June Member Spotlight: Joey Hager

Tell us a little about yourself and how you got into fitness? 

My journey to Nomad was driven by the demands of family life. Previously, I barely maintained a fitness routine. I would go for a jog, ride a bike, swim in the ocean, generally be active however I felt at the time (and I had the free time!). Once my son Thomas was born (now 5 years old) I realized I was on the fast track to a dad bod. This became even more likely when my daughter Natalie was born (now 3 years old). My brother had joined a Crossfit gym about a year before me and really enjoyed it. I think within 2 weeks of my daughter coming home I joined up! I’m lucky my wife Sarah was supportive and continues to be so. The lifelong fight against the dad bod continues…

What keeps you coming back each day? 

The community at Nomad is unmatched. So many good people, encouraging moments and group support. For me, nothing beats the next day soreness after a hard workout. It is a constant reminder of progress and pushing to new limits.

What is your favorite at-home exercise to do?

I have a 5K  run route in my neighborhood that I am always trying to PR.

If you had to do 100 reps of one movement (not running), what would it be?

Is the bike an answer? I love crushing through some calories on a bike. Otherwise maybe dumbbell cleans.

What are 1-2 of your goals for 2026?

Really trying to hit a bar muscle up. My ultimate goal for 2026. Need to shred some lbs…

Favorite lift?

Split jerks or push press.

Least favorite functional movement?

Burpees are my worst enemy. I can’t get up and down very quickly…

Hometown?

Bowie, Maryland

Favorite Charleston Restaurant?

Moe’s Crosstown!

If you could do another job for just one day, what would it be? 

I’d love to be a coach in Major League Baseball for a day.

What would you most like to tell yourself at age 13? 

Let loose a little, it’s all going to be okay.

What’s one thing that people would be surprised to know about you? 

I have always had an easy time learning music instruments.. Over the years I have played piano, guitar and was a bassoon player in high school. I dove deep into musical theory in high school while other kids were playing sports and partying.

If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet? 

My grandfather lost his leg in WW2 when he was 18 years old in Germany. He died when I was very young. Would be awesome to chat with him as an adult and hear his story.

If the Nomad coaches came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare?

Something on the grill. I have been loving shrimp skewers with some rice and sweet potatoes.

Give us a “Question of the Day” to use in class.

What is a brand you are deeply loyal to? (Any consumer product)