Jenny B is the Feb 2019 All Leveler

January 31, 2019

1. What got you started in CrossFit? How did you hear about it?

I had done Crossfit style workouts a few years ago, then did drop-ins at another box occasionally. My goal for 2018 was to step up my fitness so I decided to sign up for Crossfit.

I walked into CFAL after work the first week of January 2018. It was open gym but I was warmly welcomed by Mack, who gave me all the info and I signed up on the spot! I did my first WOD the next day!

2. What is your favourite part about coming to the gym?

I love coming to the box! Even if I’ve had a rough day or I’m sore or cranky, just walking into the gym lifts my mood. All Level has such a great community! It feels like coming home everyday!

You’ll always feel great after a workout, whether you wanted to do it or not!

3. What is your favourite CrossFit movement? Least favourite?

My favourite movements in Crossfit are definitely weightlifting, deadlifts and cleans!!

Least favourite? The answer is always burpees

And running lol

4. What are your goals in CrossFit?

My goals for my first year in crossfit were more weight loss based, I wanted to lose more weight. I lost 25lbs and 21” in the past year!

My goals for my second year are much more performance based. I’d like to get my deadlift up to 275lb and to hit 200lbs with my back squat.

5. How do you explain your newfound obsession with CrossFit?

How to explain my crossfit obsession these days? I think it has to do with all the people I’ve met at the box this past year. Meeting like minded people with the same goals as I have is very inspirational for me. As non crossfit friends can attest to I will preach about crossfit almost daily.

6. What advice do you have for someone who is thinking of trying CrossFit?

Just try it!!! It may seem like it’s out of your wheelhouse, but you can do it! Your first wod will be nothing like the same wod 3 or 6 months from now. The progress you make if you put in your time is incredible.

7. What does CrossFit mean to you?

Crossfit has become so important to me in my everyday life. I try to schedule my wods at the beginning of the week and stick to it. I get frustrated if I can’t get to 5 a week lol.

8. How has CrossFit helped you improve your life outside of the gym?

Crossfit and All Level Crossfit have helped improve my life immensely. Not only physically, I am so much stronger and fitter than I have ever been in my life. I don’t get worn out down by everyday tasks. I have a very physical job but still have energy to go to the box 5x a week.

It’s also improved my mental game. I feel I’m more prepared to tackle everyday problems. My self confidence has improved, and now I know I can deal with anything life puts in my way.

I’d like to thank all the coaches and my tribe at All Level Crossfit for being a huge part of my amazing 2018!!!

Justin Arnold January All Leveler!

January 3, 2019

1. What got you started in CrossFit? How did you hear about it?

Me and my wife got started last December, after watching a bunch of CrossFit games videos on YouTube and seeing the level of fitness all the men and women we decided to look further into it. When we got to CrossFit All levels (name at the time) and found out you had childcare options we decided to pull the trigger and start getting in better shape again.

2. What is your favourite part about coming to the gym?

My favourite part of the gym is the people you work out with and the coaching staff. Every time I get there everyone is so welcoming and fun to be around. The coaches get to know your strengths and weaknesses pretty quick and always push you to go harder when you need it or hold you back to improve form when needed. (which is always). I leave feeling so tired but it’s that good tired that sort of clears your head and leaves you feeling amazing. I also love the friendly competition that you develop with other members.

3. What is your favourite CrossFit movement? Least favourite?

My current favourite CrossFit movement would have to be the Deadlift. When you go really heavy with it you feel like you can lift a house. My most hated movement would have to be running, but this is a place where I feel that I have improved so much this past year that maybe in 2019 burpees will regain the crown of worst thing in the world.

4. What are your goals in CrossFit?

   My goals are to always be improving everywhere. I really want to focus on gymnastics movements and improving my Olympic compound lifts. I have also started the Nutrition Rx program to focus on my diet and weight loss.

5. How do you explain your newfound obsession with CrossFit?

It really grows on you, the more you go the better you get. You start to do things you never thought possible. I climbed a rope this year, I am a 260lb man. I never thought I could ever be in that kind of shape. The way that every month you hit new PR’s with this program is the proof that it works and keeps you wanting more.

6. What advice do you have for someone who is thinking of trying CrossFit?

  Do it, do not wait. It looks like it will be the hardest thing you have ever done and it will be, but that is what builds the new you. You will see it and say “ I need to get in better shape first, it’s too hard”. Just start and get through that first month. You will never regret being a better version of yourself.

7. What does CrossFit mean to you?

To me CrossFit means community, when you are there and hit a big lift or do something you never did before everyone gets hyped for you. It’s really awesome to have a whole room of people get excited for your accomplishments. Everyone pushes everyone to work hard. The coaching staff are amazing and take a serious interest in your successes and your failures.

8. How has CrossFit helped you improve your life outside of the gym?

  I have a two year old daughter and another baby on the way. CrossFit has giving me back my energy to get out be active and spend quality active time with my family. I am less stressed from work and life. I leave the gym feeling amazing all the time. It has changed my outlook on fitness and really on what I think I am capable of.

Sheila F is our All Leveler of the Month for December!

November 30, 2018

1. What got you started in CrossFit? How did you hear about it?

Linda C. gave me and my daughter, Sam a golden ticket in January 2018 and I thought it would be a great way to get back in shape and spend time with Sam.

2. What is your favourite part about coming to the gym?

I really like the atmosphere (love that there are no mirrors), the people, the coaches, just about everything! I love that every day is different and that I always leave the gym kinda proud that I was able to finish.

3. What is your favourite CrossFit movement? Least favourite?

Favorite would be wallballs and rowing, oh and I also have a new found love for box jumps lol . Least favorite is of course burpees. But I’m getting to like them more.

4. What are your goals in CrossFit?

My goal is to keep it up. Keep coming to the gym. Keep feeling as good as I feel. There’s nothing better than being my age and feeling good. Physically and mentally.

5 How do you explain your newfound obsession with CrossFit?

I have been pretty active my whole life, participating in many sports and just trying to stay somewhat fit as I age. I struggled along the way for sure with aches and pains and spurts of lack of motivation. CrossFit for me is the whole package. My mobility and strength haven’t been as good as they are now in a long, long time. That makes me happy.

6. What advice do you have for someone who is thinking of trying CrossFit?

I think they just need to go to a class and see what it is. You’ll be hooked! It’s for everyone of every age, size and ability. It really is.

7. What does CrossFit mean to you?

CrossFit has really become a part of my life in a short time. It makes me happy. Doesn’t matter if I go to a class after work, in the early morning or on the weekend, I love it. It means feeling good, feeling strong, feeling able. Physically and mentally.

8. How has CrossFit helped you improve your life outside of the gym?

The other day a co-worker asked me why I wasn’t using my stand up desk anymore (which my employer bought me a few years ago due to arthritis in my back and not being able to sit all day). I hadn’t even thought about it, but the answer is because I don’t need to anymore – CrossFit. Not more stand up desk, no more pain pills, no more chiropractor. That makes me happy.

Thanks for everything All Level CrossFit!! 🙂

Richard B is our All Leveler of the Month for November!

November 2, 2018

1. What got you started in CrossFit? How did you hear about it? – It was time to stop procrastinating about getting back into shape (or just plain getting into shape) and to start taking better care of myself, so I could begin to feel better, and be a better example to my kids. I read an article about Cross Fit in I believe it was Drive magazine (?), and although I was pretty sure I would not be able to handle it, I pushed myself into a “no sweat introduction” and made an appointment to meet with John to learn more.

2. What is your favourite part about coming to the gym? -completing a work out with a group of like minded people, who are encouraging and supportive (no matter your level) lead by coaches who are motivational, and supportive as well as very patient teachers of technique and scaling options. Accomplishing a WOD first thing in the morning is an amazing way to start the day.

3. What is your favourite CrossFit movement? – I don’t think I have one yet… but I’m working towards being able to complete a real pull up, and then would like to set my sights on a real handstand. Least favourite? – Burpees….. bar-facing burpees, lateral burpees, or just regular burpee-burpees.

4. What are your goals in CrossFit? – A couple specifics were just mentioned above, but in general, I just want to be more fit, and improve my overall health. I want to be a better example to my kids, and demonstrate the importance of determination, goals, and overall health and physical fitness.

5. How do you explain your newfound obsession with CrossFit? – It’s hard to explain… I originally set out with a plan to complete 3 WOD’s per week, but find myself completing 4-5 and occasionally 6. The positive/supportive/encouraging environment and the feeling of accomplishment and improvement is somewhat addictive.

6. What advice do you have for someone who is thinking of trying CrossFit? – Do yourself one of the biggest favours you’ll ever do for yourself, and give it shot. If I can get off my butt and do it, then just about anyone can. You can’t find time to take better care of yourself, you have to make time. All cliche, yes, but all true.

7. What does CrossFit mean to you? – That even when you get to be a “person of a certain age”, and/or a “person of a certain level of fitness” (or lack thereof) you can still set goals, put fourth an effort, and achieve things you thought you might not be able to achieve.

8. How has CrossFit helped you improve your life outside of the gym? – I have re-learned how to challenge myself, and to be open minded with a more positive attitude. I feel better, and have more energy for quality time and activities with my family and friends, especially my kids.

All Leveler of the Month for October is Mike D..AGAIN!

October 21, 2018

History has been made with Mike’s selection as our CrossFitter of the month for October. Never before has an athlete been selected as our All Leveler twice in such a short span. In the CrossFit and fitness arenas, Mike continues to make amazing progress and it is hard to recognize him as the same person who walked into the box in March of this year. His amazing fitness journey not withstanding, it is for his help in building our new location that we are celebrating him again so soon. Without his tireless work ethic and no-nonsense attitude, our doors wouldn’t have been open on Oct. 1 at 1821 Provincial. And for that we are indebted. Thank you Mike. We can’t wait to see what the next year holds and we promise we won’t move again in the next little while!!

Sept. 2018 All Leveler of the Month Meg Dee!

September 5, 2018

What got you started in CrossFit? How did you hear about it?

I actually have no idea. I am a drive-by joiner. I was looking for a healthy hobby and always drove by All Level on my way to drop off my son and just thought I’d check it out. I knew nothing about what “Crossfit” was and joined on impulse. I’m super cheap, err I mean thrifty, so it was unlike me to do so, but I’m very happy I did.

2.What is your favourite part about coming to the gym?

The high at the end of doing a hard workout is my favourite part. I have never regretted going to a workout. It’s competitive, but mostly with yourself, and I really like when I beat myself. A close second is the people – it’s fun to see your friends doing awesome things and there’s always some laughs and cheesy jokes from the coaches. Also, I can bring my son and he loves it there. Also, the music. Also, I’m bad at choosing one thing.

3. What is your favourite CrossFit movement? Least favourite?

My favourite is the one pull-up I can consistently do. It was a proud moment doing my first one during the Open and it’s something I never thought I’d be able to do. My least favourite are box jumps and snatches, mostly because I’m a wuss.

4. What are your goals in CrossFit?

I would really love to be able to do more than one pull-up in a row, to not be scared to jump on the 24” box, and to push myself to try the maximum workout scaling I’m capable of, instead of what I’m comfortable with. I want to keep challenging myself rather than sticking with what I know I can do.

5. How do you explain your newfound obsession with CrossFit?

Everyone I know has made fun of how much I love it, yet simultaneously are very interested in joining something similar. I’m stronger and happier and those are pretty good reasons to be obsessed with something.

6. What advice do you have for someone who is thinking of trying CrossFit?

I would say to try it for at least 6 months. Nobody was/is more awkward with these new movements than me, but when you start to get it, your body starts changing and it’s mentally very rewarding. I’ve been there 1 year now and there have been zero negatives to joining. I’ve tried bootcamps and the gym in the past but these workouts are harder and much more fun.

7. What does CrossFit mean to you?

It’s MY thing. I’m pretty busy working and mom-ing and I really wanted something that was just for me. It’s a really great outlet for me. It’s also a nice community of positive people all all trying to improve their health in some way. The community part was a nice plus to what I hoped to get out of this experience and it’s why I’m never leaving! I don’t think I’ve ever been part of a group where there are no negative, heavy personalities until I joined here.

8. How has CrossFit helped you improve your life outside of the gym?

It’s impacted every part of my life. If I had to compare myself now to myself a year ago before I joined, I probably wouldn’t recognize her much. I have more energy, confidence, and sometimes I even talk to people now! I’m a better mom – my son is always copying my exercises and happily comes to the gym with me regularly. I’m almost never in a bad mood. As you can see, I’m very thankful for this gym and the people.

Stefanie M is our August All Leveler of the Month

August 3, 2018

What got you started in CrossFit? How did you hear about it?

I have followed the Games and many Crossfit athletes on social media for a few years. I am generally a fit person, but after my wedding in 2014, I fell off. Stopped going to the gym and made many excuses as to why getting back to the gym needed to wait. Fast forward to January of this year. I had gained weight and was tired of always being tired! With my interest in Crossfit already there, I searched for boxes in Windsor and thankfully, All Level was the closest to me. I messaged a friend who I knew attended classes and she ended up giving me a Golden Ticket (thanks Kenzie!). I knew within minutes of my first foundations class, this was it. I found my new happy place. It was the BEST feeling.

What is your favourite part about coming to the gym?

Easy! I get to work on improving myself with people I love!! All Level has brought the BEST people into my life.

What is your favourite CrossFit movement? Least favourite?

Honestly, anything with the barbell I’m usually happy about. I cannot say the same for calories on the assault bike. Is there a stronger word for hate? Because that would be exactly how I feel about the assault bike. Fun fact: this was one of the FIRST things I was eager to try when first starting Crossfit. What was I thinking!!

What are your goals in CrossFit?

I feel that right now my goals in Crossfit are just to continue working on learning and improving proper technique. To attack weaknesses instead of hiding from them. This year was my first Open, so with consistency I’m excited to see how next year’s Open will look.

How do you explain your newfound obsession with CrossFit?

Crossfit just makes me better in every sense of the word. It’s hard not to be obsessed with something that helps make you a better version of yourself.

What advice do you have for someone who is thinking of trying CrossFit?

DO IT! The only thing I regret after starting Crossfit is that I didn’t start it sooner. I’m not telling you it is going to be easy, I’m telling you it’s going to be worth it.

What does CrossFit mean to you?

Crossfit has become a huge part of my life. It has helped me discover I’m capable of way more than I ever imagined.

How has CrossFit helped you improve your life outside of the gym?

Crossfit helps drive me to be the best version of myself. When I feel my best, that reflects in everything else I put my heart into.

Jordyn Thompson is your July All Leveler of the Month!!

July 1, 2018

1. What got you started in CrossFit? How did you hear about it?

Coach Brett had pestered me for years to join All Level. I was so envious of his health, lifestyle, and sense of community from a gym. This year, I finally decided to invest in myself, and I am forever grateful for Brett, and him showing me this amazing family.

2. What is your favourite part about coming to the gym?

My favourite part about coming to the gym, is seeing all my chosen family! I never thought I could feel such a sense of belonging, from a gym.

3. What is your favourite CrossFit movement? Least favourite?

My favourite CrossFit movement is a tie between snatches, and burpees. My least favourite CrossFit movement, rope climbs! The rope burn kills my legs!!!

4. What are your goals in CrossFit?

My goals in CrossFit are to; feel strong and confident, be able to compete as an RX’d athlete for the next open, and to get strict pull ups by the end of the year!

5. How do you explain your newfound obsession with CrossFit?

Crossfit has given me more than just health. CrossFit gave me self worth, confidence, happiness, and friendship. I became so “obsessed” with CrossFit, because of the incredible community and mental wellness that came along with it. I am forever grateful to have CrossFit in my life.

6. What advice do you have for someone who is thinking of trying CrossFit?

Dive in! We’re all here for the same common goal- to be healthy and happy.

7. What does CrossFit mean to you?

CrossFit means the world to me. My work has a lot of stress that comes along with it, CrossFit gives me a sense of relief and escape. I don’t know if I’d stay sane, without CrossFit!

8. How has CrossFit helped you improve your life outside of the gym?

CrossFit helped me through some rocky patches in my life. Being stronger mentally, has helped me improve my overall well-being. I am more driven, I feel like I have a purpose, and I am confident in my abilities. Not just at crossfit, but with my career and life goals. I am more aware of the impact I can have on others, watching the coaches day to day. I strive to provide that positive impact on those around me in my everyday life, the way the All Level coaches have given me.

I cannot express my gratitude enough, for how happy crossfit has made me. Thank you for welcoming me into your All Level family with open arms.

Shauna Johns is our June All Leveler of the Month!!

June 18, 2018

What got you started in CrossFit? How did you hear about us?

LC recruits another one!! It was two years ago in May that I started poking my head around All Level. LC and I work together and she started to drop these little hints about the Couch to 5K program she was coaching at her gym. At first I was not interested at all. Me running – that’s a joke. If you know Laura at all she is the master at dropping subtle hints and then, not too far later, you find yourself saying yes to all of her crazy ideas!! After completing the Couch to 5K program I couldn’t resist giving Bootcamp a whirl. Which, upon looking back, was probably one of Laura’s subtle hints at one point or another. Attending Bootcamp has been one of the best decisions I have ever made for myself. Keep dropping subtle hints Laura because the odds are I will eventually say yes!

What is your favourite part about coming to the gym?

There are so many reasons that I come to All Level. The Bootcamp coaches are FANTASTIC!! Laura, Claire and Sandra design and execute amazing WODs for us that are challenging and fun all at the same time. At the beginning of a WOD I may not describe it as fun exactly but after a hard chipper the feeling of accomplishment is something money can’t buy. My gym mates are another one of my favourite parts of coming to the gym. It is a great, supportive environment at Bootcamp. I start feeling positive as I enter the gym and my gym mates are motivating and supporting before, during and after a workout. We have all become friends and I look forward to seeing them each and every week. We keep each other accountable and cheer each other on. Another part about coming to the gym that I like is how we set goals, take steps to achieve them and then crush them! Goal setting and goal hitting is good for the mind, body AND soul.

What is your favorite CrossFit movement? Least favourite?

One movement that I get excited to see on BTWB is rowing. Rowing is a challenge and can really kick your butt, but I always feel like I’ve got a good calorie burn after a WOD laced with rowing. One of my least favourite movements is burpees. Burpees are not for the fait of heart and are a mental and physical challenge for me. I appreciate that my coaches always show me different scales of all the movements and I must say that my burpees have progressed through the different scales and may not be perfect, but they are just not perfect….. YET!

What are your goals in CrossFit?

Honestly, I think my goal is just to KEEP IT UP! I have been active before and it just has never stuck. I find that when it is an individual game I lose momentum and then fall of the horse. Sticking with it for 2 years now is HUGE for me and my goal is just to keep setting goals, working towards them, accomplishing them and then setting the next one. At All Level it is the environment and the people in it that encourage and support me through this.

How do you explain your newfound obsession with CrossFit?

We typically choose to do the things that make us feel good and that is what CrossFit does for me. I’m somewhat obsessed with checking BTWB in the morning, seeing a WOD that makes my heart pound a bit, getting to the gym and seeing my friends, tackling that WOD together as a group, sweating from head to toe and finally hearing the coach yell TIME!! The rush you get at that moment is what keeps me coming back!

What advice do you have for someone who is thinking of trying CrossFit?

My advice for anyone thinking of trying CrossFit is stop thinking about it and just do it. I was that person that thought and thought about it and really all that did was delay an amazing experience that I totally deserved.

What does CrossFit mean to you?

CrossFit is a place that I can work on myself physically, mentally, and personally. It is the few minutes of my day that I spend working on ME. I have dedicated my life to others, but I know when I come to All Level that the next hour or so I am dedicating that time to myself and that feels awesome! The kettle bell won’t swing itself and the rower wont row itself but after I give it my all at the box I leave feeling accomplished and who doesn’t LOVE that feeling.

How has CrossFit helped you improve your life outside of the gym?

The magic happens when you step outside your comfort zone….. CrossFit has taught me many things that can help me improve my life outside the gym. All Level has taught me that my mental game is strong and that your mental game is just as important as your physical game. Life seems to like to throw me a lot of curve balls but I know that my mental game is strong and that I can and will get through whatever my next challenge may be. Also, CrossFit has allowed me to realize that I am capable of so much more than I give myself credit for. Setting goals at the gym and reaching personal records there allows me to realize that I can set goals in other aspects of my life and PR those as well!

May All Leveler of the Month–Mike D!

May 7, 2018

All Leveler of the Month

These athletes have displayed all the qualities necessary to be recognized as our All Level CrossFit member of the month!