CrossFit Woman Means Appreciating Yourself When you work hard and feel good about your wellness journey, appreciating yourself for all you can do comes a lot more easily. Being a CrossFit Woman Means Celebrating All Your Accomplishments Getting a pull up for the first time. Going a little bit deeper in your squat. Getting a healthy check-up from your doctor. Not walking on an 800 meter run. No matter how big or small your accomplishments are, you recognize that every little step means progress. Being a CrossFit Woman Means Working Hard, Never Giving Up, and Challenging Yourself Working through progressions to master a movement. Getting yourself to the box, even when you 'don't feel like it'. Pushing a little bit harder or faster in a WOD. CrossFitters know they need to put in the work to see the results. CrossFit Tay Ho is home to strong, confident women who represent all of these qualities and more. CrossFit has shaped and changed many of our members lives for the better. Here is what they have to say: Sarah "The female community of CrossFit has helped me take more pride in my body and it’s capabilities. In fact, the CrossFit community in general - males and females - has. I’m reminded in CrossFit of all the things I can do, and even those I can’t do yet but will some day with support and hard work. It helps me keep a positive mindset both in and out of the gym." Carrie "CrossFit has become the fitness piece I was missing in my life after not having group fitness for the last couple of years. It has created a way for me to challenge my mental and physical limits, along with being part of an incredibly supportive community. As a woman, I think it is so important that we support other women and I love that CrossFit allows a place for that. There is always a new level to push yourself to and a supportive community cheering you on. My time in Hanoi would never have been the same if it weren't for CFTH" Kathryn "I first joined CrossFit with the goal to get fit, healthy and to look better naked. Little did I know it would teach me to appreciate my body, not for how it looks, but for what it can do. This positive mind shift is not only down to the excellent coaches I have had, but also the inspirational women in the CrossFit community." Dina "Getting introduced to CrossFit TayHo has brought me so much joy in areas which you couldn’t imagine less you actually experience it yourself. Not only do you get to see, watch and learn from some amazingly strong & talented boys...the women, which I have met throughout my first year in CrossFit, have made it unforgettable. They’ve shown me how to be comfortable with lifting heavy weights, how to love being so deep into a WOD you even love looking and feeling an absolute sweaty mess with dribble coming out your mouth. I’m not shy to say before joining my first box - CrossFit Tay Ho, I felt intimidated by CrossFit, and pretty much everything which came with it other than the handstand side of it. The loudness of the music throughout a WOD, the sound of a 10000kg barbell smashing off the floor, and some of the women lifting and doing crazy ass moves on a bar...I was like nope, I can’t do this. A year later CrossFit has done nothing but taught and shown me how to be one of those strong, cool and talented women. I’ve learnt things which I’ll never forget, strength and wisdom from some stronnnnng Momma’s. And.. you’ll learn yourself after one WOD, you generally feel like you’re able to run a marathon, your stamina goes through the roof. Every women needs a bit of CrossFit in their lives. Candice "My first day of walking into the box...I saw sweaty muscles, heard grunts and heavy thuds of weight dropping to the floor...and it was a class full of bad ass women and one man... I wasn't intimidated.. I was attracted to the energy, the determination and the work ethic. Each woman at the box is on their own journey and together we support each other." Teri "CFTH gives me my mental health as well as my physical health. I don't know what I would do without the sweat, focus, challenge, and camaraderie of CFTH. All of the members I've worked out with---- past, temporary and present, have supported me....just by being there with me. Crossfit has changed my mind, spirit, and body for the better. I feel STRONG in every way because of it. I never felt that until Crossfit." Lindsey "Moving from Bangkok to Hanoi in February 2016, I had a tougher than expected time finding friends and feeling settled in a new city. After a few months, a friend convinced me to try out Crossfit. (I had always been active, but I was extremely nervous and intimidated about starting up a new activity like Crossfit which seemed so intense and hard.). The minute I walked into CFTH, I knew I had found "my people". CFTH is more than a box, it is a family. And what is really cool is that we are a family with such diversity - nationality, age, ability, etc. I love that we are all a bit different - and that is what makes CFTH unique, interesting, and special. Keira It can be intimidating for women to walk into a male-dominated gym. Walking into Crossfit Tay Ho (or any Crossfit box) you will experience a sense of respect for all athletes, regardless of their gender. CrossFit helps you get fitter, better and stronger physically, mentally and emotionally. The whole community - men and women - add to the empowering dynamic, and make CrossFit Tay Ho a place for anyone. Come see for yourself!
 This month, get to know Teri! CrossFit has improved Teri's life dramatically. It is very clear how much she loves everything about CrossFit. Teri arrived in Hanoi in August 2018, but was in touch with us long before that. As soon as she knew she was moving to Vietnam, she immediately contacted us - the only CrossFit box in the city. She wanted to make sure she found a place to live close by, and she wanted to get started with her membership as soon as she arrived in the city. The summer heat and humidity was no match for her Florida roots. Teri very quickly became an integral part of the community. She sticks to a consistent training schedule, shows up for all community events, and makes sure to check in with members and coaches regularly. We have seen Teri's confidence grow over these last few years; in her CrossFit abilities and herself. Sadly, she leaves us this June for a new adventure - make sure you hit a WOD with Teri before June! Here is what CFTH means to Teri... CFTH gives me my mental health as well as my physical health. I don't know what I would do without the sweat, focus, challenge, and camaraderie of CFTH. All of the members I've worked out with---- past, temporary and present, have supported me....just by being there with me. Crossfit has changed my mind, spirit, and body for the better. I feel STRONG in every way because of it. I never felt that until Crossfit. How long have you been doing CrossFit/how long at CFTH? I've been at Crossfit Tay Ho for 1 1/2 years and I've been doing CrossFit for 3 1/2 years. Favorite movement/WOD and why? My favorite movement is everything cardio --- but I love deadlifts and front squats best. I also love flipping tires and hope our new space will allow this! Something positive Crossfit has taught you and any advice for someone just starting? CrossFit has taught me confidence, focus, trust and discipline. My advice for a beginner is to STICK WITH IT and DO YOUR BEST. You will surprise yourself at what you can do and at the power given to you by the people working out with you. There is nothing like it. It will change your life. Favorite thing to do in Hanoi (outside of Crossfit)? If you are new to Hanoi --- get to CrossFit Tay Ho NOW! It's what I did --- you will feel at home if you have been doing CrossFit already, and you will make friends and connections right away with people who have a common spirit. Everyone here will understand you immediately ---- even if you don't speak the same language, there is a bond |
