Every Monday, we introduce you to one of the people who make Notch 8 what it is. This week: Thomas.

Thomas is a consistent member of The XII, bouncing between the 7 AM and 5:15 AM classes. He’s the first one to hand out high fives and encouragement — the kind of person who makes the gym better just by being in it. We’re thankful to have him as part of our Notch 8 family.

Here’s Thomas in his own words.

Tell us about yourself — family, job, hobbies

I’m 28, the youngest in my family — one brother and a sister, Melissa. I work in hospitality product marketing at dormakaba, and I’m getting my MBA at Butler, expected to graduate May 2027. I enjoy card games, walking my dog, and traveling.

Balancing a full-time job and an MBA program is no joke — which makes the fact that Thomas trains consistently all the more impressive. He treats his gym time like any other important appointment: non-negotiable.

How long have you been at Notch 8?

About a year and two months.

What do you love about Notch 8?

I love the versatility — different times and different types of classes.

With a schedule as packed as his, having 7 AM and 5:15 AM options (plus everything in between) means training actually fits his life instead of competing with it.

What is your favorite movement or WOD?

Favorite movement: deadlifts. Favorite WOD: Cindy.

A man of classic tastes — there’s nothing quite like picking up a heavy barbell, and Cindy (pull-ups, push-ups, and air squats) is the benchmark that never lies.

What is your favorite Notch 8 memory?

The Open — everybody rallying for each other and pushing each other.

The CrossFit Open is our favorite time of year: the whole gym comes together, Friday nights turn into events, and people discover they’re capable of more than they thought. Thomas’s answer tells you everything about what kind of community member he is — his favorite memory isn’t a PR, it’s everyone else succeeding.

What advice would you give to someone hesitant to try CrossFit?

You’re more capable than you realize. It doesn’t matter if you’re the fastest or slowest, lift the heaviest or least, do the hardest or easiest movement — or if it’s your first day or you’ve been doing it for ten years. Just show up. That’s all that matters.

Your Turn

If Thomas can balance work, an MBA, and consistent training, what’s stopping you? Come meet the Notch 8 community in Avon, Indiana — your first step is just showing up.

#CrossFitNotch8 #Notch8Athletics #BecomeUnstoppable