MEMBER FEATURE: Scott Bell

Meet Scott Bell—professor, cyclist, father of three, and one of the most consistent and quietly determined members of our CFCL community. Whether he’s biking to class or throwing down a set of double-unders, Scott shows up with curiosity, humility, and a subtle sense of humor that makes him a staple in our space.

Scott’s CrossFit journey began in 2017 with a simple ask to a friend—CFCL member Leanne DeLong—if he could tag along to her gym. That moment turned into something much bigger. His first Open workout was 18.1, which he completed at Kelowna CrossFit (now Community Athletics), with a few unexpected coaching tips from none other than Brent Fikowski. From there, he was hooked—despite some admittedly “ugly toes-to-bar.”

Originally, CrossFit was meant to complement his cycling. But just a few months into his training, Scott was in a bike crash that left him with a broken neck and a traumatic brain injury. Though he doesn’t remember the crash, he does remember the role fitness and community played in his recovery.

“I don’t know how much my fitness helped me survive and recover, but I do know the community we have at CFCL—and that CrossFit fosters—is the primary reason I come back for more.”

Even now, he’ll joke that he might forget the second movement of a workout or mix up the order in a couplet, but that doesn’t stop him from showing up and doing the work. He’s leaned into his strengths, like double-unders, and continues to chip away at his mobility challenges with steady effort. And while he’ll be the first to tell you he’s not in it for the glory, Scott is currently preparing for Masters Weightlifting Nationals in Calgary this June, and he hopes to advance in the adaptive division of CrossFit.

Scott’s love of travel has also led him to drop in at CrossFit gyms across Canada and the U.S.—from Boston to Banff and plenty of places in between (Kelowna, Summerland, Vancouver, Lake Country, Toronto, Canmore, Banff, Boston, Louisville, and Other Saskatoon gyms). It’s his way of experiencing the shared language of CrossFit in new communities and finding connection wherever he goes.

What keeps him coming back isn’t just the fitness. It’s the people. The laughs. The familiar faces. The simple joy of learning (and re-learning) everyone’s name.

“Don’t worry too much about what others are doing—find your rhythm and enjoy the growth you’ll experience.”

He credits the Five Factors—Eat, Sleep, Move, Think, Connect—as an anchor, with guidance from coaches who’ve helped him integrate nutrition, recovery, and mindset into his everyday life. And even on the tough days, he finds motivation in the simple ritual of getting outside, hopping on his bike, and letting the WOD be the icing on the cake.

Scott’s journey is a testament to what long-term commitment, community, and a good sense of humor can do. We’re lucky to have him at CFCL.

We are better for you being here Scott <3.