Our amazing members are the stars of this place. They amaze us every day with their strength, flexibility, dedication, commitment etc Jessie is a new FMFA member but it feels like she is one of the originals and has always been a part of our gym family. She graciously answered some of our questions so we and you, can get to know her better. She has a great story, one that will resonate with you if you have every struggled with starting a program like ours, sor truggled with your own health, weight and/or fitness. Thank you for sharing Jessie. xo
When did you join FMFA? Or how long have you been with us?
I’ve been with FMFA since November 2020, so I am still very new! I took December off to go back home and spend Christmas with my family in Yellowknife but am very grateful to be back at it!
What changes have you noticed, physically and/or mentally since joining us?
Oh my, a complete list would be very long, so I’ll name a few. Overall, I feel much more fit both mentally and physically. It’s funny because I was just joking with Kim the other day that a big thing I’ve noticed is my balance is better! Like something as simple as putting on my shoes seems easier. I think I owe this to the increased core strength. On the physical side I feel so much stronger and have more energy during the day (even when I wake up tired before a 6 am class haha). I also don’t dread the hikes to access sweet spots at the hill anymore (unless of course they happen after squat day). On the mental side I feel more alert and focused throughout the day. The 6 am classes are such a great way to start the day and I always find I’m in a positive mood when I return home. When I start the day off right, the rest of it seems to follow suit.
What advice do you have for anyone looking to start or even anyone currently a member.
Just do it! I know it’s not easy but once you start you won’t want to stop. I too was nervous when I first joined. I’m guilty of thinking the stereotypical things about a CrossFit gym – “it’s culty”, “it’s dangerous”, “it’s just a bunch of burly people slinging barbells all day long”. I couldn’t have been more wrong. FMFA is full of everyday people like you and I, there to support and encourage one another. The coaches are there to show you proper form and technique and don’t push you to lift pass your limits. Make a point to look past the stereotypes and see what FMFA is actually about.
What is your favorite thing about FMFA or anything you would like to share.
I would have to go with the people. It’s always true that the people make the place, and I don’t think the experience would be the same if I didn’t get to workout with amazing individuals and coaches. FMFA has made such a positive impact on my life. I would love to give a special shoutout to the 6 am crew, they are truly the best people.
What is something we don’t know about you that you would be willing to share with us?
Something I don’t talk about often is how I’ve struggled with my weight my whole life. I was a dancer back in my younger days but quickly put on weight once I stopped. Healthy eating habits have clearly never been my forte. In highschool I was relatively under control, still overweight, but active on the rugby team. Once first year of university hit, I quickly put on the freshman 15 but it was more like the freshman 25. Following first year of university a pretty significant event happened in my life which still affects me to this day. It was following this that I managed to put on an additional 40 or so pounds. At the time I didn’t realize how out of control I was getting. Fast forward to January of 2019, I had just returned from a trip to the Dominican Republic and was looking through photos we had taken on the trip. This is when I really realized something needed to be done. So, slowly over the past 2 years I’ve managed to lose about 60 lbs and am in a much better mental state than I was back then. I would say that moving to Fernie has made a significant contribution to this end. I now crave activity, and I crave the ability to live an active healthy lifestyle. Once bike season ended this past summer, I knew I needed something and couldn’t be more thankful to myself that I booked that initial consult with Jana.
