SEPTEMBER MEMBER OF THE MONTH - ALETA ELIASEN

Aleta joined us in the Fall of 2021, it’s hard to believe it’s almost been a year, because it feels like she’s been a part of the family since the beginning! She had only done a few Fundamental Classes and was just getting started with CrossFit when our Province shut down gyms, forcing us to take our classes outside. As a new member that had just started, she could have easily said, “ah well not meant to be, I’ll wait till it’s back inside”, but that was not her attitude at all! She jumped right into our regular classes outside, still learning new movements and staying committed to keeping up with the routine. That impressed us right from the start and I remember having a few snowy winter night sessions with her and maybe one other person, and having a great time! Once we were back inside she became a regular member of our 5:15pm class, and has always been smiling and cheering on her fellow classmates since she joined. As a coach, seeing her dedication to learning the movements well and not rushing has really stood out to me. Aleta is strong! She has the capability to lift so much, but I’ve always admired her will to be patient and make sure she’s doing it correctly before adding too much weight (I feel I’ve recently started to tell her to go heavier in WODs because she is crushing the movements and getting them done quickly). She recently bumped up her membership to Unlimited, and also wrote down a goal at the beginning of the summer on the goals board, and absolutely crushed it. Read more below to find out what it was and to learn more about her!

What is your background in Fitness/sport?

Some of the earliest childhood memories that I have are of my competitive swimming days. I started swimming at age 5 and stayed competitive until about 14 when everyone shot up in height and I became the shortest swimmer in the pool! I worked up to 9th in the province in butterfly, my favorite stroke. I was also really involved in soccer and played on several teams throughout highschool. I was a pretty aggressive player and was known for my slide-tackle.

When did you start CrossFit/At Vic City?

My first class was in November 2021.

How many CrossFit Opens have you done?

Only 1 so far.

Favourite memories in the gym?

Hmm maybe the first outdoor class we did in the snow because it felt hardcore haha.

What is your favourite movement?

I love me a deadlift! I like all the heavy lifts but something about the simplicity of the deadlift gets me excited. Here's a pile of weight...now pick me up.

Least favourite?

Running...anything to do with running can not exist as far as I'm concerned.

Favourite WOD or type?

I like the "for time" workouts best. A sprint is usually more my speed.

What do you enjoy the most about CrossFit?

How much variation there is in the movements and classes. There is always going to be something that needs work, a weakness to pursue.

Most recent achievement that you are proud of?

I went on a bit of a PR tear recently and I'm pretty pumped to have bestest my heavy lifts. The one I am most excited about is the deadlift! I set out to do 260lbs but when that went up easily I worked up to 305lbs which was a jump of 60lbs from the previous PR. Can't help but wonder how much more I'll be able to do in the near future, especially since I'm just getting started.

What goals are you working towards right now?

I really want to be able to do a pull-up. I don't like dragging that stupid box over to the rack to do jumping pull-ups...I want the real thing! I also want to do less scaling and more RX workouts in general.

Aleta, your positive attitude rubs off on those around you and your want to get better and keep pushing yourself is inspiring, and your hard work does not go unnoticed. We’ve seen so much improvement in such a short period of time, we are so excited to keep seeing you shine and keep ticking off things on that goals list! We know you are determined and will achieve anything you set your mind to. Thank you for being a great member in our community, for your support of the gym and to our members! Keep up the great work :)

Be sure to give Aleta a high five next time you see her in class!

Coach Tia

TRAINING TUESDAY

WARM UP: Dowel Game

Skill 1: 5 Overhead Squats, 10% 1RM Every 1:30 for 6 mins.

Skill 2: 2 Hang Snatch Pull + 1 Hang Snatch 1-1-1-1-1-1

Rest 2 mins between sets.

tech notes

Build as you go

Partner WOD:

Complete as many rounds as possible in 15 mins of: Row, 250/200 m max rep Double Unders

tech notes

Partners alternate every 90 seconds. Each 90 seconds, you need to complete the row distance then accumulate as many du as possible in the remaining time!

Each partner gets 5 rounds.

FG: attempt doubles or practice jumping leg taps

Fundamentals: double attempts, leg taps, or singles!