Member Feature: Nick & Gaby Sackville
Meet Nick and Gaby Sackville, a dynamic brother-sister duo who joined CrossFit CL in May of this year. Fun fact; they often get mistaken for being married or even twins, despite being two years and five days apart. They both come from a background of fitness, having attended other CrossFit gyms in the past. With two wonderful partners and two dogs each, this energetic pair is all about support and fun, both in and out of the gym!
How It All Started
Their CrossFit journey began with a simple text from Gaby: “Do you want to do CrossFit?” Nick didn’t hesitate and replied, “Yes, but we have to go every day.” From that moment on, they were on a mission to tackle their fitness goals together. While they found it a bit overwhelming at first, the welcoming community at CrossFit CL helped ease their transition.
Evolving Goals and Achievements
Initially, Gaby aimed to master pull-ups, while Nick wanted to look more fit. As their journey’s have progressed, their goals have evolved into a desire to continuously improve and of course pursuit of personal records. One of their proudest moments for Gaby was when she completed her first rope climb and for Nick when he achieved his first unassisted kipping pull-up. These milestones are testaments to their hard work and dedication.
Favourite Workouts and Challenges
When it comes to favourite movements, Gaby shines in the push press, relishing the strength and confidence it brings her. Nick enjoys pull-ups, finding them both fun and impressive. If they could create their own CrossFit WOD, it would feature partner workouts, with Nick opting for plenty of pull-ups and long runs, while Gaby would include some skipping to improve her double unders.
The biggest challenge they face is holding each other accountable to attend workouts regularly. They motivate each other through playful banter but also understanding when extra rest days are needed. Yes the still come (almost) every day! Adjusting intensity when needed.
“We just feel better and have more confidence.”
The Power of CrossFit and Community
Being part of the CrossFit CL community has enriched their lives in unexpected ways. Both of them agree that the biggest benefit to daily exercise is the positive impact on our mental health - “We just feel better and have more confidence.” They’ve forged new friendships, reconnected with old ones, and found inspiration in their coaches. Jason’s expert tips on stretching and breathing have been particularly helpful. Plus, sometimes there are dogs to pet in between sets. :P
Insights and Advice for Newcomers
For those just starting their CrossFit journey, Nick and Gaby advise finding an accountability buddy and not being afraid to modify workouts. “Sometimes just showing up is good enough,” they remind newcomers. They emphasize that the Five Factors (Eat, Sleep, Move, Think, Connect) make them more mindful of their health and well-being. “A good night's sleep and good food is even more important when you're CrossFitting 5 times a week. We're more mindful and grateful that our bodies can do this kind of thing, not everyone has that privilege.”
Future Goals
Looking ahead, Nick aims to master strict pull-ups and possibly compete in the RUNble one day. They’re both excited about conquering challenging skills like muscle-ups, rope climbs, handstand walks, and consistently performing double unders.
Final Thoughts
As Nick and Gaby reflect on their CrossFit journey, they realize that just getting to the gym is half the battle. They’ve learned that small improvements over time lead to significant changes. They express immense gratitude for the welcoming community at CrossFit CL, which has made returning every day a joy.
We’re thrilled to have Nick and Gaby as part of our CrossFit CL family and can’t wait to see them continue to thrive in their fitness journey!