613 Success Stories: Jennifer Comeau
My name is Jennifer Comeau. I’m a mom, a wife, an elementary school teacher, a coach, an athlete and a sports and fitness enthusiast. I played competitive volleyball for most of my life. Playing on the regional team, the provincial team, the York University Varsity team and I tried out for the Canadian National team.
What prompted you to begin training at CrossFit 613?
I’ve been a member at Crossfitv613 for almost 3 years, I received my “On Ramp” as a Christmas gift from my husband. I had NO idea what CrossFit was. Honestly, I had never heard of it. My husband had me watch some videos and my interest was piqued, I watched the highlights from the games and I was absolutely floored. For the first time in a long time, I was inspired. My husband, who I met playing varsity volleyball at York University thought I would love the challenge and competitiveness that a CrossFit gym had to offer. He was so right! I was hooked from the get go… Put a timer on, some loud music and surround me with people doing the same workout, it’s hard not to push yourself… What can I say, I’m a little competitive!
What was your greatest concern, fear or scepticism when you considered CrossFit?
Oh goodness, I was such a skeptic… I went to my first few on-ramp sessions and I fought tooth and nail with almost everything I was told by the coaches. I have an old school kinesiology degree, have trained with elite trainers and competed at high levels all my life, I truly believed I knew my stuff. The school of thought that CrossFit embraces went against many of the things I had been taught. What have I learned in three years? Out with the old, and in with the new! For the first time in my life I have no pain. I thought elite training went hand in hand with aches and pains, I realize now, that if you train correctly, there is gain without pain.
Describe the most pleasant surprise of training at CrossFit 613.
Hands down… The community. I LOVE going to the gym. The people at CrossFit 613 are welcoming, supportive, helpful and so thoughtful! I love surrounding myself with people who are trying to be the best they can be. It’s absolutely inspiring. The coaches are a great combination of high energy, to calm and collected. My favourite workout is the partner WOD on the weekend, because there’s time to chat and interact with the 613 crew.
How has your health and fitness improved since you started training at CrossFit 613?
Three years ago, if you had asked me if I could do a handstand, climb a rope, do a pull-up, jump a 30-inch box, or do a pistol squat, I would have laughed at you or asked, “What’s a pistol squat?” These are all small goals that I have accomplished with the help of CrossFit 613. Since I started training with the 613 coaches I’ve lost twenty pounds. I am leaner, stronger, faster, more flexible and more mobile than I have ever been in my life. My form is better, I have more energy and I feel awesome.
Would you recommend CrossFit 613 to others?
Absolutely! Come in and try a class. It’s fun, it’s challenging, it’s competitive, and highly addictive. The coaches are amazing, and the community is incredible. If you are even considering it, make the move – I truly wish I had discovered CrossFit earlier in my life, I wonder if I had, would I have excelled even further in my sport.