MEMBER FEATURE: Chris & Nicole Hills
“Whether we’re training, parenting, or racing each other to the next finish line—we’re in it together.”
When it comes to making fitness a family affair, Chris and Nicole Hills have truly found their rhythm at CrossFit CL. Between teaching, parenting, running, lifting, and cheering each other on, they’ve become a familiar and appreciated presence in our community.
Chris and Nicole are both high school teachers—Nicole teaches Photography and Graphic Arts, while Chris teaches Chemistry and Physics. They’ve always been active: Nicole grew up playing hockey and ringette, and Chris competed in track and basketball. As adults, they both took up running to stay fit and fuel their competitive spirits.
“Nicole is much better,” Chris jokes. “She has completed 5 full marathons!”
Their sons, ages 10 and 7, are just as active and have found a home in our kids' gymnastics and weightlifting programs. As Nicole puts it, “It truly is the best that we can all go to one space and be active at the same time!”
How It Started
“I first tried Crossfit about 15 years ago when Sarah brought me to a Bring-a-friend day at a different gym,” Nicole says. “I didn't continuously go after that, but I keep trying to work in time at the gym as much as I can.”
Chris’s introduction came around the same time through Sarah as well, who convinced him to try CrossFit and weightlifting because “this guy she started dating was a coach.” That guy, of course, was Jason.
They eventually joined CrossFit CL not just because of the family connection, but because of the culture. “Even if we weren't related [to Jason & Sarah], we would still call this gym home because of all of the amazing and supportive people that go there.”
First Impressions
Nicole was instantly inspired. “There are just so many strong women at our gym! I constantly boast about my sister-in-law Sarah and tell everyone about how fit she is. It is so inspiring to be able to move and try to keep up with all the different athletes in the gym.”
For Chris, CrossFit became a way to finally join in on a very familiar conversation. “Now I can join the CrossFit conversation that inevitably happens during every family get-together!”
Shifting Goals
“I think my overall goal is to just get stronger,” Nicole says. “As a runner I keep trying to get faster and I think that if I can put in the right amount of strength training, that speed will eventually come. As I keep going to the gym, I just try to make as many small improvements as I can. Technique DEFINITELY needs a lot of work in most of the movements, but I try to give myself patience and just keep practicing.”
Chris shares how his perspective has evolved: “Our goals have shifted from fitness and weight loss, to building strength, to mastering complex movements. Ultimately the overall goal is to maintain fitness and mobility so we can be healthy and active with our kids as they grow up.”
Memorable Moments
“Recently I was finally able to get some toes-to-bar! I was so pumped!” Nicole says. “I wouldn't say they are consistent and depending on the day I still can't get up there, but one day I did a bunch and it felt great to finally get them. During the Open I was also able to do the pull-ups unbanded which I had never done before so that was exciting. I don't think I will talk about the rest of the Open though..... not my best ha ha.”
Chris has also been pushing himself in new ways. “I competed in the Open this year and did the Rx’d level movements and weights.” Taking on the Open workouts as prescribed is no small feat and speaks to the steady work he's been putting in.
Favorite Movements & Challenges
Nicole gravitates toward cardio-heavy workouts. “I like anything to do with cardio. Running, rowing, and biking workouts tend to be my best. I like the workouts where there are a lot of different movements to get through. I'm not super strong so if I can ever use speed to my advantage, I like that the most. I also really like box jumps, dumbbell snatches, and rope climbs (even though I still don't do them right).”
Chris adds, “Anything but bike and wall balls – these are not short people movements!”
When it comes to challenges, Nicole is open about the ongoing process. “Oh man everything is challenging. There are so many Crossfit movements that I just can't do. Still working on it... I just try to listen to all my coaches and make the modifications that they suggest to work me up to the big movements. That truly is the best part about our gym. The coaching is the absolute best! The coaches are all patient with me and give so many great suggestions. Sometimes my body still can't quite do what my brain is telling it to, but I'm sure it will come.”
For Chris, the hardest part is simply making it to class. “Finding the time to get to classes during the school year is the biggest challenge. With our boys doing 3–4 sports at a time, our schedule doesn’t have many openings. We can usually get to 1–2 classes per week, and when we can’t, we do the WOD at home or at school.”
The Ripple Effect of Community
For Chris and Nicole, the impact of CrossFit CL reaches far beyond the walls of the gym.
“I have made exercise an almost daily part of my routine,” Chris says. “Improvements I have made at the gym have helped me in basketball and running too!”
Nicole recalls running her fastest marathon thanks to the encouragement from the CFCL community. “When I was running the Sask Marathon there were so many familiar gym faces along the course (both running in the race and cheering on the streets) that I was so motivated to keep going faster. It got me excited and kept me going in the race. I ended up finishing with my fastest time ever and I honestly think that it had to do with the cheering section on the sidelines.”
Chris agrees. “It’s a great community where we have met lots of new friends.”
Why They Love CFCL
Nicole shares, “Everyone is always so friendly and welcoming and even if I don't make it to a class for a couple weeks, as soon as I can make it, everyone is as great as always. All of the coaches at the gym are so encouraging but also push you to get out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself to increase the intensity while maintaining proper form. I don't think I have ever had anyone in my life be more concerned about my posture than my brother-in-law Jason.”
Chris adds, “The encouragement and laughs during any workout, and not being judged for being a sweaty mess!”
Who Inspires Them
“Our family! Randy, Janet, Sarah, and Jason all motivate and inspire us with their commitment, enthusiasm, encouragement, and accomplishments.”
Advice and Motivation
For those just starting out, Chris and Nicole offer some honest advice:
“Set aside any fitness ego and find the right scaling for you. You’ll keep coming if you meet people and have fun. You won’t keep at it if you’re too hard on yourself, or too sore, or hurt.”
And when the days are long and motivation is low?
“There’s always laughter, sweat, and encouragement to improve. No matter how tough our days might be, we always leave the gym feeling better.”
A Few Fun Facts
Outside of the gym, Chris and Nicole each bring their own flair.
Nicole says, “That I LOVE karaoke! Give me a mic and a stage and I will sing my heart out (not very well but with a lot of enthusiasm)!”
Chris has his sights set on something a little more academic: “One of my life goals is to appear on Jeopardy!”
Whether they’re belting out a tune or answering trivia, there’s no shortage of personality between them.
Goals on the Horizon
Nicole has her sights set on another marathon—and a dream race. “I'm hoping to keep training to run another marathon this year. I am bound and determined to run in the Boston Marathon! I qualified last year, but there were so many applicants that I didn't get in. Fingers crossed for me this year.”
Chris is focusing on skill development and speed. “Improve lifting technique, get multiple double-unders in a row, and to get back into competitive running form. I’d like to run a half-marathon in less than 90 minutes.”
reflection & Looking Ahead
As they reflect on their journey, they still remind themselves “that all of these movements can be modified or scaled to meet you where you are at so that you can get fit without getting injured. There is also always room for improvement and it will happen over time if you are consistent.”
They continue to approach fitness with patience, intention, and a long view of health, and are excited to get to the gym more regularly, pursue new goals, and take part in more CFCL events.
Their combination of grit, humility, humor, and heart—along with their whole family’s involvement—makes them a truly special part of CrossFit CL. Whether they’re pushing through a tough WOD, chasing personal bests, or cheering each other on from the sidelines, Chris and Nicole remind us what it means to grow stronger, together.