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 breach the gap between rehabilitation 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 loved sports. 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 a few years ago. Prior to this, the gym was something that I viewed as “should do” before each ski season.
When Jesse started training CrossFit 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 early in 2008. By that 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 perhaps a little competitive; hence, how could I not go compete at the Western Canada Qualifiers for the 2009 CrossFit Games?).
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 this 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 have seen this pattern of recovery and growth in many of my clients in Whistler, and as a result 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 and combine our skill sets was pretty straight forward. Our goal is to create a CrossFit community in Squamish that is as supportive and amazing as those that we have experienced so far.
CERTIFICATIONS
CrossFit Level 1
CrossFit Science of Exercise
CrossFit Barbell
CrossFit Nutrition
CrossFit Gymnastics
CrossFit Kids
EDUCATION
University of British Columbia, Bachelor of Arts in Human Geography
West Coast College of Massage Therapy, Diploma in Massage Therapy
