Vimla B.
I started my wellness journey about 3 years ago. At the time, I had my daughter Maya who was 1 y
ear old and was pregnant with my second daughter, Jasmine. I was suffering from major hip and joint pain and was coming to terms with a recent diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. I had mild symptoms – tingling and numbness in my extremities and fatigue.
I was determined to do something to improve my strength and mobility and had heard that Pilates was beneficial for people with MS. My husband, Dion, was going to CrossFit (which I thought was absolutely nuts!) convinced me to take time out to go to Pilates. I started classes with Marta and she helped me slowly start to build my strength, taking into consideration my scoliosis, MS symptoms and pregnancy related aches and pains.
A few months after having Jasmine, Marta encouraged me to try CrossFit. I did the boot camp in the spring of 2015 and I loved it. Unfortunately, with the sleepless nights with a newborn and a toddler, I couldn’t keep it up.
That year I started exploring ways to change my diet and lifestyle to combat my MS symptoms. I found a program that seems good, but the diet was so restrictive that within a span of a year I lost about 40 lbs – nearly a third of my body weight. I was underweight and knew I needed to make another change for my health. I found a health coach who specializes in helping people with severe gut dysbiosis, which she strongly suspects to be linked to MS and other autoimmune diseases.
I changed to a nutritional ketogenic diet and started following a plan to improve all aspects of my health and wellbeing. After a couple of months on the program, in April 2016 I decided to give CrossFit another try. I was determined to be the strongest version of myself that I could be and I trusted that Marta and the coaches as CFP could help me get there.
I’ve come to terms with the fact that I will always need to modify workouts and scale the weights WAY back. I’m also almost always the last person to complete a WOD. But it doesn’t matter. I keep on coming back for more. I think it’s because I always feel supported and I never feel like I’m being judged for how well (or not well) I may be doing. I know that CFP is a safe space for me to push my personal limits while being inspired by watching others do the same.
One of my favourite moments, which was also when I pushed myself the most in this past year, was during the Cross Fit Open (which, a year ago I would have sworn I’d never do). I managed to do my first pull up and I felt like I had my own personal cheering squad urging me along while I attempted to do it.
The improvements I’ve seen in the last year alone are motivation enough to keep me coming back. I’m now a healthy weight. Not only do I have some muscle definition but I feel strong and healthy. I feel more confident in my appearance and more sure-footed – especially when I’m carrying both kids, who are now about 30 lbs each, up the stairs. I know that even though I’m only able make it to the gym once or twice a week, over time it’s making a real difference.
The stronger I am physically, the better I feel about myself and my ability to fight the symptoms of this disease that’s been thrown at me. CFP has become an integral part of my wellness journey.
For anyone that feels like they’re not athletic enough, or are intimidated by the idea of lifting weights – don’t be! If I can do it, anyone can!
Jacqueline W.
2 years ago Jacqueline walked through out doors for her bootcamp. In the past 2 years she has transformed into a powerhouse! She is generous and supportive to other athletes, always has a word of encouragement for them. She is
our own Wonder Woman!
Words of advice/inspiration for newbies/everyone
- Never say never instead ask how?
- Listen to your coaches. Scaling and modifications are smart not weaknesses and are the steps to achieving proper technique.
- Technique first, increase weight later.
- Learn to count.
- Mobility and stretching are key even to you youngsters. It will catch up to you.
- Sweating is the best moisturizer.
- Record your results. Review them if you feel like you aren’t making head way.
- Crossfit is for everyone. I have never been made to feel like I don’t fit in even when I did box squats with a PVC pipe on my trail day back in 2011
How have you changed by doing CrossFit?
I am stronger. I am more confident. I love trying new things. I love challenges. Mark and I did a Spartan Race last summer. I loved it. It was a goal I had a few years ago. Crossfit helped me do it. I go to bed earlier.
I plan on enjoying an active life for the rest of my life.
I look forward to my next elementary and high school reunion. Gone is the girl that got picked last!!
Thank you Crossfit Pickering for being a great place to train, for providing awesome coaches and attracting athletes for are awesome people. I am so happy you are my village.
Jeannette M.
Aka J-net has been with us for over 3 years now. she loves the community, the coaches and the environment. What’s great about CrossFit Pickering are the relationships
our athletes have developed outside of the box. I know that Jeannette has developed some very dear friendships through us.
What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Pickering
The atmosphere – everyone is always welcome and encouraged and treated equally, regardless of the level they are at. Love the workouts. LOVE THE PEOPLE. I’ve made some of my best friends here. The strength gains are also good too – transferring skills into regular life, eg. power cleaning my winter tires to get them into the trunk, snatching patio furniture over my head to put it into storage, deadlifting children when they are in my way…
Jeff L.
aka Superman has been with us for almost 4 years. I still remember his first workout. He came to us pretty fit but the workout “the 12 days of Christmas” almost destroyed him. He was hooked after that!
What keeps you coming back to Crossfit?
I believe it’s mainly the challenge. I’m a fairly competitive person by nature and have always looked to improve myself. It had been years since I had the avenue to challenge myself, and Crossfit gives me that with every workout we do. I look to set challenging goals and I know with every workout I will achieve them.
How have you changed by doing CrossFit?
Aside from getting stronger and being fitter, it has helped me a lot with physical problems like back issues I’ve had most of my life. Also reoccurring elbow and shoulder issues. It helped me take notice of mobility and movement issues I had. Helped me to understand what I was doing wrong and how to fix it. Thank you to Marta, Tom, the coaches, and all those at Crossfit Pickering.
Nadia I.
Nadia has been with us with 3.5 years, we got her in shape for her wedding and now we are waiting patiently for her to have a baby and come back to us!
What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Pickering
My favourite part of CrossFit Pickering are the extremely knowledgeable and supportive coaches. I can always depend on the coaches to customize and individualize the WODs that will fit my ability level and guard against injury while still providing a challenge.
What are Nadia’s words of wisdom for newcomers?
ALWAYS LISTEN TO YOUR BODY AND THE COACHES. This is very important, especially if you have a competitive personality and drive. Due to CrossFit’s timed and high intensity workouts it can be tempting to push yourself too hard, too fast.
It is very important to listen to your body and scale the WODs accordingly in order to prevent symptoms of overtraining. Also, it may have already turned into a cliche but your diet really does constitute 90% of your fitness. Fuel your body with quality proteins, fats, vegetables and you will see dramatic progress in your performance. However if you eat garbage, you will feel like garbage during your workouts (guilty!)
Kerri F.
Kerri trained with us while studying to become a paramedic. CrossFit Pickering helped her become strong enough to fulfill her dreams. Kerri has been with us for 5 years and just keeps getting stronger!
What keeps you coming back to Crossfit?
- The amazing coaches and all the amazing athletes I’ve met and regularly work out with!
- The WODs- pushing myself and attaining my personal goals
- The feeling I get after I’ve completed a WOD. I am a morning class kind of girl, I find it sets my whole day when I start with a little (sometimes BIG) push first thing in the morning.
How have you changed doing Crossfit Kerri?
My strength for one has increased substantially! As well my attitude, I’m not just doing a movement to get it done, I’m doing in to better myself from the previous time I did it, whether that is better form or increasing the weight. Things don’t happen overnight, they take dedication and perseverance. Crossfit has made me realize my capabilities as well as my limitation and I’m constantly working on pushing myself even further and proving to myself that a hard work pays off!
Dan B.
Dan has been with CrossFit Pickering for 4 years. In his own words:
“The desire to be FIT is my main motivation that keeps me coming back to Crossfit. The WODS
provide the variety which keeps me interested, while the instruction from the coaches helps me to continuously improve. Furthermore, the encouragement, experience and mentoring provided by coaches and other members is invaluable, appreciated and supports my goals.”
What are his words of advice of newcomers?
“When I started at CFP everything was new to me. I had not previously received any training or coaching specific to weight lifting and almost all of the movements were new to me. My humble advice to anyone trying Crossfit would be “don’t rush, give it time and commit”. I didn’t find it easy when I started but the results have been ABSOLUTELY worth it!”
How have you changed by doing CrossFit?
“I am probably in the best shape of my life. Crossfit has taught me that I am capable of so much more than I thought I can do and leaves me with a sense of accomplishment after completing each WOD. It has made me stronger, not just physically but mentally as well. I am better prepared to handle the stresses and physical demands of a regular day. I would like to express my gratitude to the coaches and members at CFP for their training, mentoring and constant encouragement.”
Catherine H.
Catherine has been with us for about 18 months. She came to us at the urging of her friends who were having great results at CrossFit Pickering. She likes the fact that we are low key and that it’s not a fashion show when she walks through the door. She also appreciate that we are a family friendly facility where he kids can come and hang out while she works out.
How have you changed by doing CrossFit?
I have changed in so many ways and not all physical. It’s my out, I’m a better mom, friend and wife. My energy is up, I feel strong, my confidence is better and I have something that is mine. I’m more in tuned with my body now. I know more of what I can handle and what I need to keep active and healthy. I also have many new friends and supporters, people who make me feel better about myself.
Mark W.
When Mark first began with us, he was in pain most of the time. I knew something had to be done but it took a number of months before Mark understood that he had to do something drastic to be out of pain. He is now back with a vengeance.
What keeps you coming back to CrossFit?
Knowing that I get stronger every time I walk through the doors. I consider myself a pretty ordinary guy, but when I have achieved a goal that I have set for myself, I feel so proud inside, and at that moment I am an extraordinary person. I get great support not only from the coaches, but also the entire Crossfit community.
CHRISTINE M.
What keeps me coming back to crossfit?
Well first it’s the awesome environment that Crossfit Pickering offers. I love the coaches and how it doesn’t matter who is coaching I can rest assured that I will have the best workout ever (and they are all super knowledgeable). Next would be the members.
Everyone has such a great vibe and is there to help motivate and support each other. And last well because I am totally addicted to crossfit. I have finally found my sport. It allows me to leave the family for an hour, bust my ass, and go home feeling totally re energized.
FELICIA G.
What keeps me coming back to crossfit?Besides drinking the Kool-Aid and being addicted…Coaches that are dedicated to technique, team members who cheer you on and the challenge of completing WODs that at first look impossible.
What’s your favorite part of CFP?
Hands down it would have to be the incredible community, an infectious positive group (members and coaches).
DANIELLE
What keeps you coming back to Crossfit?
From the first day I stepped into Crossfit and Marta coached me through Kelly, I knew that Crossfit was for me. While I was lying in a puddle of my own sweat, the competitive side of me thought, “Wow, the next time you do that, you’re going to do it faster”. I loved the sense of community that you develop with other members. At the end of a workout, if you are the last to finish, you know that the other members will cheer you on so you can finish it up. The other thing that keeps me coming back is seeing the gains that are made with each and every workout. You don’t PR on every workout but over time the achievements you make are surely seen.
crossfitpickering.com 