Tell us about yourself!
My name is Dusty. Yes that’s my real name and not a nickname. It’s actually Dusty Rose and I was named after the colour. I am a mother of an one adult son. I pretty much work two full time jobs (fire and police) with not much time for play. Gotta make a living. I actually just hung up my hat having served 16 years as a firefighter so not having to go from one job to the next anymore means other than sleep what do I do with all this free time. I’m pretty much a person that likes to do anything and everything at least once. As long as I get out and move the body and be active I’m happy. I feel it’s healthy to step outside your comfort zone from time to time and face your fears. Throughout my lifetime my activities have included trail running, triathlons, duathlons, jujitsu, boxing and being on a rowing club. I still enjoy doing all those things from time to time but am always looking to learn new things, explore and have more adventures.
What got you into CrossFit?
I have always worked out in the comfort of my own home. I like setting my own rules, knowing that I can go to it whenever I want to, wear whatever I want to, not have to travel to get there and the best part it’s FREE. But lets face it working out alone can get boring and I don’t push myself as hard as I should and I need that push. I also like the fun competitive side of working out with other people. I found CrossFit when I was searching as to whether there were CrossFit boxes in the area. Me not liking the conventional gyms, where if I walked into one would have no idea of what to do or even where to start, but here I just have to show up, everything is programmed for me and the coaches tell me what to do. Plus the community aspect of CrossFit is WAY better than those other gyms.
What do you like about Alchemy?
It’s cheaper than a psychiatrist. But honestly hands down has to be the atmosphere and how great everyone is to each other. It never gets boring and it’s like a new challenge every time I walk through those doors. I like the variety in the workouts as it keeps it fun (fitness and fun that’s what it’s about). The coaches are all fantastic, knowledgeable, full of energy and approachable.
What has been your proudest moment at Alchemy?
I am ‘scale for life’ so when I can get a workout done that’s Rx’d that’s a proud moment. Also I feel like I always have an injury I’m dealing with so getting over an injury is also an accomplishment lol. I celebrate the smallest of things so any small improvement I make is a proud moment. I’m just here trying to be a better version of myself every day, little by little. It also makes me proud when everyone cheers each other on. The workout isn’t done until that last person has finished. No man/woman left behind. That makes me proud to be a part of this Alchemy community. YOU ALL ROCK!!
What are your CrossFit goals for the future?
There are too many to list. Just getting stronger and fitter in general. But I think repping out pull-ups would be the main one right now and handstand walking. Believe me when I get my handstand walking down I will be walking on my hands all the time.
If you could design the perfect workout, what would it include?
Yikes that’s a tough one. I like chipper or time capped style workouts. I like stepping out of the comfort zone and doing the movements that aren’t necessarily easy and that I have to work for (pretty much every movement for me lol). I will also say any workout where there’s no doubt you left it all out on the floor. If you’re still upright after a workout you didn’t go hard enough.
What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in yourself since you started CrossFit?
Definitely more confidence in myself and what I am capable of doing.
When you’re not at the gym, what’s your favourite thing to do?
I enjoy photography or reading (educational or nonfiction). I also like being active so biking and going on hikes.
What’s your favourite local Brantford food spot?
I am plant based and Brantford isn’t known for their many vegan food places but I believe it is coming around with a lot more options than it has been. The challenge of going to restaurants and making a meal from side dishes and appetizers are no more lol. Every place at least has one vegan option now on their menu. I enjoy food but nothing beats homemade in my opinion. I’m a big carb girl so pasta or lasagna are always a favourite of mine.