1. How long have you been doing CrossFit? What got you started?
I’ve been doing CrossFit for about 11 months. Covid really got me started focusing on my cardiovascular health since the disease seemed to attack the lungs. I have always weight lifted, but Covid made me rethink my whole training regimen. I started just looking up CrossFit on Instagram and started running, rowing and biking in my basement during Covid. As I got deeper down the CrossFit hole, I realized there was so much more that I couldn’t do in my basement. My wife recognized this as well and for my 40th birthday she took me around Windsor looking at CrossFit gyms and All Level was the easy choice!
2. What aspect of our core values of authentic, driven, and inclusive do you relate to the most? Why?
Driven. The self confidence you get from setting a goal and reaching that goal is important for self development and you can’t do that without working hard, being relentless and having that internal drive.
3. What do you most look forward to when you come to the gym?
Initially, it was getting a good workout, but
honestly at this point it’s the people and relationships that have been cultivated. My crew and I plan our workouts together now.
4. What is your favourite memory at All Level CrossFit?
This is my favorite because it reminds me to never give up. My first day doing foundations with Zach. I will never forget watching the 6 am class and Phil Wernette had his shirt off and was doing things with the barbell that I have never seen. People were huffing and puffing, laid out on the floor looking absolutely wrecked. It was super intimidating and made me nervous. I thought “ well I can’t do that” lol, but having that internal drive made me stick with my commitment and I’m glad I did because now I am doing those things with the barbell and I’ve started to take my shirt off as well.
5. What goals have you set for yourself in CrossFit that you’ve successfully achieved? What are your current goals?
Competing in the open was one. Doing a muscle up was my first big goal. Double unders was another goal that took the longest and was the most frustrating. It took me months of staying after and even doing them at home, but I can do now!
Currently, I would really like to deadlift/squat 300. Both of these workouts seem to nag my back, but I’m working through some programs to get me there.
6. What advice do you have for someone who’s on the fence about starting CrossFit?
Just do it. You CAN do it. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. Ignore the self doubt. It can be intimidating. It will be hard. It will suck sometimes, but the positives far outweigh the negatives. If it was that easy then everyone would do it. The confidence you get when you finish a WOD that was outside your comfort zone or the rush when you hit a PR and the whole class is yelling for you. It’s unlike anything else I’ve experienced with training.
7. How has your experience at All Level CrossFit improved your life outside of the gym?
It’s made me healthier. I used to have a drink or 2 a night every night, but the more I learned about my nutrition and recovery I quit that habit so I can focus on taking in good calories and improving my sleep to help reach my CrossFit goals.
Also, It’s given me much more confidence in myself as a husband, a father, a co-worker and as an individual person.
