Meet Natalie Jarrett Lund and Steven Lund, a couple whose commitment to fitness and community shines brightly both in and out of the gym. From their diverse professional backgrounds to their shared love for CrossFit, their story is one of perseverance, support, and growth.

Background and Introduction

Steven Lund, a registered nurse and instructor at SaskPolyTech, has spent the last five years in the emergency department. His passion for fitness led him to CrossFit, which he first discovered through a friend. Initially captivated by the "Hero WOD: The Chief" at Motion Fitness, it took him about a year to step into a CrossFit gym. Now, Steven’s focus has shifted from staying in shape for hockey to continuously improving his fitness.

Natalie Jarrett Lund, a high school teacher turned counselor, recently welcomed their first child, Henry, into their lives. Nat has been part of the CrossFit community since 2011, driven by the desire to stay fit and challenge herself after competitive sports. They both joined CrossFit CL in 2018, seeking a balance between competitive training and long-term fitness.

A Journey of Growth

Steven’s journey with CrossFit began with the goal of maintaining his fitness for hockey. As he moved away from competitive sports, his focus shifted to ongoing improvement and staying active.

Natalie’s initial goal was simply to get more fit and stay engaged after competitive sports. Now, as a new mom, her focus is on healing her body and regaining strength in running and jumping movements. She takes pride in working hard while listening to her body and celebrates her sister Rachel’s successes as well.

Favorite Workouts and Challenges

Steven finds joy in workouts that include machines, power cleans, or snatches. His challenging aspects include strict handstand push-ups, but he has made strides with consistent effort. Natalie enjoys biking, double-unders, and hang power cleans. She relishes the challenge of workouts that push her limits while appreciating the skills she brings from her past experiences.

Community and Support

The CrossFit CL community has made a significant impact on both Steve and Nat. They value the diversity and supportive environment that motivates them daily. For Steven, the encouragement from members and coaches, and the ability to see people of all ages working towards their goals, is particularly inspiring. Natalie admires the dedication of older members and feels a deep sense of camaraderie with her gym family.

Advice and Motivation

Their advice for newcomers? "Trust the process and keep showing up!" Both Steven and Natalie find motivation in the supportive atmosphere of CrossFit CL, where they’re cheered on regardless of their performance. They integrate the Five Factors—Eat, Sleep, Move, Think, Connect—into their lives, striving for balance and well-being.

Fun and Future Goals

If Steven could create his ideal WOD, it would feature a grueling 300 calories on the Echo Bike, combined with a heavy barbell and some burpees. Natalie’s dream workout includes the Echo Bike, double-unders, and hang power cleans.

Looking back, both Steven and Natalie appreciate how CrossFit has influenced their perspectives on fitness and health. For Steven, it’s about being grateful for finding CrossFit early and making it part of his routine. For Natalie, it’s about maintaining an active lifestyle and being part of a supportive community.

Together, Steven and Natalie embody the spirit of CrossFit, showing that with dedication, community support, and a bit of fun, you can continue to grow and thrive in your fitness journey.