Coach Spotlight: Eryl Eccles

When did you start Crossfit and why did it appeal to you?

I went to an introduction one on one with CrossFit Opus owner Denise Magnini. We did baseline (500m row, 40 air squats, 30 situps, 20 pushups, 10 pullups). I had never been on a rower before or touched a pull up bar. I already had goals…to beat that first baseline time. I was immediately hooked on CrossFit. Every day a new workout. Every day a new challenge. Every day…getting stronger. 

Did you do any sports or recreation before or during CrossFit? 

I used to figure skate competitively when I was young – I think that is where I learned to enjoy individual sports and competing. I packed in figure skating when my love of Fastpitch took over all of my free time. I played competitively into my early twenties. Having the support of a team is where it’s at! I played dodgeball for a number of years as well. I recently joined the Alchemy Brantford Ball Hockey team and have been having a blast learning how to play….and getting a whole lot of aerobic conditioning done as well. 

What are your current health and fitness goals?

My goal is to continue to have fun! Get stronger…harder to kill. Lol, I am passively working towards a double body weight deadlift and bodyweight bench press. I will forever be working on T2B….and mobility lol.

Why did you want to be a coach and what drives you to continue? 

I first looked into coaching as a reason to spend more time at the box. One workout-of-the-day is enough for us recreational CrossFitters. By coaching, I could be a part of a handful of work-out-of-the day experiences!  When I first started CrossFit, I was getting back into an active lifestyle and relied heavily on my coaches for guidance. They were a huge part of why I wanted to show up every day and put forth an effort, even if I wasn’t really feeling it. I think it’s hella cool that I have an opportunity to take on that role for Alchemy members. I take it seriously. I continue to learn and grow, bringing my best coaching self to each class. 

What’s your favourite crossfit workout?

All barbell baby… Incredible Hulk ….or DT

Outside of CrossFIt, what are we likely to find you doing? 

You will definitely find me with dogs! With my own dogs and with dogs that I foster through Pound Dog Rescue. We will be walking one of many local trails, rain or shine!  On the off chance I am not with dogs…It will be winter and I will be going fast on my snowmobile up north…trying to catch my husband Scott. 

Best coaching moment?

Once, a member told me “the playlist was awesome today”. Kidding…that never happened. Seriously…Recently, a newer member mentioned they had an outside Alchemy fitness success! They were able to keep up with their grandkids running up the toboggan hill – they were even outrunning their own children! How cool is that? At the end of the day, that’s what it is all about! Working out, in a supportive environment, improving your health and lifestyle through exercise…CrossFit is just the most fun way to do it.

 If you were a superhero, what powers would you want to have?

The ability to quickly recover from the wod I did before coaching…Wod brain is real and it gets me. Words are hard sometimes. 

 If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Thinking about only eating one thing doesn’t make anything sound appealing…variety is the spice of life! But I really feel like pizza right now… Mercasa’s Roman Pizza. I’d order ½ Pizza Patate ½ Pizza Melanzana to be specific.