April 2014 CrossFitter of the Month:

                             Dan Stewart

 

 

1. How long have you been training here at CrossFit Elgin, and what brought you here?
 I have been with Crossfit since it started November 2012

2. Since starting at CrossFit Elgin, what has your lifestyle been like? Have you changed anything?
 I am a lot more health conscious over all, fitness and goal setting is now apart of my life

3. What is your favorite movement / skill you have learned at CrossFit Elgin?
 My favorite and most challenging  movement is the overhead squat I like pull-ups box jumps

4. What has been the most challenging part of your journey?
Most challenging is acquiring the patience,  mobility,strength and smooth efficiency to get to my goals 

5. What has been the most fun?
Working out in a group with others with the same challenges and groups activities we do together is always a lot of fun. 

6. How many days a week do you typically train at the gym?
I try to train 4-5 days a week.

7. What is your approach toward nutrition?
Nutritionally I'm constantly learning and making a little changes at a time to be more and more healthy with organic whole foods whenever possible

8. Favorite activity outside of CrossFit Elgin:
Time with my family and playing music

        Feb 2014 CrossFitter of the Month:

                  Shannon Crichton

 

1. How long have you been training here at CrossFit Elgin, and what brought you here?
I have been training at Crossfit Elgin for just over a year.  Sarah Paradis convinced me that it was ‘awesome’, (and that I would not in fact die), so I had to try it!  After a few weeks, I was hooked

2. Since starting at CrossFit Elgin, what has your lifestyle been like? Have you changed anything?
Since starting at Crossfit Elgin, I feel transformed.  I’m much more active, stronger, and my diet is cleaner.  I've lost 2 sizes, (25 pounds), I'm full of energy, and in the best shape I have ever been in.  And I’m not finished yet!

3. What is your favorite movement / skill you have learned at CrossFit Elgin?
I don't really have a favourite skill.  What I do love is an AMRAP!  That moment when everyone finishes at the beep, falls down, and enjoys exhaustion at the same time is amazing!  Such camaraderie!

4. What has been the most challenging part of your journey?
When will I ever get that unbanded pull up?!  Soon :). 

The most challenging parts initially were getting up at 5:30 AM and implementing Paleo.  But as Steve would say, 'Everything is hard until it's routine'.  He was right. 

5. What has been the most fun?
Regarding the work outs, the variety keeps it interesting and fun.  I don't think I have repeated more than a handful of workouts in the last year.  Better than that, are the friends and acquaintances I have made at Crossfit Elgin.  It really is a supportive community atmosphere that draws you in and makes a tiring and challenging experience fun.

6. How many days a week do you typically train at the gym?
I train 4-5 days a week.

7. What is your approach toward nutrition?
Shortly after starting Crossfit, I started eating Paleo.  My motto is 100% paleo, 90% of the time.

8. Favorite activity outside of CrossFit Elgin: I love anything active outside....hiking, biking, kayaking...you name it!  Add in my family or BFF, and that's a perfect day right there :)

CrossFitters of the Month - December 2013: 
Paula Campbell

The CrossFitter of the month is meant to celebrate the individuals who shows what it means to be a CrossFitter at CrossFit Elgin. It is more than just being #1 on the whiteboard or lifting the most weight. We, as coaches, look for effort, a never quit attitude and  a person who is a positive influence on the others around them. TRAIN HARD!

1. How long have you been training here at CrossFit Elgin, and what brought you here?
I have been training at Crossfit Elgin since the last week in August. I was working out at home and not getting the results I wanted, so Coach Keith offered to show me the fundamentals of Crossfit and I have been hooked ever since


2. Since starting at CrossFit Elgin, what has your lifestyle been like? Have you changed anything?
Since starting Crossfit Elgin I have been happier and I am in the best shape all around than I have ever been.


3. What is your favorite movement / skill you have learned at CrossFit Elgin?
I have learned so much it really is hard to pick but I would say squats, pull ups now that I can do them and some of the lifting.


4. What has been the most challenging part of your journey?
The most challenging is finishing some of the WOD's, when you feel you can't go on but you push your limits just a little farther.


5. What has been the most fun?
I look forward to Crossfit Elgin everyday. The community is amazing and the Coaches are great. Hitting new PR's and seeing others hit theirs as well. The support you get and give to push through and finish is the best!


6. How many days a week do you typically train at the gym?
I train about 5-6 days a week.


7. What is your approach toward nutrition?
7. I do try to eat very healthy regularly but I do have cheat days.


8. Favorite activity outside of CrossFit Elgin: I love spending time with family and friends. I enjoy being active ad play sports or any outdoor activities. ... Yes we had a great time!

CrossFitters of the Month - November 2013:  
                           Brodi Jewell

The CrossFitter of the month is meant to celebrate the individuals who shows what it means to be a CrossFitter at CrossFit Elgin. It is more than just being #1 on the whiteboard or lifting the most weight. We, as coaches, look for effort, a never quit attitude and  a person who is a positive influence on the others around them. TRAIN HARD!

1. How long have you been training here at CrossFit Elgin, and what brought you here?
I have been training at CrossFit Elgin since May 2013. I had a friend who CrossFit and he told me how much he liked it, so when I moved home from university I immediately looked for a CrossFit Box in the area, and found CrossFit Elgin!

2. Since starting at CrossFit Elgin, what has your lifestyle been like? Have you changed anything?
Since Starting at CrossFit Elgin, I have been living a much happier and healthier lifestyle. I am in the best shape of my life, I love knowing I am stronger than ever.

3. What is your favorite movement / skill you have learned at CrossFit Elgin?
I have a love-hate relationship with all the movements/skills ! I really enjoy doing pull ups and any type of squats! I have learned so much since I started training at CrossFit Elgin, such as double unders, pull ups, and all the lifts- thanks to our amazing coaches!

4. What has been the most challenging part of your journey?
The most challenging part of my journey is learning and understanding that when I am mentally tired, my body can still be pushed so much harder.

5. What has been the most fun?
Everything about CrossFit is fun! The coaches, the community, attaining PRs and seeing my fellow Crossfitters grow and hit new goals! I always look forward to coming to CrossFit Elgin!

6. How many days a week do you typically train at the gym?
I train three days a week.

7. What is your approach toward nutrition?
I try to follow the Paleo Lifestyle. I have cut out wheat and dairy from my diet. I have noticed how much better my body functions since I have made these changes!

8. Favorite activity outside of CrossFit Elgin:
Spending time with my friends and family, which includes my sister who is a fellow Crossfitter at Crossfit Elgin!

 CrossFitters of the Month - October 2013:  
                        
                                           Julie Black


The CrossFitter of the month is meant to celebrate the individuals who shows what it means to be a CrossFitter at CrossFit Elgin. It is more than just being #1 on the whiteboard or lifting the most weight. We, as coaches, look for effort, a never quit attitude and  a person who is a positive influence on the others around them. TRAIN HARD!

1. How long have you been training here at CrossFit Elgin, and what brought you here?
 I have been training at CrossFit Elgin since June 2013 and was addicted from the first Tuesday evening I started. My "Bestie" Sarah Paradis was "pumping" CrossFit up for months, so on my March Break trip down south, I made a promise to myself I would commit before summer and I am so glad I did !

2. Since starting at CrossFit Elgin, what has your lifestyle beenlike? Have you changed anything?
 I have always been a pretty healthy eater, but since starting CrossFit Elgin, I have removed dairy from my diet, have started to eat mostly meats and vegetables, have a protein shake daily, and choose Paleo friendly beverages.

 3. What is your favorite movement / skill you have learned at CrossFit Elgin?
Ohhhhhh SO many....but...definitely the Pull Ups and Bar Muscle Ups! If I EVER get the ring Muscle Up....NOTHING would trump that!

4. What has been the most challenging part of your journey?
DOUBLE UNDERS and CHEST PRESS have been my most challenging parts of CrossFit, but I am determined to master the double unders and become stronger with the chest press.

5. What has been the most fun?
Witnessing my fellow CrossFitters (each and everyone of them ROCK!) master skills and achieving PR's, gaining muscle, surviving a brutal WOD and having fellow CrossFitters and the AMAZING trainers believing and encouraging me to push myself beyond what I thought was possible.

6. How many days a week do you typically train at the gym?
Wish I could do 5, but currently I train 3 days a week.

7. What is your approach toward nutrition?
I have always been a pretty healthy eater, and feel it is okay to splurge on cheesecake once in awhile, but have gravitated towards a more Paleo lifestyle, but still love my rice, beans and tortilla chips. I will however sign myself up for the next Paleo Challenge.

 8. Favorite activity outside of CrossFit Elgin:
Anything involving my two sweet girls who are 11 and 3...We love to hike, swim, camp, roller blade, bike, play hockey and soccer, watch movies, cuddle...

CrossFitters of the Month - September 2013: 
                          
                                                Dan Rabaey


The CrossFitter of the month is meant to celebrate the individuals who shows what it means to be a CrossFitter at CrossFit Elgin. It is more than just being #1 on the whiteboard or lifting the most weight. We, as coaches, look for effort, a never quit attitude and  a person who is a positive influence on the others around them. TRAIN HARD!

 
1. How long have you been training here at CrossFit Elgin, and what brought you here?
  I have been training at Crossfit Elgin since December, after training at a “regular” gym for years with little results. I wanted to try something different.

2. Since starting at CrossFit Elgin, what has your lifestyle been like? Have you changed anything?
 Since starting Crossfit I f eel so much better and have more energy,  the more fit I become the better I feel.

It has also allowed me to continue playing hockey with the younger guys. I have changed my eating habits as well since joining.

3. What is your favourite movement / skill you have learned at CrossFit Elgin?  
My favourite movement that I have learned at crossfit is the wall ball.

4. What has been the most challenging part of your journey?
Pushing through to finish a tough WOD when you feel like stopping.

5. What has been the most fun?
Being part of the positive atmosphere at Crossfit Elgin from the coaches to the other members.

Its a unique training environment to be a part of , everyone is competitive at their own level yet supportive and encouraging of each other.

6. How many days a week do you typically train at the gym?
 Started out training 3 days a week but now up to 5 days a week with the weekends off to recover.

7. What is your approach toward nutrition?
 I try to eat mostly Paleo  during the week but use the weekends as cheat days.

8. Favourite activity outside of CrossFit Elgin:
 Spending time with family and friends , motorcycle riding, hockey and golf

     CrossFitters of the Month - August 2013:  
                           Liam Campbell  


The CrossFitter of the month is meant to celebrate the individuals who shows what it means to be a CrossFitter at CrossFit Elgin. It is more than just being #1 on the whiteboard or lifting the most weight. We, as coaches, look for effort, a never quit attitude and  a person who is a positive influence on the others around them. TRAIN HARD!

 

1.      How long have you been training here at CrossFit Elgin, and what brought you here?
I  have been training at CrossFit Elgin since the opening week, my mom found an ad in the paper and showed it to me and I looked it up online and decided I would give it a try.

2. Since starting at CrossFit Elgin, what has your lifestyle been like? Have you changed anything?
Since starting CrossFit, my lifestyle has changed by being able to preform better in other sports like Track & Field, Golf and Skiing. I have changed my eating habits by eating more healthy.

3. What is your favorite movement / skill you have learned at CrossFit Elgin?
I have a lot of favourite movements and skills that I have learnt, like the power cleans, snatches, muscle ups, pull ups, handstand push ups, and many more.

4. What has been the most challenging part of your journey?
The most challenging is probably been the changing diet part and pushing through a really though WOD.

5. What has been the most fun?  
The most fun has deffinetly been meeting new people and becoming friends with them, even though I am the youngest by at least 5 years for the most part, I consider them friends and family. Also another fun part is getting new PR's or completing a skill that I have never been able to do before.

6. How many days a week do you typically train at the gym?
I train for the most part every day of the week, except Sunday, so 6 times a week is the usual.

7. What is your approach toward nutrition?
I try to get the right amount of every food group and especially protein since it is very important in getting stronger and repairing tissue.

8. Favorite activity outside of CrossFit Elgin?
My favorite activity outside of CrossFit is definitely playing sports, and hanging out with friends.

CrossFitters of the Month - July 2013:
           Ryan & Janet Ewaskiw
The CrossFitter of the month is meant to celebrate the individuals who shows what it means to be a CrossFitter at CrossFit Elgin. It is more than just being #1 on the whiteboard or lifting the most weight. We, as coaches, look for effort, a never quit attitude and  a person who is a positive influence on the others around them. TRAIN HARD!

1. How long have you been training here at CrossFit Elgin, and what brought you here?
We have been training here since Crossfit Elgin opened.

2. Since starting at CrossFit Elgin, what has your lifestyle been like? Have you changed anything?
We like to train 3 times a week and then run and bike on our own. Since the Paleo Challenge we have changed our eating style. A Paleo diet helps me breathe better and have more energy. Both of us have become stronger and more toned.

3. What is your favorite movement / skill you have learned at CrossFit Elgin?
Janet likes wall ball squats and Ryan believes burpees are an all body workout, and pull ups are great.

4. What has been the most challenging part of your journey?
The most challenging part of our journey is our age we want to be like the 20 year olds who are lifting so much and not sore everyday. We try to say "No pain, no gain!"

5. What has been the most fun?  
The best part of Crossfit is meeting new people and the daily competitive spirit. We enjoy that there is a sense of community at Crossfit Elgin.

6. How many days a week do you typically train at the gym?
Typically we train at Crossfit 3 days a week. We run with friends and bike together because we also like to train for triathlons.

7. What is your approach toward nutrition?
Paleo is our new way of life, and we allow for cheat days or outings.

8. Favorite activity outside of CrossFit Elgin?
Outside of Crossfit we enjoy our family, swimming, biking and running. Ryan also plays in a Band with 3 great guys called The Portside Bouys.

                                  CrossFitter of the Month
                                      June 2013:

                               Shawn Beauregard

The CrossFitter of the month is meant to celebrate the individuals who shows what it means to be a CrossFitter at CrossFit Elgin. It is more than just being #1 on the whiteboard or lifting the most weight. We, as coaches, look for effort, a never quit attitude and  a person who is a positive influence on the others around them. TRAIN HARD!


1.      How long have you been training here at CrossFit Elgin, and what brought you here?
I have been training at Crossfit Elgin for about 6 months. Steve brought me here from our Friday hockey team.

2. Since starting at CrossFit Elgin, what has your lifestyle been like? Have you changed anything?
My lifestyle has changed a bit. I have changed my eating habits mostly

3. What is your favorite movement / skill you have learned at CrossFit Elgin?
Thrusters, chest to bar pull ups, toes to bar, running with a medicine ball, box jumps, kettle bell swings, clean and jerks. There are too many movements to list in this question.

4. What has been the most challenging part of your journey?
Changing the way I eat to a more Paleo approach

5. What has been the most fun?  
Working out and seeing all the sweat angels after an awesome WOD

6. How many days a week do you typically train at the gym?
I'm at Crossfit Elgin 5 days a week and I normally let my body rest on the weekends

7. What is your approach toward nutrition?
Now my approach toward nutrition is a Paleo approach.  I try and eat as many veggies and lean protein as I can throughout my day. Eat meat not wheat!

8. Favorite activity outside of CrossFit Elgin?
I'm Canadian, so Hockey!