Doug first joined in Nov. 2019, took a bit of a hiatus as many did when the pandemic hit, but luckily his wife snuck behind his back and bought him a membership to start back up last year. Ever since then, Doug has been ready to rock and roll in the 6:45 am class.
Despite a busy schedule and family life, his consistency and determination have been noticed and we want to recognize that! In class, Doug embodies our values of Learning, Working Hard, and Having Fun. For all of those reasons and more, Doug Malora is our October Member of the Month – Congratulations!
Name
Doug Malora
Occupation
Consultant Liaison for QSC
When did you start at Kanna?
I started in late 2019 but had to step away during the pandemic. I returned in 2023 when my wife renewed my membership secretly as a Christmas gift.
What are your favorite numbers and why?
2, 6, and 26. They always seem to follow me around. Chances are, if I look at the clock, it will be 2:26.
What movements do you like?
I know I’m an outlier, but I like Wallballs. I also like Cleans, Dragon Fly Sit-Ups, and Rowing.
What movements do you dislike?
I’m sure I speak for most when I call out Burpees. I wouldn’t say I dislike them, but I haven’t figured out Double-Unders or the Rope yet, so I’ll put them here.
What sports or fitness things did you do before Kanna?
I played soccer and baseball growing up. Through High School and College I could be found playing Ultimate Frisbee.
How did you find Kanna? How did you feel when you first walked in?
I had friends that were members of other Crossfit gyms close to where they lived and worked. They were getting more and more into it and I wanted to try it out. I searched for the closest Crossfit to Ambler and found Kanna! I felt nervous because I never was a gym guy and didn’t have any experience lifting weights.
What’s your “why” for working out?
I was unhappy with the decline of my health and energy levels. I was gaining weight, sleeping poorly, always tired and really disappointed with how bad I let it get. I tried running, Peloton, and home workout videos but I would abandon them after a few months.
What’s your favorite thing about Kanna?
The coaching. Like I said, I had very little experience working out in gyms and lifting weights. If I ever did go to a gym, I would walk in with no plan, use whatever machine was open, and probably use it incorrectly. The reason Kanna works for me is, the work out is planned and taught for each class. Sometimes, I don’t even check what the workout is before I arrive. I just show up knowing I am getting a great workout in that day whatever it is.
What are your hobbies?
I’m into music. I played saxophone and sang in a funk/rock band for many years. It is harder to gig these days, but my kids are starting to pick up instruments so I love helping them practice.
What’s something most people don’t know about you or a fun fact?
I am a yard game connoisseur. If you’ve seen a weird game at a BBQ, tailgate, or on the beach, I probably have it. I even create my own and have prototypes collecting in my shed and garage.
What PRs or accomplishments (fitness-related) are you most proud of?
I was finally able to get some strict pull ups, which felt great. I love when I type weights into the app after strength training and see a PR pop up. It’s happening more and more often.
What’s on your fitness bucket list?
I would love to get the timing down for Double-Unders. I have gotten a few in a row but nothing consistent.
What’s on your general bucket list?
I love traveling and love live music. It would be great to catch some shows at Red Rocks and in Nashville and New Orleans. Also, while in New Orleans, I would make sure to participate in a Second Line Parade!
What advice do you have for people new to Kanna?
Just show up. You don’t need to think about it or plan anything. The workout is planned. The equipment is there. The moves are taught. You can pick the level you are feeling that day and just go.
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!