MEMBER FEATURE - Sawatzky Family Affair

Latoya: I went to a bring-a-friend day with my friend Glenda many many years ago. I was in awe of movements that Jason and Val were coaching us through; I remember ring rows and sled pushes were some of the things I did that day. I thought I was going to die…especially the next day as I was so sore. Honestly, I got so intimidated I didn’t came back for a long time.

When Glenda decided to start coaching, she asked if I would attend one of her first foundations sessions. I said yes, but I was soooo nervous. To my great surprise I loved it! So I decided that maybe I could give it another try.

In 2017 I became a member of StrongFit YXE (now CrossFit OneFifty). Every class I went to from there on my stomach would do flips as I took the last turn before the gym would come into sight.

Sheldon: After Latoya joined the gym, she would come home and talk about the workouts all the time. And of course trying to get me to at least do a foundations class. She kept talking about the people and the community, and the awesome coaching staff they was headed by Jason. A year later I finally succumbed to the pressure from her and did my first foundations class in 2018.

I remember the nervousness when I first started; not knowing anybody when walking through the door or that I wouldn’t be able to get through the workouts (when everybody else was crushing it). The stiffness and soreness was what I expected. What I didn’t expect was how genuine everyone was. People were so accepting. We all had the same goals of trying to get better, no matter where our ability was at the moment.

Latoya: Even after Sheldon started coming, I was very inconsistent until winter of 2019. it was then Jason offered to do one-on-one sessions with me, to help me with my movements and just get comfortable with myself. We continued this until lockdown of 2020.

At this point Sheldon and I were starting to see the changes in our bodies, muscle mass, and meeting goals with our movements. We were devastated that we would lose all the work we had put in, not knowing how long lock down would be. Luckily, the gym offered households to “rent” equipment and we jumped on it. Being able to continue what we started was great for both of us during this time. Once we had the equipment at home the kids would join in the workouts. Naya looked forward to the workouts a bit more than Leena, but they would both join us. 

Naya was in competitive gymnastics for five years, but had been talked about quitting. We encouraged her to stay until CrossFit OneFifty offered a kids programs. In September of 2021, Jason approached us about the kids joining the weightlifting program. We knew they would totally be on board with it because, really, who doesn’t like throwing heavy weight around. We knew it would be right up their alley.

Watching the girls do workouts makes us so proud of them and makes me wish I moved the way they do, lol. They both look forward to their weightlifting classes, but we know the gymnastics and CrossFit classes also bring smiles on their faces. Seeing them make friends through the program has also been a positive for them. 

Sheldon: Part of what keeps us coming back for more is having a place where we can now bring our girls for activities, and to set a good example for them. It gives us a chance to come in and get some extra work done, while being able to watch them be real mini-lifters (it’s so cool)! One day after a workout I remember Naya saying, “what a great environment it is to come to the gym.”

Latoya: More than anything we feel very comfortable in the CrossFit OneFifty community. When I go to my 6am classes everyone knows each others challenges and when to give encouragement. I love throwing the heavy weight around but I am still learning to pace myself during the workouts and “getting comfortable with being uncomfortable”. I love that this strong, fit, gym family is always there to cheer each other on. Whether you are going for your first ever pull-up or a 200# snatch, the support really makes everyone feel like they belong, no matter their fitness level. 

Sheldon: The thing with CrossFit is that it is never ending learning. There are so many movements to get good at. Currently my two main goals are getting my rope climbs and handstands. I am also trying to push harder through the workouts; whether it be faster or using heavier weights than normal. I keep telling myself that 10min after the workout everything will be ok, which helps me push harder. 

Latoya: We work harder knowing that a coach like Jason has our backs. He gives us the advice and encouragement to continue to try to be better every workout. He also worries about the well-being of every single person that walks into the gym. With guidance like that, I have grown to love the CrossFit style workouts and not fear them.

Many many times Jason preached recovery and the benefits of it. It took the first squat or first overhead with no pain for me to get on the recovery wagon. Having a coach that takes the time to take me aside and tell me like it is, and just sees the potential in me means a lot. He sees where I can be more, more than I can. The patience he shows daily with me doubting myself is so appreciated. 

Sheldon & Latoya: We would just like to thank Val and Jason for creating a great environment that we can come hangout (with out whole family), get a good sweat on, and be in the company of some really great people. 

-Latoya & Sheldon Sawatzky

Latoya & Sheldon live in Saskatoon, in the Hamptons neighborhood, which is only a 5min drive to the gym now! Latoya is 44 and works in the health region at City Hospital. Sheldon is 54 and works with CN Rail as a locomotive engineer.