Member Spotlight: Say Hello to Victor

This month all eyes are on Victor. A dedicated member who puts in the work both inside and outside the box. Victor came to Hanoi one year ago, and credits CrossFit Tay Ho for not only keeping him sane in 2020, but helping him become both mentally and physically stronger. 

Victor has not been doing CrossFit for long but very quickly decided he wanted to commit to his training and wellbeing. He’s been training with consistency and alongside this, he has committed to his nutrition. The progress he has made has inspired us and shown a lot of us what is truly possible when you make a commitment to yourself. Keep up the good work Victor... We see you!

Since becoming a member of CrossFit Tay Ho, Victor has been uncovering the fittest, best, and strongest version of himself mentally, physically and emotionally. Read on to find out more about Victor and his life both inside and outside the box. 

CFTH means Community. I would never have imagined meeting such a group of amazing, dedicated, strong and kind individuals."

How long have you been doing Crossfit/how long at CFTH?
I've been doing Crossfit for almost a year -- all with CFTH since I started in December 2019

What was your very first class at CFTH like?
My first class had wall balls and I remember thinking, "What the hell have I gotten myself into?" Other than that, everyone was so welcoming!

What are some of your recent accomplishments/a-ha moments/or something you have been proud of in the gym recently?
I lost a lot of the COVID-19 lockdown + stress weight I gained since moving to Hanoi and I recently beat my front squat and push press PBs.  I realized how much stronger I've gotten since I started CFTH and I honestly could not have made all this progress without the support from coaches, members, and the CFTH family.

What are some goals you are working toward?
I'm working towards being able to do a proper handstand and consistent double-unders, and trying to get my mile to under 8 minutes.

What is something positive CrossFit has taught you?
I'm a fairly competitive person but very self-motivated, which can be an odd combination of personality traits at times. CrossFit has taught me that it's not about being the best, it's about being better than you previously were.

Any advice for someone just starting?
When I was living in Washington DC, I would walk past a CrossFit gym everyday on the way to work and I was so intimidated. My advice to someone just starting is to keep at it. They've already made one of the hardest steps by just walking into the box and doing a trial or signing up as a member. 

How has your health/fitness/mindset changed since starting CrossFit?
My overall fitness has definitely improved. I feel more motivated overall and CrossFit has helped a lot in dealing with 2020 mentally/emotionally.

What do you do out there in the real world? 
Isn't CrossFit the real world? (just kidding). I'm a Program Manager for an American consulting firm under a government contract. My day-to-day is mostly focused on strategic communications.

How long have you been in Hanoi?
I've been in Hanoi full time for 11 months (since December 2019) but I've been flying in and out for work here since 2018.

Favorite thing to do in Hanoi (outside of CrossFit)?
My favorite thing to do in Hanoi (outside of CrossFit) is taking my dog on a long walk and finding a nice coffee shop to sit down and just chill.

Favorite Hanoi restaurant?
This is a tough one! There are so many good restaurants so this would depend on my mood but my go-to places are Bao Wow, Los Fuegos, and  for Italian (i.e. carbs) -- Dragoncello for great food and wine.