 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!)
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 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  You just had a solid training session at Crossfit Tay Ho, and now it’s time to refuel. But where to go? There are countless restaurants all over Tay Ho, and deciding where to eat in Hanoi can often be harder than the workout itself. Whether you are ready for a Sunday brunch, or a post WOD evening meal, here are 8 restaurants within walking distance of Crossfit Tay Ho to get your feed on. BAO WOW Hanoi’s first fusion Bao restaurant opened in 2018 and has never looked back. Located on Dang Thai Mai (literally directly behind Crossfit Tay Ho) this small space screams ‘Cool’. The tables, the merchandise, the decorations, the waiters - everything about this Hanoi restaurant pulls you in. They’re known for their baos - a type of bun (or bread like dumpling) filled with almost anything - pork, chicken, veggies, fish. While their baos are incredibly flavorful, if you’re looking to stick to healthy eating - opt for one of their Bao-less Bowls. Think burrito bowl - but bao style. Choose the main topping, then substitute the bun for rice, kale salad, or a mix of both. The perfect post workout meal. Ask to double the meat for that extra protein kick.
LA STUDIO This tiny vegan cafe/bakery churns out all day breakfast and lunch in a beautifully decorated, chilled out spot down a Tay Ho alley. They have a nice selection of healthy options; think smoothie bowls, homemade bread, sandwiches and bagels plus a selection of baked goods that changes daily. You don’t have to be a vegan to enjoy the food offered at La Studio - ask anyone that lives in the city and this eclectic little cafe will almost always come up as one of the best restaurants in Hanoi. Your best bet for some post workout carb refueling would be a smoothie bowl. Made with fresh fruit and veggies and topped with homemade granola and coconut.
MAISON DE TET Maison de Tet’s cool vibe in a quiet space overlooking West Lake is always a classic go-to restaurant for any meal of the day. The calm ambiance, unique decorations, and picturesque views add to the chilled vibe. It’s easy to park it here for awhile and eat and drink the day away. There is no shortage of healthy eats here. You’ll find a menu filled with nourish bowls made with just the right portion of carbs, fats and protein. Gluten free baked goods entice you from the downstairs cases. A full two pages of smoothies and healthy juices, and of course a variety of egg dishes, salads, sandwiches and soups. On top of the healthy food that will be sure to fuel you after a tough workout, you’ll find good coffee as well. The coffee comes from a local roaster, and they have a variety of micro blends for sale.
C'EST BON CAFE This adorable french cafe tucked around the corner from the old Crossfit Tay Ho location is an excellent choice for a weekend morning post-WOD brunch. The cozy space has a large outdoor terrace and three floors of tables for you to choose from. The menu includes savory and sweet options for whatever you’re craving - though we think the healthy, savory options are your best bet. We always go for the set meal of the Eggs Breakfast or Healthy Breakfast, which includes a tartine, coffee, fresh squeezed juice, salad, and homemade yogurt and granola. All of that for 135,000.
HANOI TACO BAR WEST LAE In a peaceful and scenic spot right on the banks of West Lake sits Hanoi Taco Bar. The outdoor and indoor seating come with views and ambiance. The extensive menu means it is a top restaurant in Hanoi for any meal; brunch, lunch, dinner and/or drinks. Mexican food can be as healthy or unhealthy as you want it to be. We like to come to Hanoi Taco Bar for a post workout burrito bowl. Ask for a bowl filled with rice, salad or a mix of the two. Top it with your choice of protein - pork, chicken, beef or shrimp. It comes with veggies and beans, as much or as little as you want. Top it all off with some guacamole. The staff does a very good job understanding dietary needs, and will make sure your food comes out just as you want it.
CHICKEN SOCIETY Located inside the Fraser Suites Building is this unsuspecting healthy restaurant. Inspired by the famous Hainanese Chicken Rice, Chicken Society dishes out set chicken and rice meals flavored with clean ingredients like garlic, ginger, and chili. All of the chicken at this Hanoi restaurant is juicy and well cooked, a nice change from some of the grittier meat you might get on the street. There is a decent sized menu of different kinds of chicken parts and salads. But the best post (or pre) workout meal is the chicken + starch + greens plate with free flow chicken broth for just 95,000. For the healthiest option fill your plate with steamed chicken, rice, and a mixed green salad. HANOI SANDWICH HOUSE If you’re jones-ing for a sandwich fix in Hanoi, you won’t find a better place than Hanoi Sandwich House. Located in a spacious and cozy villa at the end of Tay Ho Street - dine in or get your sandwiches to go. Made with quality ingredients, choose from one of the custom sandwiches, or opt to make your own. The bread is made in house - no need to worry about added sugar - the portions are large, and all sandwiches come with homemade potato chips. Compliment your sandwich with a large selection of teas, coffee and smoothies. We opt for the club sandwich - chicken breast, bacon, egg, beetroot, lettuce and tomato - all sandwiched between three pieces of bread.
MILK AND HONEY A newcomer to the Hanoi restaurant scene, Milk and Honey is quickly becoming our go-to choice for pre/post WOD meals. The small, perfectly decorated cafe has big tables and couches for sharing a meal or coffee. Their philosophy is all about purchasing local, clean and sustainable ingredients and being environmentally friendly. The staff is fantastic as well, very attentive and on top of their game! The menu is an interesting mix of sweet baked goods, healthy juices and smoothies, savory sandwiches, and filling bowls of overnight oats. All of the meals are freshly made to order. Our go to is the salmon sandwich - a large portion of salmon on rye bread with cream cheese and cucumbers. The coffee selection just adds to the excellence of this top restaurant in Hanoi. GAZPACHO SALAD BAR AT MOON YOGA STUDIO This Hanoi restaurant is not in Tay Ho, but we had to add it. Sometimes in life you just crave a big ol’ plate of greens, and it might be tricky to find a solid salad restaurant in Hanoi. You’re in luck because the Gazpacho Salad Bar will help your salad cravings. Set inside Moon Yoga Studio in Ba Dinh, technically this place is not in Tay Ho BUT they will deliver to you. Whether you live in Hanoi or your visiting for some time, take the guesswork out of eating and make sure you always have something healthy on hand. Gazpacho Salad Bar offers a weekly Salad Challenge meal plan. For 350,000 (5 salads) you’ll get:
They also have a wrap challenge (5 wraps for 280k). A wrap and soup challenge (5 wraps + 5 soups for 500k). A smoothie challenge (5 smoothies for 200k). Have your salad or wrap or smoothie delivered straight to Crossfit Tay Ho to enjoy after your workout!
Whether you are coming to or from a workout at CrossFit Tay Ho, or just looking for a healthy meal in the Tay Ho area of Hanoi - we think these options will satisfy anyone.
 If you’re living in Hanoi, or at least hanging around for more than a few weeks, finding a place to get your sweat on is important. Whether you want to work off the bia hois and banh mis, find a like minded group of people, or simply crave a routine that includes fitness - there are plenty of gyms in Hanoi that will meet your needs. With the TayHo neighborhood housing a large number of expats, let’s take a look at the selection of Hanoi gyms in TayHo. Ranging from cheap to pricey, basic to elaborate - you’ve got a lot to choose from in this neighborhood. CROSSFIT TAY HO Home of the only CrossFit in Hanoi, this gym is a home away from home for its members. Not your typical traditional gym - no ellipticals or Zumba here - CrossFit is considered “The Sport of Fitness”. Movements are constantly varied, performed at high intensity and functional. It is meant for everyone - of all shapes, sizes and fitness levels - and improves your overall health, physical fitness and mindset. In simple words, CrossFit makes you fitter, better and stronger in a welcoming and fun environment. CrossFit Tay Ho has members from over 25 countries who have bonded over tough workouts, camaraderie and a love of the sport. But CFTH (as it is fondly called) is more than challenging workouts and great results, it is a place to belong. For many members, CrossFit Tay Ho is where they found their place in Hanoi. Members not only train together, but spend time outside of the gym, and travel together. If you’re looking for a community in Hanoi, this might be the place for you. Each class is run by a highly qualified coach who will help tailor each workout to you. Coaches are invested in your fitness journey and will follow up and check in with you on a regular basis. Group classes run at varying times throughout the day, from 5:00am to 8:00pm. On top of the group classes, CrossFit Tay Ho has an open gym area where members can do accessory and strength work on their own. CFTH recently moved to a new location at 34 Dang Thai Mai. The space is newly constructed with all brand new equipment. We will be offering new classes and new merchandise with the same core values we have been cultivating for the last five years. One former member reached out to share her thoughts on this Hanoi gym: “I joined CrossFit Tay Ho when I was newly postpartum, incredibly self conscious, unfit and intimidated. It took me three times to be enticed inside and then...I never looked back. I have never experienced a gym or environment like it, it changed the way I view fitness and what a gym could be. The results will speak for themselves (fastest most obvious results I’ve ever achieved) but the thing you’ll fall in love with is the community and the people. Whatever other option you entertain, highly recommend adding CrossFit Tay Ho to it too, you won’t regret it!” CrossFit can be intimidating to the uninformed. Take a look at this breakdown on what Crossfit is, and whether or not it is right for you!
THE FITNESS VILLAGE The Fitness Village is a tranquil fitness space tucked away down a quiet alley in Tay Ho. This Hanoi Gym offers a range of classes suiting everyone’s goals. To start, they have a large selection of group fitness classes including HIIT classes, Zumba, Yoga & Pilates, Pump classes, Spin, and even guided meditation. These classes run at varying times all day long, from 6:30am to 7:50pm on most days. All of the classes are run by qualified instructors bringing tons of fitness knowledge. Members enjoy the large range of different classes and the selection of instructors who bring their own style and variation to class! Aside from the group fitness class space The Fitness Village has a fully equipped, air conditioned & air purified gym with free weights and cardio machines, as well as a separate zone for calisthenics training. You can use this space on your own, or hire one of their three PTs to train you. The Personal Trainers at The Fitness Village are super knowledgeable and friendly. Each has their own unique style, but all believe in finding the right path to help their clients reach their goals. According to a current trainer, one of the strongest points is the environment they’ve created. Whether it’s in the classes or the gym, all instructors and members are really welcoming and it doesn’t feel intimidating at all. Another little perk on joining The Fitness Village is that from April to October, members can relax by the peaceful swimming pool. It’s not meant for lap swimming, but definitely a lovely refresher on a hot summer day.
CALIFORNIA CENTURYON WEST POINT Located inside the Somerset in a prime location in Tay Ho is a California Fitness. This chain of gyms in Vietnam caters to Vietnamese and foreigners in a clean and modern setting, and the Tay Ho branch is no different. The gym has a large selection of cardio machines (treadmills, ellipticals, stair climbers, upright/recumbent bikes), and lots of weight machines. There is a smaller section of free weights and dumbbells, and multiple rooms for group fitness classes. Group classes include yoga, dance, spinning and Les Mills Body classes. The jury is out for this gym in Hanoi. People seem to be split down the middle and quite vocal about whether they love it or hate it. For Team ‘We Love California Centuryon’, members appreciate the range of classes, swimming pool, sauna, cold plunge pool, and cleanliness and upkeep of equipment. On Team ‘Not a Fan of California Centuryon’, people often comment on the crowded environment, loud pulsing music, confusion on membership costs, and lack of awareness of staff and trainers. This seems to be a place to come and check out for yourself before deciding to join. Chances are you won’t be meeting your new BFFs while here, but if you want a good workout - whether solo or in a group - they can definitely meet your needs. When it comes to membership, it seems like no two people have paid the same price! There are constant promotions and deals, and you can figure out a way to talk the price down if you have good haggling skills. Obviously, the longer you sign up for the cheaper the price will be. There are also typically people selling their memberships on many of the Hanoi Facebook Groups where you might be able to get a better deal. Sidebar → I joined this gym for one reason. I needed a specific kind of treadmill called an Air Runner, and this is the only place around that had one! I ended up paying 13,000,000VND for 18 months (roughly 700,000VND a month). In hindsight, it seems like a lot for one machine, but what can you do! My experience with this gym is that I can get in, run, and get out. I put my headphones in so I don’t have to hear the music or chatter. No one has ever bothered me, and most of the interactions I’ve had with staff have been pleasant.
TOP GYM Another often sought after gym in Tay Ho is Top Gym on Au Co. You might have heard the bumping music as you walk by, or been impressed through the big windows filled with equipment. Three floors to be exact. This Hanoi gym has everything you need to get your workout on. They have all benches, machines, equipment, treadmills, and dumbbells, all new and well maintained. They also have two power racks with Olympic standard barbells. There is a kickboxing training space and lots of group classes, like zumba and yoga. Most people are respectful and re-rack the weight. The staff speaks English, though sometimes they are not so attentive. The extra facilities are also a big selling point of this gym. It is air conditioned, has a steam room and sauna. This is another gym with constant promotions and varying memberships. At certain times of the year they have specials. Some people have reported they spent 6,000,000 for the entire year while another person paid 4,800,000 for six months.
OLYMPIA GYM If you’re in the market for a no-frills fitness center in Hanoi, then Olympia Gym may be what you are looking for. At the end of To Ngoc Van, you’ll find this large gym with a lot of light. It has most of the things that you need to get a workout in - free weights, bench presses, ellipticals, bikes, machines, etc. In the summer they open their semi-outdoor pool (though it is not included in your membership and you’ll need to pay an additional 80k). It is simply a solo adventure as there are no trainers or group fitness classes. If you join Olympia Gym, you need to manage your expectations because you are not getting a state of the art, well kept gym. The space is crowded with unused, old, or broken machines. The equipment is not maintained and it is not the cleanest of fitness centers. What sets Olympia apart from other Tay Ho Gyms is the price. It is very affordable. There are varying membership options, but for the most part they seem to average at around 400,000k for unlimited access to the fitness center (some people buy memberships at 570,000k for 30 visits). It is also rarely crowded which is always a bonus. This gym is not pretentious and does not attract pretentious people. Lots of local Vietnamese use this gym. You are also able to hire your own trainer and bring them to the gym to train you. If you want fancy, this gym is likely not for you.
FIT 24 Fit24 has been a bit harder to find information on. It seems like the majority of people who go to this gym use it sparingly through the Wefit App. According to their website they have state of the art equipment with well planned structure that brings a positive experience to their clients. They have a variety of fitness classes like yoga and dance. A few members from Hanoi Beautiful have commented on their experience at FIT24. People like their good mix of cardio and weight machines and wide range of classes. The gym itself is rarely crowded. A bonus is that they have really nice showers, a small sauna and comfortable chairs to chill out in after a workout. There are six locations throughout Hanoi, and it seems as if your membership gets you access to all of the locations. This gym is another one with varying price structures. One person paid 16,000,000 for a year membership, while another paid 9,000,000. Similar to California Fitness, the price seems to go up or down based on your haggling skills.
Now you’ve got all the information needed about choosing a gym in Tay Ho, Hanoi. Take all these points into consideration, chat with your friends, and get your sweat on!  Give it up for Sarah Schnieder! She has been a consistent presence in the early morning class for the last year. Sarah shows up every morning with a smile on her face ready to tackle the workout. Sarah has shown amazing amounts of patience and positivity coming back from her knee injury. Rehab is never simple and it’s easy to lose motivation when injured, but Sarah has really been committed to her recovery. She has turned up to the 5am classes ready to try something new and always asks for scaling opportunities to work around the injury. Great to see her now gaining confidence in the knee and jumping and even sometimes running. She’s been a role model in how she’s dealt with it. Sarah will be leaving Crossfit Tay Ho (and Hanoi) in June 2020, we will be cherishing the last few months we have with her! Read on to find out what CFTH means to Sarah and some other interesting tidbits about her! Here is what Crossfit Tay Ho means to Sarah: “CFTH has helped me to work through knee rehab and regain strength and mobility, as well as confidence in what I can do physically. The coaches are so incredibly supportive and patient, while also holding each of us to a high standard. The community is kind and goofy, and I very much look forward to coming to the box every morning.” How long have you been doing Crossfit/how long at CFTH?
I started at CFTH (and Crossfit) Spring 2019, so we're coming up to a year! Favorite movement/WOD and why? Deadlift - it's a movement I've worked on for quite some time between softball and coaching, and one that I was able to do consistently through all of my knee rehab fun. It makes me feel strong and capable. Something positive Crossfit has taught you? Crossfit, particularly CFTH, has helped to remind me to have patience with myself, but also to push myself. The encouraging and supportive community has become a consistently positive part of my life here in Hanoi. How long have you been in Hanoi? I have been here a year and a half, and I will be be taking off in June of this year. Favorite thing to eat in Hanoi? Anything with passionfruit in it. And fresh spring rolls. WHAT A DAY!Saturday, February 8, 2020 will go down in history as one of the best days for Crossfit Tay Ho. While it is always a good day at CFTH, this past weekend our Grand Opening took the cake. We were blown away by the support from the Hanoi Community, but even more so by our own #TayHoArmy of members that came, saw, and conquered our first ever workout at 34 Dang Thai Mai.  THE START OF SOMETHING GREATWe kicked off the morning with coffee and croissants (Shout outs to our friends over at Simple Coffee and C'est Bon for the drinks and bites). Lots of excitement around the new space, toys and facilities. THE SPACEFrom our tiny little dungeon of 75 square meters to a massive space of 457 square meters (over six times bigger!). We no longer need to go to Starbucks to go to the bathroom, or get dangerously close to each other on the WOD floor. Everyone is super pumped about the facilities and space we have. Of course it wouldn't be a Crossfit Tay Ho event without some speeches and fanfare. CROSSFIT TAY HO BENCHMARK WOD - HOAN KIEMWe celebrated the start of something new with our first ever benchmark WOD called Hoan Kiem. Hoan Kiem is an important lake in Hanoi. Hoan Kiem is... 12 minute AMRAP 5 Hang Power Snatches 10 Box Jumps 15 Pull ups 45 Double Unders It's been a long time coming, and we couldn't be more excited for what the future holds for Crossfit Tay Ho. Here's to getting fitter, better, and stronger in 2020 and beyond!
 It is the season for reflection. It is the season for spending quality time with friends and family and it’s also the season to celebrate. To celebrate everything that you have achieved in 2019 and to also look forward to what’s going to come in 2020. It is also the season where routine is thrown out of the window and, well, it seems like there is a social event after social event. Prosecco after Prosecco. Mince pie after mince pie. Elastic waisted trousers at the ready.  Is there any harm in enjoying yourselves? Nope. Life is all about balance. Okay, so we all know that the 24th, 25th and 26th are some pretty heavy eating days, but there is no need to feel overwhelmed by this. It is all about staying in control and being aware of what we put into our bodies, at the end of the day energy in energy out. In the days leading up to it we can make some good choices that will allow for the festivities, making a conscious effort to make sure everything going into the body is clean, healthy and within sensible portion control.
 Why?
Because those honey roasted parsnips and that ice cream on Boxing Day will be so much more worth it. We can treat our calories like a budget. It is the season where everyone will be spending a lot more, save on the days where you can and bank the numbers where you want them to count. That budget does also need to include alcohol. Yep, although it is liquid, alcohol can contain high calories, sugar and perhaps a hefty headache the next day. Make water your best friend on the 30th and 31st. Hydration is key. 🔑 By the 1st of January 2020 there’s probably going to be quite a few toxins that we are wanting to get rid of and water can do a beautiful job of flushing out all that alcohol and sugars floating in our systems. There is no harm in being the person that ordered a glass of water with their gin and tonic. Lastly, move the body. December is a really easy period to lose that routine and end up being pretty sedentary, sitting for long periods of time on transport or even spending Christmas day on the sofa watching back-to-back films. We don’t have to go and hit a sub 3 minute Fran or attempt Murph, we can simply go for a walk, stretch or hit the dance floor on the 31st. Remember to enjoy yourselves and keep the balance. Merry Christmas 🎄 R x  Carter joined the CrossFit Tay Ho essentials course in September 2019, and ever since he has been a regular smiling face at 9am & Barbell Club. Each session Carter comes with an open and inquisitive mind listening to coaches, asking coaches and giving his all in WODs. In the space of two months, Carter’s movement and performance has improved dramatically - showcasing all his hard work. Plus give this boy a sandbag and no one has a chance!! Carter, you are a pleasure to have in the CrossFit Tay Ho team and we cannot be more excited to see where your Health & Fitness journey takes you. In Carter's own words... "Crossfit, to me, means reaching goals I didn't previously know I had. Challenging myself not only physically, but mentally. Before I moved to Hanoi I didn't have any expectations of the things I would get myself into and I am glad to say CFTH has been one of those things. Something that has become part of my daily routine. Something that impacts positively on my physical health and mental health. I always walk out of the CFTH gym feeling better then I did walking in. I enjoy that I get to meet people from all different walks of life and discover how they also ended up here in Hanoi. CFTH is a place where you feel empowered by the continual support and encouragement and allows you to empower the people around you by doing the same. "  How long have you been doing Crossfit?
I have been doing Crossfit for two months and started my journey at Crossfit Tay Ho. Only regret is not starting sooner. Favorite movement/WOD and why? After much deliberation I would have to say box jumps are my favorite movement. Can't say I have a favorite WOD but something with running and minimal/no wall balls. Something positive Crossfit has taught you? Crossfit has taught me that it is more about your mental strength rather then your physical strength. 'Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you are right' That is something that impacts me positively by being able to show yourself that the only limit is yourself. Any advice for someone just starting? If I could have given myself any advice two months ago when I had just started I would tell myself to celebrate your personal achievements no matter the size. To make a habit of going regardless of how much you don't want to as you'll be glad you went and that no one is there to judge you but rather to encourage you. How long have you been in Hanoi? I have been in Hanoi for four months Favorite thing to do in Hanoi (outside of Crossfit)? Meeting new people and new experiences. Favorite thing to eat in Hanoi? I'll be honest in saying I'm not the biggest fan of Vietnamese food or the wide range of different textures! My favourite fruit that I have had since being in Hanoi would be mango stars, yumm!  This week it is time to meet the one and only Carys Jones. Carys, along with her husband, has been a member of Crossfit Tay Ho for over two years now. Carys has made steady and consistent progress in all of the things over the years. Increasing weights on her lifts and busting out gymnastics movements when she thinks know one is watching (someone is always watching, Carys!)! We love Carys' energy when she accomplishes something for herself (screams of glee), as well as her energy as she supports other members of the box. Carys' positivity, grit, and determination make her a valued member of Crossfit Tay Ho. She values Crossfit Tay Ho and the impact it has had on her life in Hanoi. In her own words... "Crossfit Tay Ho a place to have fun, de-stress & push your limits whilst hanging out with THE BEST people in Hanoi." We agree with you Carys! Now find out more about her experience in Hanoi and at CFTH!   How long have you been doing Crossfit?
Been doing Crossfit on and off for around 4.5 years but never fully got into it until I started at Crossfit Tay Ho a little over 2 years ago. Favorite movement/WOD and why? I love all of the gymnastic stuff. My favourite movement currently is a pull up because I have never had upper body strength before! Something positive Crossfit has taught you? To be in my abilities. Any advice for someone just starting? Do not worry about not being able to do certain movements. There is a scale for everyone & nobody judges! How long have you been in Hanoi? Three years Favorite thing to do in Hanoi (outside of Crossfit)? Socializing over food. Favorite thing to eat in Hanoi? So many amazing dishes but I’m going with bun cha. |
