When Tara Rodgers walked through Kanna’s doors in June 2023, CrossFit felt intimidating. Like many people, she’d always thought it looked “a little scary from the outside.” But after canceling her gym membership during COVID and struggling to stay consistent working out on her own, she was ready for something different. So she signed up on a whim—and immediately knew she’d made the right choice.
Since that first class, Tara has become the embodiment of what makes Kanna special. As a physical therapist, she brings a unique understanding of movement to every workout, but it’s her willingness to learn, her incredible work ethic, and her infectious positive attitude that truly set her apart. Whether she’s hitting box jumps (one of her favorites), grinding through toes-to-bar, or avoiding running at all costs, Tara shows up ready to give her best.
But Tara’s impact goes far beyond her personal PRs. She’s participated in competitions despite her nerves, volunteered her time to support our events or All Abilities Class, and never misses a chance to connect with the community she’s grown to love. She’s proof that when you step outside your comfort zone, amazing things happen. Read on to learn more about Tara!
Name
Tara Rodgers
Occupation
Physical Therapist
When did you start at Kanna?
June 2023
What are your favorite numbers and why?
8 and 30 for my birthday. 10 for no reason
What movements do you like?
Box jumps, squatting, DB snatch, cleans, push press, push jerk, med ball slams, toes to bar
What movements do you dislike?
Running and snatching
What sports or fitness things did you do before Kanna?
I’ve gone to the YMCA since I was little and worked out quite a bit with my dad. I’ve played volleyball most of my life. I’ve attempted running and I’m not a fan.
How did you find Kanna? How did you feel when you first walked in?
After canceling my gym membership during covid and not doing a great job working out consistently on my own, I was looking in the Ambler area for something different. I signed up on a whim. When attending my first class, everyone was so welcoming and I didn’t feel intimidated like I thought I might. I immediately felt like I’d made the right choice. CrossFit always seemed a little scary to me from the outside, but this place is the total opposite.
What’s your “why” for working out?
My job is fairly physical, so I want to be able to stay active for that. And because I LOVE food!
What’s your favorite thing about Kanna?
The community. I never thought I would like group classes and now I can’t picture myself doing anything else.
What are your hobbies?
Anything active. I’m a big skier and love playing volleyball and golf. I am an aunt to 2 very active nieces. I enjoy cooking and baking. Novice sewer.
What’s something most people don’t know about you or a fun fact?
I can recite pretty much every line from the movie “My Cousin Vinny”
What PRs or accomplishments (fitness-related) are you most proud of?
1 kipping pull up and toes to bar! And participating in comps
What’s on your fitness bucket list?
A strict pull up
What’s on your general bucket list?
Traveling in the US and abroad to ski, hike, eat, and sightsee
What advice do you have for people new to Kanna?
I was hesitant about joining since this was way out of my comfort zone, but I’ve learned that doing uncomfortable things can pay off.
Anything else you’d like to mention?
I couldn’t be more thankful for the community of people I have met at Kanna.
Kanna members: The MOTM custom workout date is TBD
How does one become Member of the Month? By embodying the Kanna ideals of Learning, Working Hard, and Having Fun. By contributing to the community and supporting others in and out of the workout. By being open to coaching and improving oneself for the sake of being better, not to “win” the workout. By just generally being a good person and having a positive attitude. And a lot more, but you get the idea!
