MEMBER FEATURE: Julian Yang
Eleven years of CrossFit, countless PRs, and a new home at CFCL.
If you’ve met Julian, you know he brings a calm confidence, strong work ethic, and easy friendliness to every class he walks into. But long before he joined CFCL, Julian was already deeply connected to movement.
A life built around activity
Julian grew up in South Korea, staying active through sports from a young age. He practiced Taekwondo in childhood, picked up squash in middle school, and has always loved exploring physical challenges—skiing, hiking, swimming, and anything that gets him moving. He also has a soft spot for musicals, and tries to visit his parents back home at least once a year.
Before moving to Saskatoon, Julian spent seven years working as a personal trainer, helping others build confidence through strength and fitness. He’s now a Registered Massage Therapy student, expanding his understanding of movement from both a performance and wellness lens.
Discovering CrossFit—and getting hooked
Julian didn’t initially choose CrossFit for himself—he started to support his partner at the time. But it didn’t take long for him to realize this wasn’t just “another type of workout.”
The intensity, the constant challenge, and especially the group energy pulled him in quickly. He loved pushing harder than he ever would have on his own in a regular gym, and he found real satisfaction in crossing those invisible lines between “I can’t” and “I did.”
Eleven years later, he’s still showing up.
A decade of progress and proud moments
Over the years, Julian has collected a long list of milestones:
• local competition wins
• new personal records
• consistent training no matter where life takes him
But the thing he’s proudest of isn’t a single lift or a moment on a podium—it’s his dedication. Eleven years of showing up, improving, learning, and staying committed to the process.
Finding CFCL after a big move
Moving from BC to Saskatoon was a big life shift, and Julian arrived without many connections. That changed quickly once he walked into CrossFit CL.
“The members have been incredibly friendly and welcoming every time I step into the gym. Being part of this community has truly made me feel at home.”
The sense of belonging, the familiar rhythm of training, and the genuine warmth of the CFCL community helped turn a new city into a place he could settle into.
Life outside the gym
Outside of CrossFit and school, Julian is a huge animal lover—especially dogs. He once owned a French Bulldog and jokes that if anyone in Saskatoon has one and needs a dog sitter, he’s first in line.
He also loves cooking and finds real joy in feeding people:
“It’s such a joy to see my friends and family enjoying the meals I’ve made.”
Looking ahead
Julian loves team competitions—sharing the challenge, the camaraderie, and yes, the suffering—so if you ever need a partner for an event, don’t hesitate to reach out. He’s always ready.
As he continues training at CFCL, he’s excited to build more connections, keep growing stronger, and blend everything he’s learning as an RMT student with his years of fitness experience.
And if you ever want to book a practice massage, he’d be happy to help.
We’re so glad he chose CFCL as his Saskatoon home—our community is genuinely better with him in it.