MEMBER FEATURE: Katherine Kawula

For Katherine Kawula, movement has always been part of life.

Over the years, she’s stayed active through running, swimming, biking, CrossFit, and weightlifting — alongside a creative side that includes painting, sewing, needlework, and felting. She’s also a mom of two and proud grandma of three, something that continues to shape many of the goals she has today.

Katherine was first introduced to CrossFit nearly 15 years ago when CrossFit 306 opened. She loved the challenge of training but eventually had to step away because of a pinched nerve in her neck. Later, she became heavily involved in weightlifting at Synergy before recurring injuries once again forced her to stop.

When she first connected with CrossFit CL and Coach Jason, she hoped she would eventually heal enough to return to training fully. But over time, her mindset shifted.

“I realized I didn’t need to be perfectly healthy to get started — I just needed to move again.”

That decision changed everything.

Learning to move well again

When Katherine first started back at CFCL, she says she was simply excited to be lifting again after such a long break.

But what surprised her most was how much better she began to feel.

“Jason noticed my movement patterns were off and helped correct them. As I started moving better, the chronic pain I used to feel whenever I lifted completely disappeared.”

Now, instead of focusing on limitations, Katherine is starting to think about possibilities again.

She’s recently hit Snatch and Clean & Jerk numbers close to what she lifted seven years ago and is considering competing in Olympic weightlifting again this fall. She also has goals like getting a pull-up and eventually toes-to-bar.

And fittingly, her favourite movement is the Snatch.

“I love that it’s such a technical lift. There are so many components that have to line up just right.”

Showing up and trusting the process

Like many people, Katherine says one of her biggest challenges is impatience.

She admits she can be hard on herself and sometimes feels frustrated when progress doesn’t happen as quickly as she wants. But CrossFit has helped her learn to focus less on perfection and more on consistency.

“What I’m learning is that it’s okay to be where I am. I just need to keep showing up.”

That mindset has carried over outside the gym as well.

Since returning to training, Katherine has noticed huge improvements in everyday life — especially when it comes to keeping up with her grandkids.

“Being able to roll around on the floor, get back up easily, run with them at the park, and even swing on the monkey bars means everything to me.”

Her grandkids especially love that their Grammy can do handstands.

The power of community

One of the things Katherine values most about CFCL is the environment.

“Everyone has been so welcoming and genuinely helpful from the start. Kindness is something that really matters to me, and it’s something I’ve truly found here.”

She says the coaching and focus on proper movement have helped her feel safe and confident coming into the gym again, knowing workouts can always be adjusted and scaled appropriately.

And when asked who inspires her most at the gym, her answer was simple:

“I don’t think there’s anyone who hasn’t inspired me.”

Looking ahead

Katherine has some exciting goals ahead.

This summer, she plans to complete a 4.5 km swim across Kalamalka Lake. Longer term, she hopes to potentially qualify for the World Masters Weightlifting Championships in Naruto City in 2027.

But more than anything, she’s excited to keep moving, keep learning, and keep getting stronger.

Her advice for anyone starting CrossFit?

“Just show up. The gym, the coaches, and the community will take care of the rest.”

And honestly, that feels like the perfect way to describe Katherine’s journey so far.