MEMBER FEATURE: Jiyeon Song

New Country, New City, New Strength

When Jiyeon Song moved to Saskatoon from Korea in 2024, she was ready to start a new chapter—and that meant not only building a life here but also finding a community that could support her physically, socially, and emotionally.

CrossFit CL turned out to be one of those places.

“This is my first CrossFit experience,” Jiyeon says. “I used to do Pilates, but I was looking for something new.” With her job just three minutes from the gym, and a growing desire to move more consistently, it felt like the right time to give CrossFit a try.

Her only goal? Keep showing up.

“I don’t have a big goal,” she says. “My goal is simply to make myself go to the gym steadily—and so far, it’s been working well.”

From Couch Potato to CrossFitter

Jiyeon is quick to laugh and honest about where she started. “Without CrossFit, I would be sedentary and a complete couch potato,” she jokes. But the structure, encouragement, and community have made fitness a consistent part of her routine—even if her coaches keep sneaking more weight onto her barbell.

“Everyone is so supportive,” she says. “The instructors are always trying to add more weight—even when I don’t want them to!”

Still, she’s grateful for the push, and you’ll find her steadily progressing through the movements with quiet determination.

Life Outside the Gym

Originally from Korea, Jiyeon previously lived in the U.S. before beginning a new life in Saskatchewan. She now works on the Flight Safety team (Flight Operations Quality Assurance) at a local airline. When she’s not lifting, you’ll likely find her… well, flying. She and her husband love to travel, and if you don’t spot her in class, she’s probably off on another adventure.

In fact, they’ve already traveled to all provinces in Canada and 49 U.S. states in their camping van. Her other fun fact? Their dogs are trilingual—understanding English, Korean, and Russian. (Now that’s elite training!)

What Keeps Her Coming Back

While Jiyeon may not have set out with a competitive mindset, she’s found joy in consistency, community, and movement. It’s not about chasing PRs—it’s about feeling better, getting stronger, and showing up.

“CrossFit has made me more active and present in my life. I just keep coming back—because it works.”

She’s also found herself more connected to Saskatoon thanks to the CFCL community. “I’ve been building my network of friends here to make this city feel like home,” she says. “CrossFit CL has definitely been part of that.”

A Word of Advice

To anyone just starting or thinking about trying CrossFit?

“Don’t be afraid. Everyone is doing their own thing, and everyone is encouraging. Just keep going at your own pace—and remember, you can always take a trip if you need a break!”

(And maybe ask Jiyeon for travel tips while you’re at it—just don’t ask for a Korean restaurant rec in Saskatoon. “I can’t recommend any,” she says.)

We’re so glad to have Jiyeon as part of the CFCL family—steadily getting stronger, always ready for her next adventure, and quietly reminding us that showing up consistently is a goal worth celebrating.