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!

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

  1. 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

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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!!

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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

1. What got you started in CrossFit?  How did you hear about it?     I never really realized how out of shape i had gotten until i started at a new job site and had to walk up 5 flights of stairs every day. When i got to the top i was beathing heavy and to myself ok enough of living like this i need to change something. I had been to other gyms before and never stuck with it because it was boring. I had heard of crossfit before but thought theres no way i could do it. But i decided what the hell at worst i go there cant do it look a little dumb and go home but i have to atleast try. I had seen the gym before with all the people running laps and decided to come in and try it out.
2.  What is your favourite part about coming to the gym?   I love coming in having a big group of people supporting you, helping you through the work out. Gives me a ton of motivation to give as much as i can every day and its a great feeling being able to finish a big work out that i thought there was no way i vould finish.
3. What is your favourite CrossFit movement?  Least favourite?    My favourite movement is doing clean and jerks. It always feels amazing yo be able to lift those big weight. My least favourite are burpees  No one likes burpees.
4.  What are your goals in CrossFit?   My only goal is to make sure to keep coming in even on days i just want to go home and take a nap. To continue to try and get a little better every day. The saying “Do today what others won’t so tomorrow you can do what others can’t”.  That has helped me so much in the gym because the WOD may suck now: how heavy you are breathing and how much you are sweating but if you give it everything you have today just imagine how much more you will be able to do tomorrow.
5.  How do you explain your newfound obsession with CrossFit?  All my friends think I’m crazy when i say how much fun it is to go to the gym 5 or 6 days a week!  It’s an amazing group of people to hang out with and the best feeling in the world is when you get through a work out you thought you couldn’t finish or hit a new PR that you never thought you could reach.
6.  What advice do you have for someone who is thinking of trying CrossFit? I would say to any one who wants to try CrossFit to just do it.  Don’t worry about looking dumb or not being able to do some of the movements. Come in give it every thing you can and you will feel better then you ever have before.  Eventually you be able to do things you never thought possible.
7.  What does CrossFit mean to you?  To me, CrossFit is an amazing fitness program and a sport. I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would love coming to the gym. Or that I would look at the next days work out and be pumped to get it done.  Or to see a WOD and to see how well I can do.  I have been blown away at what I have been able to do in just 3 months.  When I started I couldn’t run 100 meters.  Now I’m running 1200 meters before and after class…every day! The amazing coaches here have helped motivate me to try things I never thought possible.  With the progress I’ve made in such a short time I can’t wait to see what the next couple months have in store.
8.  How has CrossFit helped you improve your life outside of the gym?  CrossFit has helped me a ton outside of the gym.  I work in construction and in 60 days I’m already down 33 pounds.  It makes my whole day easier.  I find I have a lot more energy to do stuff with my wife and play with my daughter. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jenn S and Sandy B are All Levelers of the month for April!!

  April 5, 2018

 

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

Jenn: It was a Friday afternoon in September 2015, I saw an ad on my  Facebook feed about the 8-week
Boot Camp that was starting that following Monday, so I went to check it out and was greeted very
warmly by both Claire and Jarred. I was a little scared when I walked in during a WOD with the music
blaring and barbells dropping everywhere, but they made me feel so welcome, so I decided to sign up.
Once the Boot Camp was done, I started doing the CrossFit classes, and there was no turning back!

Sandy: It was August 2015, and I was hanging out with fellow All Levelers Laura, Jodie, and Kate and they
were talking about their awesome CrossFit classes. I had never heard of CrossFit before, so I was
intrigued and they invited me to try out a class. The first class nearly killed me, but… I was hooked
immediately.

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

Jenn: Working out (and incessantly talking throughout the entire class) with Sandy.
Sandy: See above (except with Jenn, obvs)!

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

Favourite Movement
Both: Deadlifts!!!
Least Favourite
Both: Burpees!! (Puke, puke)

4.  What are your goals in CrossFit?
Jenn: To beat Sandy in every WOD.
Sandy: To stay one step ahead of Jenn.

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

Jenn: It’s not really new anymore, since I’ve been doing it for over two years, but I am definitely still
obsessed with it. I talk about CrossFit with almost everyone I meet, and I’m constantly trying to convince
people to try it. I have tried lots of different types of fitness programs, but have never stayed motivated to
stick with it like I have with CrossFit. When I  was at other gyms, I would always feel lost as to what to
actually  work on that day, but with CrossFit I love that I don’t have to think about or plan my workout; I
just show up and do whatever WOD is on the board. I know that I will always get an awesome workout
run by one of the amazing coaches and that I’ll have fun while doing it. I’ve never experienced
that anywhere else. It’s what keeps me coming back.
Sandy: I have never been able to stay committed to any kind of fitness routine before I tried CrossFit. I
would get bored easily and I can’t stand doing the same movements every time that I work out. At
CrossFit, you never know what the workout will be, they vary day-to- day, and although the classes are
challenging, they are NEVER boring (especially when Jenn is there making me crack up).

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

Both: Just try it out. Yes, it’s very hard, but it’s also lots of fun and if you stick with it, you’ll be amazed at
how much you will improve. It feels so good to keep getting stronger and do things that you never thought
were possible. The coaches at All Level really do make the classes accessible for all levels of fitness. Every
movement can be modified for every member and everyone makes you feel so welcome.

7.  What does CrossFit mean to you?

Jenn: It has truly changed my life.  Not only have I lost over 60 pounds since I started, which has
obviously improved my physical health, but it’s improved my outlook on life too. I’m not scared to try new
things anymore. The environment is so supportive at All Level that I’m not afraid to fail. I try new stuff at
CrossFit all the time, and sometimes I can’t do a movement, or I’m really bad at it, but I just laugh at
myself now instead of judging myself harshly or giving up.  I think it’s because I’ve never felt judged by
anyone at All Level. I’ve always been made to feel like I belong there. I was never an athlete, I was never on
teams growing up, but becoming a member at All Level helps me understand what it’s like to be on a team.
Even though we all do CrossFit for different reasons, and we are all at different fitness levels, we can all
relate to how hard the WODs can be and we suffer and cheer for each other together. Every class, every
event, every social outing we do at All Level brings us together and make me feel like I’m part of one big
awesome family.
Sandy:  CrossFit has become an essential part of my life. It is an integral component in my journey to
becoming fit and healthy. All Level has become part of my support system. I look forward to working hard with my
fellow All Levelers and being encouraged and challenged by my amazing coaches. I love CrossFit and it will
always be a part of my life.

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

Jenn: I am so much more active on a daily basis with my family and just in general. I started running too
on days that I don’t do CrossFit because I just can’t sit still anymore. Even though Sandy and I both
joined around the same time, it wasn’t until a few months in that we ended up being in a lot of the same
classes together. That turned into us texting each other to make sure we were going to the same class
since we had so much fun together. We also discovered that our husbands are actually related, so not
only have the two of us become friends, but now our families are connected too.  Our families hang out,
our kids love playing together, and they really love doing CrossFit Kids classes and competing against
each other.  We get together and have family game nights and we even have a family camping trip
coming up this summer!
Sandy: I have more energy than ever before! I used to take naps every day after work. I’m stronger, healthier,
and I have lost 40 pounds since I joined. I can easily move furniture with my husband now! I’ve gained
the confidence &; knowledge I can do anything. More importantly, I have become a role model to my kids. They
watch me and want to work out just like me. They beg to go to their weekly kids’ CrossFit classes and that
makes me extremely proud.
Both: To be honest though, the real way that CrossFit has improved our lives is that it brought the two of
us together; we have become such good friends. We like to say that we’ve each found our soulmate. It’s
cheesy, we know, but we just have so much fun together (oh, how we love talking!!) and that wouldn’t
have been possible if CrossFit hadn’t brought us together.

 

Amazing answers!  Click HERE to join our community today and see for yourself what it’s all about!

Ivie Lock-Luttmer is March’s All Leveler of the Month

  March 7, 2018

1)  What got you started in CrossFit?  How did you hear about it?
When I moved to Ontario, I needed an outlet for my competitive nature. I watched the fittest on earth documentaries and decided to try it out. After my first foundations class, I knew this was going to be my new sport.
2)  What is your favourite part about coming to the gym?
My favourite part about coming to the gym is being around my all my favourite, like minded people, and testing/strengthening my physical and mental abilities.
3)  What is your favourite CrossFit movement?  Least favourite?
My favourite movements are the snatch and handstand push ups because they look the most badass and I can perform them the best. I don’t think I have a least favourite movement, because when we find a weakness, we attack it. the reward of overcoming a weakness completely outweighs the frustration of having one.
4)  What are your goals in CrossFit?
My ultimate goal in Crossfit is to win the Crossfit games. I will never quit and I have a support team to help me get there!
5)  How do you explain your newfound obsession with CrossFit?
I tell people that Crossfit is my favourite part of my day. Crossfit is humbling, and that they will never really understand until they try it.
6)  What advice do you have for someone who is thinking of trying CrossFit?
Anyone who is thinking of trying Crossfit should definitely do it! The community aspect of Crossfit can’t be found at any other gym, and it’s a great workout every time. You will feel like you can take on the world after a wod!
7)  What does CrossFit mean to you?
Crossfit means the world to me. I love to suffer and test my limits and see the outcome. Crossfit allows me to let all stress go and just have a good time training and dancing of course! Crossfit led me to some of my best friends, and a new lifestyle. I love it!
8)  How has CrossFit helped you improve your life outside of the gym?
Since starting Crossfit, my work ethic in school is much better. I am overall much happier because I have something to look forward to everyday.

All Leveler of the Month for Feb is Jess Ritz!!

  February 6, 2018

 

1. What got you started in CrossFit?  How did you hear about it?
 Some lovely friends convinced me to try it.
2.  What is your favourite part about coming to the gym?
My favorite part is the encouragement you get not only from the coaches but everyone else around you.  It’s a very positive environment.
3. What is your favourite CrossFit movement?  Least favourite?
Favorite would be squats.  And oddly burpees.  Least Favorite?  The assault bike.  I hate that bike.
4.  What are your goals in CrossFit?
I’d like to get better at the gymnastics, work towards a muscle up.  Oh, and win the open.  I really feel like this is my year.
5.  How do you explain your newfound obsession with CrossFit?
I’m crazy?  Pretty sure this surprises no one.
6.  What advice do you have for someone who is thinking of trying CrossFit?
Don’t over think it, just show up.  You’ll love it.  And buy a lot of Epsom salts.
7.  What does CrossFit mean to you?
It’s shown me that I’m capable of more than I thought I was.  I would have never tried most of this on my own.
8.  How has CrossFit helped you improve your life outside of the gym?
I’m a nurse and my job can be very physically heavy.  Becoming stronger and more mobile through Cross fit has helped protect me from injuries.  It’s definitely a great stress reliever.

Emily Ellard–All Leveler of the Month for January 2018!

  January 3, 2018

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

Two of my close friends have been doing CrossFit for a couple of years now and they both had a million wonderful things to say about it. I was really interested in trying it so when I left the flatland of Saskatchewan and moved to Windsor, I decided to join All Level to get back in shape and make new friends.

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

I love starting my day at All Level. I always know I’m going to have a great day when I start it off with a grueling 6:00am workout.  I like seeing the same people every day and I love the supportive atmosphere. There’s something magical about laying on the ground in a pool of sweat, trying to catch your breath, thinking you might die and looking around the room knowing we all went through it together. I also really like high-fives.

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

I love rowing and anything with dumbbells. My least favourite movement used to be running and I would skip days where the WOD included anything more than a 200m run. I’ve somehow learned to like it. I hate the snatch because I’m afraid of it.

 4.  What are your goals in CrossFit?

My number one goal is to just keep showing up. More specifically, I’d like to be more comfortable with my back squats, string together toes to bar and conquer the snatch.

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

Endorphins & Friendship & Fun!!!!!!

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

You won’t know until you try!

 7.  What does CrossFit mean to you?

CrossFit means getting up at an ungodly hour and dragging myself to the gym to take charge of my physical and mental health.

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

CrossFit has played a crucial part in my happiness and general well-being. It’s a huge stress reliever and it gives me something to look forward to every single day. It’s also completed changed my mentality towards exercise and fitness. I went from focusing on what my body looked like to what my body can do!