MEMBER FEATURE: Shayla Gregson
Strong legs, big laughs, and a little angel on her shoulder.
If you’ve ever shared a class with Shayla, you’ve probably caught her mix of humour, honesty, and strong legs powering through a workout. But getting through the doors wasn’t always easy for her.
How it all started
Shayla first stepped into CFCL thanks to her cousin Darian, who she lovingly calls the “little angel on my shoulder.” Even with that support, she’ll admit that her first reaction to CrossFit was pure fear:
“I was terrified to do group workouts.”
Her goal isnt lifting a certain weight or mastering a skill—it is simply showing up. Sometimes that looks like one class a week. Sometimes more. And one week in particular?
“I showed up four days in a row and that was huge for me.”
Finding her groove
Once she started coming regularly, Shayla learned two things quickly:
She has very strong legs.
The hardest part is always walking through the door.
But when motivation dips, Darian is still that voice in her ear, reminding her to keep going. And when she does show up, it pays off. She has more energy, gets way more done at home, and has far fewer “potato days,” as she puts it.
Work, life, and all the bits in between
Outside the gym, Shayla is a business owner, hairstylist, makeup artist, and bridal specialist—16 years in the industry, with her own salon suite for the past two. She shares life with her partner of 10 years, James, and their two-year-old dog, Daisy.
She also grew up figure skating, playing slow pitch, and will happily take in books or movies any day.
The CFCL crew that keeps her going
When asked who inspires her, Shayla doesn’t hesitate:
“Blaine and Randy are basically my heroes.”
She also loves the coaching—learning how to do movements correctly, and the push she feels from Jason and Darian when she needs it most. Even if she doesn’t want to run… they’ve got other plans. And she’s always grateful afterward.
A shift in how she sees health
CrossFit hasn’t just made Shayla stronger—it’s shifted her whole perspective on health, from moving her body more consistently to appreciating the difference that good sleep and good food make. It’s the Five Factors in action without her even trying to name them.
She’s also working toward feeling confident and strong for a February trip to the Dominican, but mostly she just wants to feel and look her best every day.
Looking ahead
Shayla is excited to keep getting stronger and to keep building connections at the gym. Her advice for anyone nervous about starting?
“Just dive in.”
And the reminder she gives herself on tough days?
“You always feel better leaving the gym than you do heading in.”
We’re so glad Darian convinced her to take that first step—because CFCL wouldn’t be the same without her energy, humour, and heart.