Member of the Month: Atom

Atom stepped into our basement box on Xuan Dieu a little over a year ago, signed up immediately, and our community has never been the same. 

Atom is like a human firework, and his energy is contagious. If you ever enter the gym unmotivated, you can be sure that once you see Atom going HAM, you’re going to switch it on as well. 

Atom always makes sure to say hello to everyone - and chances are everyone knows him because of it! He is kind and and thoughtful and never steps foot into the gym without a smile on his face.

Atom LOVES CrossFit. It has been amazing to see him grow as an athlete, improve his technique, gain confidence in workouts, and genuinely live and breathe CrossFit. Atom has started challenging himself even more by signing up for competitions around Asia (you'll learn in his interview that he wants to compete until he is 100!). 

Atom works hard, brings the 'IT" factor to our box, and is an extremely valued member of our community. We love that he goes on a pre-WOD run nearly every day, and incorporates sweet ninja moves and dances into his workouts. keep reading to find out what CrossFit means to Atom:

I am super proud to be a member of CFTH. Crossfit has become one of my daily routines, like sleeping and eating…. CFTH has become a valuable place after my home and work. Crossfit is the life blood (tonic, energizer) of my life. My goal is to compete until the 100 years division of CrossFit, Maybe I can beat Mat Fraser then?

How long have you been doing Crossfit/how long at CFTH?
It has been a little over a year and a half since I started CrossFit. I started CrossFit at CFTH, and I am still the One Clubman of CFTH. At that time, when I was on the Xuan Dieu St., I came across the street and accidentally heard it,
and when I saw it, I felt a strong impression and immediately registered. During my first WOD, I tasted the new world and immediately fell into CrossFit. One of the best things I have done in my life.

Favorite movement / WOD and why?
I love all CrossFit movements and WODs. Because of that, I have to do every WOD. Among them, I like WODs with long-time and bare body workouts like Angie, Barbara, Cindy, Murph, Forrest, Clovo. However, in the future, I would like to try WODs with a metallic smell like The Seven and The Don. Surely, I seem to be greedy for all WODs - I can’t wait for new WODs! And, besides box WODs, Dear CFTH, Please continue to make to new WODs like pool WOD, river WOD, sea WOD, mountain WOD, sky WOD...

What is something positive Crossfit has taught you?
If we really work hard at CrossFit, will we have time to think negatively? I want to ask that. Every day, I feel a great sense of achievement as I finish the big and small, easy or hard WODs. CrossFit is a personal record game, but it is a great attraction to be an exercise that encourages and can be enjoyed with many people. I think CrossFit can be said to be the common language of human sport. It seems to have the charm of making weak people strong and strong people soft. 

Any advice for someone just starting CrossFit?
It is a sport that most people can do if you adjust the difficulty level that suits you. First, find out exactly your physical abilities and age. If possible, it would be better to carry out WODs while improving basic fitness and mobility with a long-term plan. Warm-up for 15 minutes before exercise and cool-down for 15 minutes after exercise to increase your exercise vitality and to prevent injury and recover from fatigue. Lastly, I'd like to say not just to do CrossFit, but to enjoy and trust yourself.

How long have you been in Hanoi?
I’ve been in Vietnam for 23 years, I have lived in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Danang, Hue... Vietnam is my second country, Hanoi is my second hometown.

Favorite thing to do in Hanoi? (outside of Crossfit)
I am happy to go to the market and cook for family, even though the dish is tasteless.^^ I like to ride bikes with my lovely daughters around Tay Ho Lake, every trip we try to find different ways to go. Also playing football every Sunday is one of my enjoyments, and it is a pleasure to hang out with Korean close friends who live in Hanoi.

Favorite thing to eat in Hanoi?
Recently I started to be a  Pesco-Vegetarian. I’m addicted to finding vegetarian cuisine, go to a restaurant, or cook at home. All the UU DAM CHAY restaurant's in Vietnam and Western vegetarian cuisine are my most favorite dishes.