Member of the Month: Jonakey B.
Member of the Month:
Jonakey
Sometimes, the hardest part isn't the workout. It's walking through the door for the first time.
Last updated: August 2026 · Reading time: 5 minutes
Sometimes, the hardest part isn't the workout.
It's walking through the door for the first time.
When Jonakey started looking for a new place to train after her previous female-only strength gym closed, she knew she wanted to keep building on the progress she'd made. Having only started strength training the year before, she still considered herself a beginner.
There was just one thing holding her back.
"The word CrossFit itself is something that almost stopped me from coming."
She'd never trained in a mixed gym before, and stepping into a new environment felt like a big leap.
Looking back now, she's glad she took it.
"Training in a mixed space is not as scary or intimidating as I felt it might be when it's the right space."
She goes on to explain that seeing both female and male coaches and members made a real difference.
"I feel representation is important and sometimes this means I will need to put myself in spaces that may make me a little uncomfortable, but I can overcome this."
That willingness to step outside her comfort zone has already led to moments she'll never forget.
Finding Confidence Through the Challenge
When asked what memory stands out most, she didn't mention a lift or a time on the leaderboard.
She chose Murph.
"Completing Murph and feeling empowered by the coaches that even though it's scaled, it still counts."
That answer says a lot.
At CrossFit 1864, success isn't measured by doing a workout exactly as written. It's measured by showing up, giving your best, and recognising that every version of the workout is valid when it's the right one for you.
"Even though it's scaled, it still counts."
Making Fitness Work Around Real Life
Away from the gym, life is anything but predictable.
With two young boys, two full-time jobs between her and her husband, and the unexpected challenges that come with family life, no two weeks ever look the same.
"One week it's chicken pox and then the next week school closes at 1.30pm because of the heatwave."
That's why flexibility has become so important.
Whether it's an early morning class, lunchtime session or evening workout, Jonakey knows she can adapt her training to whatever life throws at her.
She also knows the coaches will meet her where she is, scaling sessions when needed and encouraging her when they know she has more to give.
Never Regretting a Session
Perhaps her favourite part is how every session leaves her feeling.
"I never regret a session when it's done."
She explains:
"It either helps set my day if I go in the morning, boosts my mood and energy if I train at lunchtime, or helps me end the evening well and feel like I have done something for myself beyond working and being a mum."
That is exactly what sustainable fitness should look like.
Not another obligation.
Not another thing to feel guilty about.
Something that gives you something back.
You don't need to feel ready before you start.
Book a free intro chat with a CrossFit 1864 coach and discover how we help beginners build confidence from day one.
Book Your Intro ChatHer Advice to Anyone on the Fence
And if someone is thinking about joining but keeps putting it off?
Her advice is simple.
"Book that initial consultation call. From that first call I already had a good feeling. Within the first week or so I already felt a sense of belonging."
And that's where Jonakey's story really comes back to the thing that initially made her nervous.
The environment.
The people.
The community.
"The members and coaches are what makes this space so special and the vibe is fun but serious when it needs to be. 1864 has somehow managed to capture all of this."
Why Jonakey Is Our Member of the Month
Jonakey's story is a great reminder that sometimes growth starts with doing something that makes you a little uncomfortable.
She didn't wait until she felt completely confident.
She didn't wait until she knew exactly what to expect.
She took the first step.
Since then, she's continued to show up, challenge herself, adapt when life gets complicated, and become a valued part of the CrossFit 1864 community.
That is exactly the kind of progress we love to see.
Jonakey, thank you for bringing your positivity, honesty, and determination to CF1864.
Watching your confidence grow over the past few months has been a pleasure, and we're excited to see where your journey takes you next.
Congratulations on being our Member of the Month!
CrossFit 1864 is a coached small-group training gym in Poplar, East London, near Canary Wharf. We help busy adults build strength, confidence, fitness, and community through expert coaching and structured small-group training.
