HEATHER BELL
As well as being a CrossFit trainer, I am a BC Registered Massage Therapist, with a practice that is heavily weighted towards sport/activity related injuries. My RMT knowledge and experience and my CrossFit training and certifications have become extremely valuable assets to one another. I feel fortunate to be able to work with clients in both capacities, and help people bridge the gap between rehabilitation exercise and getting fitter than they have ever been. It’s amazing to be a part of, and witness to, the growth of functional strength and self-confidence.
My path to CrossFit went like this…
I have always being active. I'm restless when I'm not. My first running race was in grade 2, and I have continued to compete my whole life. I started skiing at 3 years old, and began mountain biking and climbing as an adult. My “outdoor only” approach to fitness was changed drastically when Jesse introduced me to CrossFit in 2007. Prior to this, the gym was something that I viewed as “should do” before each ski season.
When Jesse started CrossFitting I was in the middle of training for the Vancouver marathon. I was plagued with overuse injuries, but convinced, nonetheless that my training was productive. After a year of listening to Jesse’s gym adventures, whilst limping after every run I went on, I gave in and started learning the CrossFit movements. By the next summer, I was training 5 days a week and had become totally addicted, not only to CrossFit’s observable and measurable results, but also the ability to set and achieve big goals (those who know me would say that I am slightly determined, and once I have something in mind... it happens).
Like many new CrossFitters I had to work through a reasonable bit of discomfort, while some of my chronically injured tissues learned to work the way they are supposed to. I received lots of Massage Therapy in that time, and I learned to be patient and respect my body. After roughly 6 months I was completely injury free and ran another half marathon with no pain. I saw this pattern of recovery and growth in many of my Massage Therapy clients in Whistler, where we were living at the time. And I have now witnessed the same in our facility in Squamish. After several years of full time clinic and coaching combined, I’m thoroughly convinced that CrossFit and rehabilitation are an amazing combination.
CrossFit has become so engrained in our lives that the decision to open CrossFit Squamish with Jesse and combine our skill sets was straight forward. Our goal has been to create a CrossFit community in Squamish that is as supportive to those we train as the larger community has been to us.
As I mature as a CrossFitter my fitness goals have become more varied. I'm continually trying to find evidence that if CrossFit truly trains general physical preparedness (GPP) and develops bomb proof self confidence, then we should be able to throw ourselves in diverse physical settings and thrive. In 2011, I set out to compete in 3 random events. In January I did a 24 hour indoor row, in April I competed in a Washington State SPF Powerlifting meet (placed 1st in division), and in October I ran a 17,000' elevation gain/loss ultra marathon in Southern California (3rd place woman). To me, this is what CrossFit facilitates.
It's not just about being in the gym, but how you apply what you develop in the gym is up to you.
CERTIFICATIONS
CrossFit Level 1
CrossFit Science of Exercise
CrossFit Barbell
CrossFit Nutrition
CrossFit Gymnastics
CrossFit Kids
CrossFit Concept 2 Rowing
CrossFit Mobility & Recovery
CrossFit Endurance
Olympic Weightlifting (Greg Everett)
EDUCATION
University of British Columbia, Bachelor of Arts in Human Geography
West Coast College of Massage Therapy, Diploma in Massage Therapy
