March 2025 Member of the Month: Kathie Cronk

Kathie joined Kanna in June 2023 and immediately dove headfirst into the community — even if she felt a bit intimidated at first. Since then, she’s consistently shown up and put in the work, proudly hitting a 125 lb. deadlift and jumping up onto plates despite a history of knee issues.

Beyond her own fitness progress, Kathie’s generosity and spirit have made a lasting impact on the Kanna family. She was recently named “Helper of the Year” at our Trailblazer Awards thanks to her dedication as a regular volunteer for our All Abilities class, plus her willingness to step in as a judge at our competitions.

When we think about what it means to Learn, Work Hard, and Have Fun — Kathie truly embodies those values. We are thrilled to recognize her as our March Member of the Month!

Name

Kathie Cronk

Occupation

Sr. Manager, Office & Volunteer Services

When did you start at Kanna?

June, 2023

What are your favorite numbers and why?

4 – it was my brother’s number when he played hockey. 6 – a very close friend’s baseball number and 13…not sure why but it was the number I always picked to have when I played softball and field hockey as a kid.

What movements do you like?

DB snatches, med ball slams, rower, toes to something, deadlift

What movements do you dislike?

Jump rope, body builders, wall balls and squats

What sports or fitness things did you do before Kanna?

I’ve done bootcamp style classes and boxing, which I loved!

How did you find Kanna? How did you feel when you first walked in?

In 2020, I had weightloss surgery and worked hard to lose 150lbs. I did workout classes online with a former trainer I worked with. But it got old over time so I started searching for a gym with classes that was located in ambler or close by. I tried just going to a gym on my own but that doesn’t work for me. I need other people around for support and accountability. When I looked at the website and saw within the coaches there were all ages and body types. I was a bit intimidated by the “cross fit” of it all. When I first chatted with Steph, it happened to be right before a free trial Friday. She suggested I come and check it out. Everyone was so welcoming and supportive. Willing to help me while trying to survive that first workout. I knew right away this was where I wanted to be. The level method makes it so I never feel like I can’t do something.

What’s your “why” for working out? 

I always want to stay one step ahead of aging. My body has been through a lot so I want to do all I can to keep taking care of it.

What’s your favorite thing about Kanna?

Hands down it’s the people. When you walk in the gym not feeling like you have the motivation to take on the workout, the energy from and interactions with everyone else in the class quickly gives you the energy you needed. And when it’s all over, those same people are telling you how great you did. I also love the time I get to spend with our athletes in the All Abilities class. I am greeted with so many hugs! I am consistently impressed with their strength and willingness to try anything. And who doesn’t love dance breaks!

What are your hobbies?

I enjoy reading, doing puzzles, and giving back by volunteering for the organizations and causes that mean the most to me.

What’s something most people don’t know about you or a fun fact?

I once had a job in as a counselor for troubled teenage girls. We lived outside and took 3 week canoe trips and/or backpack trips. I have the skills to cook a whole turkey in a hole in the ground.

What PRs or accomplishments (fitness-related) are you most proud of?

My highest deadlift PR is 125lb. I was only able to do one but I was so proud of myself. My right knee makes certain movements more difficult. The first time I was able to step up on the 12in box was great. And then I worked to get stronger and can now step up on the 16in box.

What’s on your fitness bucket list?

I want to do a box jump to the 12 inch box. I have done jumping onto plates but I only tried once. I want to keep trying and land at least one 12 in box jump.

What’s on your general bucket list?

See a concert at Red Rocks in Colorado. Go on a wine tour in Napa Valley. Finally get a passport and travel to Italy, Greece and Ireland.

What advice do you have for people new to Kanna?

Don’t let the words “Cross Fit” scare you away. The level method will help you to adjust the workout to what you are capable of doing. If you want to get and stay fit, spend an hour with supportive people and have so much fun doing all of that…join the Kanna family!

Anything else you’d like to mention?

You are capable of way more than you think!

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!