1. How long have you been doing CrossFit? What got you started?
I’ve been doing CrossFit for just over a year now! I’ve always loved the idea of CrossFit and would watch the Games every year and I knew that once I finished playing soccer in university that I wanted to start. I moved out to Windsor to do my master’s degree and didn’t really know anyone in Windsor, but I saw a current member who I followed on social media post about All Level CrossFit on their Instagram, and I knew that was a sign for me to try it out. That turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made and has been the highlight of my time here in Windsor.
2. What aspect of our core values of authentic, driven, and inclusive do you relate to the most? Why?
My answer to this could be all three, but the biggest one being authentic. All Level is a place where I get to be my best and most genuine self all the time. Everyone is so kind, caring, and non-judgemental and that has allowed me to thrive in the space. Being new to not only CrossFit, but to the area of Windsor, I was very anxious and scared to start something so new, but I couldn’t have picked a better place to step out of my comfort zone. Every member at the gym genuinely cares about each other and wants everyone to succeed and it’s such an authentic and encouraging place in that way.
3. What do you most look forward to when you come to the gym?
Two very big things drive me to come to the gym. One being the people. I love coming to the gym and seeing my friends and catching up, strategizing workouts, and making connections with people. But also, every time I come to the gym I am looking forward to seeing what I’m capable of. CrossFit has been something that excites me and has me doing movements and workouts I would never think of doing. I love being able to go to the gym every day and see what I’m able to accomplish. Every day I come in and do the work I get to see how much I can push myself in areas I couldn’t imagine, and it’s really motivating.
4. What is your favourite memory at All Level CrossFit?
This is the toughest question because it’s so hard to pick just one, but I’d have to say the third workout of the 2023 CrossFit Open this past year. It was my first Open and I had to do the workout three times because my skipping rope kept breaking during the workout. I was so frustrated and annoyed and felt so incapable, but not a single person at the gym let me feel that way. All the coaches set me up for success and everyone at the gym cheered me on and watched me PR my power snatch and complete the workout. One of my favourite photos ever is of me completing the snatch and everyone around me smiling and cheering and clapping. It was so empowering and it was the community and coaches at All Level that made that frustrating and difficult experiences one of the best and most meaningful memories I have at All Level CrossFit.
5. What goals have you set for yourself in CrossFit that you’ve successfully achieved? What are your current goals?
Most of my original goals for CrossFit were around making it a part of my lifestyle. Making sure I was prioritizing the gym every day and making it routine in my hectic life has been something I am super grateful to have achieved. I also had a big goal of getting kipping pull ups and stringing pull ups together and I was ecstatic when I reached that goal. Now, I’m working to increase my overall strength so that I can be more efficient at a lot of the movements I struggle with and to be able to start consistently using RX weights in WOD’s.
6. What advice do you have for someone who’s on the fence about starting CrossFit?
Just do it. Before I started, I pondered a lot on whether or not I wanted to start CrossFit and if it was worth the money and if I was really going to get anything out of it and I look back now and wish I started sooner. CrossFit is so versatile, and you will be shocked at what you are able to achieve in CrossFit. The hardest part is getting yourself there, but once you are there, it is the best thing in the world. AND surrounding yourself with empowering, encouraging, and positive-minded people is the best thing you could do for yourself, and you’ll find that at All Level.
7. How has your experience at All Level CrossFit improved your life outside of the gym?
My time at All Level has allowed me to connect with people I now consider some of my closest friends. It’s been a home away from home for me and I feel so grateful to have this community in my life. I feel like I’m a part of something and am always supported no matter what’s going on. I also feel as though I’ve been able to grow as a person. I’m a very different person than I was a year ago and I’m proud of the person I’ve become. The gym has helped me get there and learn a lot about myself, so for that I am grateful!
