Athlete Spotlight: Meet Thor Jaleco!

Get to know the people who make our Community Strong. This month we’re catching up with Thor Jaleco, who joined Defined in 2024.

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He may not be the Norse God of Thunder, but Thor Jaleco lights up the room every time he walks into Defined. 

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He’s only been a member here for about two years, but if you ask the folks who take class regularly with him, they’d probably say they’re surprised he hasn’t been here longer. Since joining Defined in 2024, Thor has become a staple — one of those regular friendly faces who help make our community #MoreThanAGym. 

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“I think a gym is a place where you put on headphones and pick things up and put them down,” he says. “I think #MoreThanAGym is understanding that your fitness journey can be community based by involving knowledgeable coaches who are also part-time DJs, and going through it with a group of people that have shared and similar fitness mantras.” 

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Thor moved to Chicago in 2022 to pursue a graduate degree as a physician assistant at Rush University. At the time, he belonged to another CrossFit-style gym that was closer in proximity to his first apartment, but after moving to the Lakeview neighborhood in 2023, it didn’t take him long to call Defined his new home. 

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“The second I moved to Lakeview, it was a no-brainer that I would join Defined” he says. 

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Thor’s story starts well before his Chicago chapter, though — he’s very much an international man of mystery! (Kidding, but not really). Born in Manila, Philippines, Thor’s family immigrated to Las Vegas, Nevada when he was 10 years old. After high school, Thor enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving for six years. 

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“I had the opportunity to live in some dope places while I was on active duty, but my favorite duty stations were Rota, Spain and San Diego, California” he says. 

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Thor’s fitness journey began while he was stationed in Spain.

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“I didn’t really know how to start lifting weights,” he says. “Like most folks, I found the gym to be very intimidating so I primarily used cardio equipment and the machines and I avoided barbell and free weights.” This aversion to strength training led him to start running outside for consistent exercise. He then started doing 5Ks that eventually progressed into even longer distances. 

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In the present day, he aims to race in at least one half marathon every year to keep his endurance up. “Actually, I haven't signed up for one yet in 2026, but maybe I have to now that I’m writing this,” he admits. 

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Thor’s first introduction to “CrossFit-style workouts” was at a gym in San Diego, where he lived at the time. He learned the basics of the barbell and “some CrossFit movements” but it would be a few more years before he’d truly embrace the functional fitness methodology we’re all about here at Defined. 

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With that “fitness habit” somewhat established, fast-forward to 2024 when Thor became a member at Defined. He says his progress skyrocketed. 

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“Defined dramatically improved my performance,” he says. “I’ve gotten stronger, gained more endurance, learned new skills, and more. I’ve learned how to do double-unders, handstand push-ups, bar muscle-ups. I got to do the RX division of the CrossFit Open for the first time, and PR’d his half marathon after participating in Coach Reid’s spring endurance program last year.” 

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It’s not just the fitness perspective through which Thor sees Defined’s positive impact on his life; it’s the community perspective, too.

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It’s not just the fitness perspective through which Thor sees Defined’s positive impact on his life; it’s the community perspective, too. 

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“Defined adds a social component that makes it so much fun,” he says. “You meet people who challenge you, creating camaraderie and friendly competition.” 

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Thor summarizes it best: “Defined membership = stronger + more skills + friends.” 

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Friendly competition is a key component of how Thor tracks his progress. For example, he uses the SugarWOD app to record his scores each day — but he also uses his friends’ scores as a benchmark for where he could be. 

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“I have a rough idea of who performs at similar levels to me, depending on the lift or WOD,” he says. “I just want to make sure I’m challenging myself.” 

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Thor’s advice to beginners and those new at Defined? “Just go for it.” 

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“Everyone started as a beginner,” he adds. “Be patient. Find something you enjoy doing. Set goals. Celebrate your accomplishments — and there’s no such thing as a small milestone.” 

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Thor takes his own advice — his goals for 2026 are simple: “Make the Committed Club.” 

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This special designation for anyone who attends 15+ classes per month is a great way to hold yourself accountable and celebrate the most important milestone there is: showing up for yourself. 

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“Be kind to yourself — and others,” he says.

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Thanks for making our Community Strong, Thor.

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Thor’s Favorite Quote:

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(He claims he does not have one. But we’d argue he is a quote-spitting machine.) 

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Thor’s Fun Fact:

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“My dad filled out my birth certificate while my mom was napping. He deviated from the original plan and decided my first name should be based on his favorite Marvel superhero.” 

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Do You Have a Transformation Story?

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It doesn’t have to look like the one you just read. How has Defined help transform your life? We want to hear from you — reach out to Coach Reid or Coach Cara to get started!

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