Copy of Member of the Month Jan 26' - Tarek!

Congrats to our member of the Month Tarek!! When, how and why did you get started with us?  Just over 3 years ago and I had never heard of CrossFit before.  I was dating someone who had been doing CrossFit for some time and suggested I come along and try it (a different Gym). I thought it might be interesting to try some variety and strength work to complement running/triathlon training, and how hard could it be? Well, it was hard (and still is!), so I then signed up at CFC and got hooked as I enjoyed the variety, stimulus and challenges, new skills, and meeting some truly amazing bunch of coaches and members. So it’s now 3 years on (and the girl is gone), but CrossFit still going strong! (…ish).

What would be your dream workout? As I’m currently undergoing a major bone/joint remodelling project, I’d have to rule out anything with a box, a rope, any non-featherweight load, and any impact. So that leaves push-ups (hand release), strict pull-ups, v-ups (or sit-ups) and an easy-moderate/recovery row… Would have included running but that will have to wait till 2026!

What workout would you want to avoid? I know I should do more of what I want to avoid… “I want never gets?”. So I would want to (not) avoid double unders, echo bike, squat snatches / OHS. Also would want to (not) avoid some of the CrossFit Girls, who can be quite unforgiving and mean (no offence intended to Fran, Karen, Grace)! 

Favourite Crossfit Athlete? CrossFit Jo/Jane - hardworking, committed, helpful to other athletes and super friendly i.e. most CFC members!

What's the best thing you own that costs under $100? Continuing the theme of bone remodelling - $31 REVIX Knee Gel Ice pack compression wrap (from Amazon)

Biggest fashion mistake you’ve ever made? An oversized, ill-fitting leather jacket I bought in a designer store warehouse sale in NYC 25 years ago…. You gotta see this to appreciate how bad it was. I don’t have a photo but the emotional scar is etched in my mind. I persevered with it for a few months till I finally admitted defeat to the fashion mistake demons.

Favourite quote?  You grow through what you grow through 

What's your fav 90s jam? Mr. Jones (Counting Crows) 

What was the last thing you watched on TV? Lucifer

The funniest thing that happened to you recently? 

The entire 8hr return trip from Perisher to Perth with a broken leg was a comedy of errors. Painful as it was, the funny parts are what now stand out. Quite a few incidents, but examples include being nearly run over walking to car after buying pain-killers at Chemist with crutches by hooning youngsters, multiple attempts at refuelling rental car hindered by crutches getting tangled in filler hose,  one crutch falling precisely onto filler cap closing it before I got to, and a flight attendant asking me  (mid flight to Perth) “are you allowed to fly?”.

Most used emoji?  

😁

If you could have another CrossFit Claremont member's attribute, what would it be?

I’ll take two please?

1. The 3 personalities of Chris Loftus - a) Formal, serious and thorough when coaching, b) 100% focussed and in-zone in workouts (notably weightlifting comp last Dec), c) super friendly and interested in everyone when chatting to other members. 

2. Any and every member who can hold a barbell overhead while their hips are below their knees