Each month the coaching staff at EHP selects a member that is “Better Than Yesterday!” The selected recipient is a great example of EHP’s CREDO—demonstrating compassion, honesty, resilience, perseverance, and tenacity. Tara Haugen was selected as October’s “Better Than Yesterday” recipient.

Why do you start CrossFit? 
For years I have attempted various ways to improve my health and nothing really stuck. When my friend Jenna Pepsin posted about a free trial week I couldn’t pass up a a sweet bargain, so I gave it a try. After a couple of classes I loved it so much– the coaching, the people, the intensity, the positivity.  I decided to join and haven’t looked back.

Why do you continue CrossFit?
It has been amazing to be surrounded by so many like-minded individuals on their own journeys to improve their lives in areas beyond just physical health as well. This place has been so much more than just a gym to improve that physical piece; it has made me stronger not only physically but also mentally. It has forced me to push beyond the limits that far extended the limits I thought I had. This has empowered me and I’ve realized I am capable (anyone is capable of) so much more than we ever give ourselves credit for. CrossFit has changed my life’s trajectory and has given me the confidence to make progress in furthering my career in ways that I never thought were possible and I’m so excited to see where this takes my family in life.

If you show up and put the effort into getting it done, the payoff is 10-fold. You carry that strength and energy into everything else you do that day; it doesn’t stop when you leave those doors at the gym.

Greatest achievement since starting CrossFit?
I think my biggest achievement has been my change in mindset: getting over that desire to achieve the cultural picture of “health” and “beauty.” When I first started my fitness journey I was all about losing size–getting down to that size 2. Since then, I have changed what I consider to be “healthy”. Now my goals revolve around gaining strength, increasing mobility and improving on some of those gymnastic movements.

How has your life changed since joining EHP?
This has shown me the importance of surrounding myself with like minded people and the benefit that plays in achieving one’s goals. I am surrounded by a bunch of members who want to be strong and want to be healthy. This not only makes it so much more motivating, but makes it feel more doable.

My energy level has improved drastically….. like astronomically! I tend to put a lot on my plate and when people ask how I am able to do this, I tell them the only reason I can is because I make it a point to get to EHP regularly.

Anything else about yourself, fitness journey, or with EHP?
The coaching staff at EHP are tremendous. Each and every one of them have a unique set of skills that they use when teaching their classes and helping participants reach their goals and push beyond what someone THINKS their limit is. They see the potential in people, and motivate them accordingly. They are the epitome of what leadership should look like and don’t just talk a big game, they show it in their personal progress as well; they talk the talk and walk the walk.