COACH FEATURE: Arianna Materi
From Dedicated Member to the CFCL Coaching Team
One year ago, we featured Arianna Materi as a standout member of the CrossFit CL community. After a lifetime of competitive sports—including soccer, karate, cheerleading, and volleyball—the pandemic had sidelined her plans to play college volleyball in the U.S., and her passion for fitness had begun to fade.
CrossFit CL changed all that, reigniting her spark and helping her redefine strength on her own terms. Today, Arianna is taking her journey to the next level: she is officially joining the CFCL coaching team!
A New Chapter: From the Floor to the Coach's Box
Currently finishing her degree in Psychology at the University of Saskatchewan, Arianna originally joined CFCL to prepare for a career in law enforcement. However, her deep connection to the community and a growing fascination with human movement sparked a new ambition.
When asked what made her want to step into this new role, Arianna shared:
"I really wanted to find a way to get more involved in the gym. I wanted to be able to help others develop a passion for health and fitness and also knew that in some way it would help me in my own journey. I decided I wanted to go into Chiropractor school and I thought that this would be a great way to learn more about the body and how it functions and moves."
An Inclusive, "No One-Size-Fits-All" Approach
Arianna knows firsthand what it feels like to step onto the gym floor for the first time, and she brings that empathy directly into her coaching style. Whether you love power cleans and heavy back squats like she does, or you're still warming up to burpees, Arianna is dedicated to meeting you exactly where you are.
Describing her coaching style and what she hopes members take away from her classes, she said:
"I think my coaching style and approach would be figuring out what the person is capable of doing and what they want to get out of the workout, whether that is just coming to move or training for something in particular because I don't believe that one size fits all."
"I want members come and realize that not every day will be a perfect day but that the most important thing is they came and they did it. I want everyone to feel like this is the place for them no matter what their fitness level is."
What’s Next for Coach Arianna?
While you might still see her training for a future CrossFit competition, Arianna is looking forward to the impact she can make from the coach's perspective and continuing to develop her own craft.
"I am most excited about getting to know new people and contributing to an environment that is welcoming to everyone of all fitness levels. I am also looking forward to being able to grow my skills while helping others ."
Next time you see Arianna rocking the coach's clock, be sure to say hello, welcome her to the team, and celebrate this awesome milestone with her!