MEMBER FEATURE - Supporting Each Other (Katie & Conor)
Meet Conor & Katie! One of the most supportive, coachable and hard working couples at CFCL.
This 30 something couple met at the start of the pandemic in February 2020. They had a whirlwind romance and got engaged in March of 2021. Now they are planning their wedding for July 2022!
They were were on the lookout for something to do together. Conor had tried CrossFit before at a different gym and enjoyed it, so he suggested they give it a shot. So July 2021 they join the community at CFCL.
Conor & Katie: During COVID we were slightly uncomfortable with the larger open gyms and wanted something smaller scale for safety reasons. We felt comfortable coming to [CFCL] throughout COVID. The gym always took reasonable measures and the members were good about minding the rules and comfort levels. It was one of the few places we went other than work.
Like us all, they sometime face barriers to getting their fitness in. It can be a struggle to get to the gym sometimes, especially if the workout seems daunting. But they knew that if they found a good routine and came consistently, they would both improve and become more comfortable.
Katie & Conor: We always feel good after coming. [The workouts] are manageable through scaling and the people are very nice and always take the time to check in and offer advice. Everyone treats it as a mutual challenge no matter how you are approaching the workout.
Katie also faces an added barrier. In 2019 she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cervical cancer. It was a really difficult time and resulted in an abdominal surgery which had a tough recovery. Starting CrossFit has been a challenge for her but she can feel herself getting stronger, which makes coming back each day important.
The coaching/coaches have really made a difference in this, and another reason they keep coming back to CFCL.
Conor & Katie: It feels more personalized as the coaches come around and scale the workout specifically for you. They understand your limits but also reasonably push you to try new things or add some weight. They take the time to make sure you're comfortable with everything and are quick to help with technique. As we go throughout the week we see a rotation of all of the coaches and each one has their own specialties, insights, and styles.
Some of our coaches wanted to express how much they love having Katie & Conor in their classes:
They always come in to work and are so encouraging of each other at the gym and those in class! They always leave with a smile on their face :) - Darian
Conor & Katie always come in with such a bright and positive attitude, ready to work and eager to learn. There isn’t a challenge they aren’t willing to take on! - Meranda
They’re supportive of each other all of the time. Very coachable and hard working. And they don’t make excuses, they come in to do the work. - Jason
In general having the workouts clearly laid out and varied is great for them as well, and they like checking them online before they go to - psych themselves up :) This also allows them to show up with minimal prep and know they will be getting a good workout. The varied schedule has also helped them keep up with their consistency.
Katie & Conor: There are lots of times that work for us and makes it easy for us to schedule it in. We originally started at 6pm but now find it works better at 5pm. It's easy for us to change this at any time. There is even the option for early morning or a quick lunch workout which we have taken advantage of a few times.
The small gym feel and mix of people - competitive folks and general health and fitness - are something else they love. Everyone takes the time to get to know each other, both coaches and members. And as Katie adds “I like that there are a lot of women who regularly attend and coach at the gym. This shows that it's a good safe and comfortable environment (i.e. no women-only sections).”
When asked what their favourite things about the gym are, these ones stood out :P
Katie: I love how the echo bike blow Conor's majestic hair ;P
Conor: I like watching Katie try to learn double-unders (she is learning but is still working on her vert) <3
They both have some really great goals they are hoping to achieve; Katie really wants to do a chin up and Conor wants to deadlift so that you can see the bar bend!
Talk about couple goals all around!
When Conor & Katie are not at the gym they both work full-time (Katie is a teacher and Conor is an engineer), enjoy other sports (Katie plays basketball and Conor plays volleyball), love to be in the kitchen cooking and baking, and also spending time with their dog Ruby!