Tell us about yourself!
I joined Alchemy after moving to Ancaster from Toronto in September 2019. I am married and have two young daughters and recently my wife joined Alchemy as well! I love anything outdoors, and the green space and trails make the Hamilton area a perfect place to live.
What got you into CrossFit?
I have always been active and have made working out and staying fit part of my life. In university I played football and we did a lot of Olympic lifting and CrossFit-style work outs, even before CrossFit existed. After I graduated, I switched to a more bodybuilding style of training and found that being in the gym for 2 hours at a time and barely breaking a sweat did nothing for my overall fitness. I found that I was hitting a plateau training by myself and was looking for a new challenge to push myself and get better which brought me into the gym. I like Alchemy because I see results with my strength, but I also build cardio and endurance which helps me with work and when I play sports.
What do you like about Alchemy?
I love the dedication of the coaches and how friendly everyone is. Even during the pandemic, I always felt like I was part of the community. There are always different events and challenges to participate in if you like and there is no pressure to take part if you can’t. Everyone is positive and encourages one another. Even if you cant complete a workout or a movement, there is never any judgement; You are praised for your efforts regardless.
What has been your proudest moment at Alchemy? And do you have any future fitness goals?
I am proud that I was able to finish all three open workouts this year, even though I did them scaled. I would love to be able to complete all the CrossFit Open workouts ‘RX’ by the time I am 40, which gives me two years to train!
If you could design the perfect workout, what would it include?
It would be something for time, either a fixed number of reps or number of rounds. It would include rowing, wall balls, pull-ups and air squats or lunges.
1000m Row
30 Wall Ball
30 Pull Ups
30 Air Squats
750m Row, 20, 20, 20
500m Row 10, 10, 10
What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in yourself since you started CrossFit?
I would say the biggest change is my overall endurance. I was moving a lot of furniture at the cottage over the weekend and everyone was out of breath and taking breaks and I was just moving along without any issues.
When you’re not at the gym, what’s your favourite thing to do?
I love playing sports, especially hockey, golf and skiing. My oldest daughter has just started soccer so watching her being active is awesome.
Which is your favourite Hamilton restaurant/bar/brewery/patio?
I’m in Ancaster, so Brewers Blackbird, which is a newer Brewpub in the area or Coach and Lantern are my go-to’s!