My first workout was humbling yet inspiring; surprisingly hard yet motivating. As an athlete and a coach, I recognized that this workout provided exceptional benefits. I could feel immediately how my former means of training paled in comparison to this regime.
I never looked back. My previous workout regime changed overnight to following CrossFit exclusively. From 2005 through to 2008, I spent every day following CrossFit.com programming and explored every aspect of CrossFit that I could.
I attended my first L1 seminar in November 2006. At that time, Greg Glassman was the sole presenter leading all portions of the seminar. I’ll always remember my first meeting with Greg. After a brief discussion of the air squat, he thanked me for the contribution that I had made to CrossFit. (I thought, you’re thanking me? I should be thanking you!) Greg graciously gave me the opportunity to help at some of the earliest L1 seminars, where I learned from the CrossFit founder firsthand.
Thus began my quest to fully educate myself in the teachings of CrossFit. (I completed my CrossFit L2 in 2006, CrossFit Olympic Weightlifting in 2007, CrossFit Running in 2008, and three seminars – CrossFit Barbell, Gymnastics, and Rowing, in 2009.)
In 2007, almost on a whim, I competed in the inaugural CrossFit Games, taking second place. Upon my return, the single CrossFit “tester” class I offered rapidly grew to seven classes. CrossFit Calgary launched as an official affiliate in 2008 in a small 2000-square-foot space with 80 members.
Over the next few years, as demand for classes grew, I developed a roster of coaches, including Aly, our first full-time coach and administrator. By 2012 we were outgrowing our first space. In July 2013, we were able to double our size by moving into a building right next door. Since then, our staff has grown to 12 contract coaches, two full-time coaches, an in-house massage therapist, a nutritional consultant, and an Olympic lifting specialist. We have over 200 members, to whom we offer over 40 hours of classes, 25 hours of open gym, and a host of youth, targeted-training, personal training, and club programs.
Integrally, my wife Rhiannon has joined me as co-owner and general manager. As the business grew, Rhiannon always supported me and made this venture possible. She too has been bitten by the CrossFit bug, and recently completed her L1 seminar.
Owning a CrossFit affiliate lets us see people improve and change far more than just their fitness. We witness people transforming: improving their health and building their confidence, energy, and vitality. Thankfully these transformations are contagious. The result is a strong, inspiring and fun-filled community where we are always honoured guests. We can’t imagine a day where we’re not at the gym. For us this has truly become our life’s passion.
See you in the gym.
