Member of the Month

Saskpro is PROUD to Partner with Ricky’s All Day Grill to award the “Ricky’s Member of the Month”!

 The winner receives a package at the end of the month and a chance to be entered to win our Saskpro Member of the Year!

January 2014 – Craig Meyers

Craig has been at Saskpro for 2 years, dropping from 240 to 195. Craig always brings a great attitude and is a TON of fun to have in for every session!

Here is what Craig has to share:
“I have noticed just how happy, relaxed and comfortable I feel in my daily life without the fatigue.  My daily tasks seem so effortless.  “I have lost a lot of useless weight off my bones, have gained a great deal of stamina, redeveloped a lot of lost strength and endurance. My advice to people who are just getting started:  It’s going to hurt a bit, but don’t over do it.  Do your best without going overboard.  Rewards will come over time.  Most of all, have fun!”

February 2014 – Monica Patrick

Monica started with Saskpro in 2011, and has been an inspiration ever since! She recently took 1st Place in the Masters Division at the Battle on the Border, a CrossFit competition in Feb 2014. Monica is always keen to help guide new and established members, we are lucky to have her onboard with us! Great job Monica!!

Here’s what Monica had to share:
“I found SASKPRO for my son and the hockey program…when I would pick him up and drop off and saw the Crossfitter’s I thought I would like to try this too! After my first CF Challenge I  saw a real BF% difference and going to  4-5 workouts a week,  I began to reach and continue to set new personal records(PR’s). Saskpro has become a big part of my life and my kids lives (still trying to get my husband to start).”

March 2014 – Amanda Ward

Amanda has been a member at Saskpro since November 2012!  growing up Amanda was active in gymnastics, track, badminton and volleyball.  She is FUN to have in everyday, with a great attitude, and lots of smiles!  Amanda picks up new skills extremely quickly, and is a great asset to everyone at Saskpro.  She has had great results, and look AMAZING for her wedding!  Keep up the great work Amanda!

Here’s something Amanda shared with us:
How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? 
– Janet made me!
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF?
– I have muscles and a bum now. I eat a lot more, and can crash at 8pm for the night.
What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected?
– Work no longer consumes me. I can actually enjoy my time off because I have other things on my mind.
Any advice for people just getting started?
– Stick with it

April 2014 – Colleen Skulmoski

Congrats to Collen S. on being our April 2014 Ricky’s Member of the Month. Colleen has been amazing and inspirational since joining(I am sure she was before that too :-)!)

Here is what Colleen had to say:
When did she start at Saskpro?
February 2013
Why did you join?
“I joined Saskpro because I had a few friends who were going and they seemed to like it!!”
What Changes have you noticed?
“I have gained muscle and strength over the past year. The biggest gain had been my upper body strength! When I started I was unable to do even the slightest bit of a pull up, and now I can do strict pull ups!!”
Any Advice for people just getting started?
“Stick with it, and listen to the advice of the Coaches – they are awesome!”

May 2014 and our 2014 Member of the Year!!  Paulette Toner

Congrats to Paulette Toner on being our May 2014 Ricky’s Member of the Month.  Paulette has been amazing in her progress and attitude towards Health and Fitness since joining.  She is very dedicated and is a great asset to everyone at Saskpro.  Keep up the great work Paulette!

Here is what Paulette had to say about her time at Saskpro:

When did you first start CrossFitting? Feb, 2012

Favourite WOD/Movement: Let’s just say 2 most memorable moments so far that put a “ I feel like a kid again” smile on my face were: first time I tried a 20” box jump instead of a 12” and doing a handstand. Who knew that would be possible for me. I’d love to bottle that feeling.

Least Favourite WOD/Movement: That’s easy, Turkish getups and/or burpees. Why oh why is it so hard to pick yourself up off the floor.

Tell us about your sports & fitness background: My claim to fame was back in 1984 when I approached the City of PA and started a noon hour aerobics class at the Rec Centre (now Margo Fournier Centre). I actually taught aerobics for about 4-5 years back in the day.

How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first WOD… what was it, and how did it feel? I googled CrossFit and on a whim dropped in and decided to go for it. First workout in my log book: SWOD Snatch & Power Cleans 5 sets of 3 used 11# Bar. WOD 2min on/1min off for 20 skips, 7 box jumps(12”box), KB swings 10#. Did 10 2/3 rounds

 OMG hadn’t looked at that in awhile. What was memorable was coming home and saying “ DO YOU KNOW WHAT I JUST DID!” 77 jumps onto a 12” box! Told everyone I could.

What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF?  Lost weight, lost body fat, lost inches – gained strength and lots of knowledge!

 What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected? The unexpected thing is CrossFit is not just about “exercise” It becomes a lifestyle.. We do goal setting, nutrition seminars, awareness of giving back to the community, charity fund raising, celebrating successes. I’ve learned “Life is about balance”. It’s about making the best choices for ourselves given the choices in front of us.

 Any advice for people just getting started?  Yes. Welcome and I hope you enjoy your time here. Focus on technique, strength will come. Remember we were all beginners at one time.

 What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit? I like to dance but mostly do so in the privacy of my own home, like to sing but can never remember all the words so I hum a lot.. I’m happy to say I have motivated my kids to step outside the box and be willing to try something new and my grandkids to realize you are never too old to hop skip and jump!

June 2014 – Joel and Chris Borsos

We had co-winners for the month on June! Joel Borsos and Chris Borsos, first up Joel – Joel is a great young man and has been an outstanding member at Saskpro. We are VERY fortunate to have Frank, Val Chris and Joel with us at Saskpro. Joel brings a great attitude, and has made steady progress, w can’t wait to see what the future brings.Here’s what Joel had to say about his time at Saskpro:

Saskpro Crossfit Member: Joel Borsos

When did you first start CrossFitting? I started in December of 2012

Favorite WOD/Movement: My favorite WOD is the Crossfit total because you get to see all the big improvements you have made since the last one you did. My favorite movement is the push jerk, no real reason I just like it. Least Favorite WOD/Movement: My least favorite WOD is the Filthy Fifties, it’s so long and seriously who likes 50 burpees? Least favorite movement is wall balls need I say more?

Tell us about your sports & fitness background: I have always played sports like basketball, football and hockey. I still play those sports but doing Crossfit it makes me stay in shape during the offseason so when it comes time to play I’m already in shape.

How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first WOD… what was it, and how did it feel? I started Crossfit because both my parents started going and I saw all they changes that were happening to them and I wanted that to start happening to me. I don’t remember my first workout but I do remember nearly dying in my baseline workout.

What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF? I have become pretty swoll.

What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected? What was really unexpected for me is how milk and cereal has become a sin in our house for breakfast. Now I eat leftovers most days. Another thing that I wasn’t expecting is having a second mom at the gym. Janet giving me crap for things I did at school and not letting me drink pop even though my own mom said I could.

Any advice for people just getting started? If you want to see good results in your personal fitness stick with it and you will see great results.

What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit? Just playing sports and working out the talent I have in this temple of a body.

More to come on Chris soon…

August 2014 – Natalie K!

Congrats to Natalie on being our August Member of the Month! Natalie’s results have been amazing, due to her GREAT work ethic and awesome attitude. She is always coming forward with questions and looking to improve – great job Nat!

Here is what she had to say:
When did you first start CrossFitting? September 2013 with the Whole life Challenge.

Tell us about your sports & fitness background.
Up until two years ago I didn’t have a sports or fitness background, I hated working out or anything physical, then two years ago I wanted to make a change and started running and working out at home and the better I got the more I started to enjoy it, which brought me to signing up with saskpro (also lost 60lbs in the process)

How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first WOD… what was it, and how did it feel?
I saw an ad on facebook for the whole life challenge and really wanted to try it out but was scared I wasn’t good enough to do crossfit, but I convinced myself to join and I am so glad I did. My first WOD was for the WLC at city hall, it was running, Kbs, burpees ect, it didn’t sound hard but I was very wrong, I also quickly learned after that day how important good workout clothes are haha.

What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF?
My diet is completely different, which means I have way more energy now¸ I can accomplish in a day what I used to in a week. I have also lost about 4 sizes, many inches, and gained a lot of muscle.

What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected?
I have had a huge change in my confidence since joining saskpro. I was never good at any sports so feeling myself get stronger and better as time goes by is an awesome feeling. Also my attitude towards working out, I have never once said “I don’t want to go to the gym today” since joining, I am always excited to come to the gym and look forward to the work outs.

Any advice for people just getting started?
Be patient, it takes awhile to get the hang of it but once you do you’re hooked.

What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?
I enjoy camping, fishing, hunting, running, swimming and baking (even though paleo recipes sometimes make me want to pull my hair out) haha

September 2014 – Dave Pask

Congrats to Dave Pask on being named the Ricky’s September Star of the Month! Dave is an amazing member, and we have all LOVED having Dave in the past years and watching him progress and achieve some great results. For those of you that don’t know Dave he isn’t just a pretty face! Dave is an amazing representative of Saskpro, always friendly and welcoming to new members, giving 100% and asking questions! Dave if we could clone you, we would many times over! And that’s not even mentioning how amazing it is too have Judy in with us every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. You guys Rock!!

Here’s a bit a about Dave in his own words:

When did you first start CrossFitting? September 2012

Favorite Class Time: 6:30AM

What made you decide to join Saskpro?
A buddy of mine, Scott Gardiner, had joined Saskpro and I saw some of his improvement and our hockey team joined a new league in our city and I felt that I had to step up my game to keep up with the players that are more than half my age.

What result/benefits have you achieved?
I lost approx 40lbs, definite increase in endurance, strength and back problems that I endured most of my life had seemed to have disappeared, don’t use my sick days at work anymore, my work can be physically demanding which now is a breeze.

What I like best about Saskpro?
The instructors are phenomenal, whatever goals you want to achieve be it weight loss, strength, endurance or just stay healthy they will work with you to achieve your goals.

What would I say to someone on the fence about joining?
The workouts will be hard at first and you might feel a little intimidated and lost when you first start but remember everyone is there to become more healthy, the high fives and encouragement from your instructor, after the workout ill keep you coming back for more. Remember you’re doing this for you, when you start seeing results and you will, you will be addicted to how good you feel and this addiction is nothing but good.

October 2014 – Richelle Sutton!

Richelle has been an amazing member, who has been incredible to watch grow and change over the past years! Her energy is infectious, her smile and effort are always amazing to watch and be a part of. We are all excited to watch Richelle continue to grow and evolve as a person and athlete!

Here’s what Richelle had to share about here time at Saskpro:

Saskpro Crossfit Member: Richelle Sutton

When did you first start CrossFitting? Almost 2 years.
Favorite WOD/Movement: Back and Front squats!!

Tell us about your sports & fitness background
I played highly competitive hockey for ten years, winning 4 provincial titles, and I figure skated for years as well. I also played volleyball, badminton, track and field and swam.

How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first WOD… what was it, and how did it feel?
Roxanne Danberg brought me to my first workout on a buddy day. We drove up and I’ll never forget looking through the window seeing Darren Swanson beating a tire with a sledge hammer!! It was intimidating!!!

But I went in …

What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF?
I’ve started to see muscle definition in places that I’ve never noticed before, like in my shoulders, legs and stomach.

I like looking back at the numbers that I used to put up and seeing the difference in weights and times. It’s one of the best parts of cross fit, seeing that you added 40 pounds onto your squat or you took 30 seconds off your Fran time.

There were a lot of movements that when I started cross fit I used to think “I’ll never be able to do that”. I don’t think that way anymore. If I can’t do something, I work towards it until I get it. When I strung my first 10 double unders together in a row I almost cried I was so happy!

What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected? The best part of the whole CrossFit experience is coming to realize that there is nothing I can’t do…. I might not be able to do it right away, but if you work at it, you can and will achieve it. The first time I attempted a handstand, my elbow buckled and I fell over on my side! Now one of my goals is to be able to walk on my hands! It’s amazing to know that a work out style and gym family has completely changed the way that I see the world.

Any advice for people just getting started?
Go in!! Do your best!! It can seem intimidating, but everyone is so positive and supportive that it’s hard not to succeed.

November – Ryan Munshaw

Ryan has been an amazing client at Saskpro, as a student he is a busy guy and he has truly made his health and fitness a priority in his life. The WHOLE Coaching staff is blown away by Ryan’s commitment to himself, this is amazing to be around. Thank you Ryan!

The physical transformation has been astounding as well. Recently Ryan passed the Performance WOD Tester, BOOM! That is not an easy task, and this was something that he challenged himself to do.

Keep up the amazing work Ryan, we all consider ourselves LUCKY to have you with us!

Saskpro Crossfit Member: Ryan Munshaw

When did you first start CrossFitting?
I started CrossFitting September 2013 when I moved to Prince Albert for college.

Favorite WOD/Movement:
Hand stand push ups

Least Favorite WOD/Movement:
Bicycle kicks

Tell us about your sports & fitness background:
My back ground in sports consisted of some baseball and volley ball when I was really young. For most of my 20s I spent drinking beer and smoking cigarettes so CrossFitting is now part of my journey, living a healthy lifestyle.

How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first WOD… what was it, and how did it feel?
I joined Saskpro to meet some positive influences here being new to the city. I was blown away how hardcore the work outs were and loved doing the work outs in a group. The next day I remember I could barely walk and I knew that was a good sign.

What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF? Energy levels increased, decreased stress levels, and the gun show!!!

What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected? A desire to continue on with CrossFit and maybe compete for fun one day

Any advice for people just getting started? Keep coming back.

What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit? Playing the drums, school, sleeping.

December Member of the Month
Reg Fontaine!

What an amazing guy and family. I can’t say enough about the Fontaine family, and thank them along with Nyk Miller.

Connie and Nyk were our first members to come through the doors at Saskpro!

I am proud, that we get to spotlight Reg for all his hard work and progress – and say THANK YOU for being so awesome. As I look around the gym, I feel extreme gratitude that you choose to come through our doors back in 2009 and are still leaders in our community!!

Reg is a very successful and busy man, who makes time for his health and his family. This is an inspiration, and I look forward to seeing what the future brings!! Great job Reggie! – Evan

Here is what Reg had to say about Saskpro:

When did you first start CrossFitting?
November of 2009

Favorite WOD/Movement:
I love the skipping rope, that wasn’t always the case but once I got my Double Unders, I was hooked. When I walk into the gym and there is skipping in the WOD, I get a little excited. A close runner up would be Oly lifting, I love fine tuning the movements and getting better, the sky is the limit.

Least Favorite WOD/Movement:
Burpees, I know, join the club right…so needless to say when I walk in the gym and see Burpees on the board, I don’t get quite as excited.

Tell us about your sports & fitness background:
I have always loved sports and played many growing up, soccer, softball, running were some of the sports I played but hockey was always my sport of choice. These days I spend more time coaching the game than playing but I still get to throw on the pads once in awhile.

How did you first get exposed to CrossFit?
Take us back to your first WOD… what was it, and how did it feel? I was introduced to the gym through my wife Connie and Nykol Miller who signed up a few weeks prior to my first experience at the gym. The very first workout new members did at that time was FRAN, yikes, but I was addicted right from the start. I needed a couple hours on the couch after that first workout just to recover but as I kept going I just got stronger and stronger. One thing I love about Crossfit is the diversity of workouts and movements, you get better at the things you love to do and it forces you to do the movements you may not be as fond of, the results are a stronger more well rounded athlete.

What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF?
The changes in my life I can attribute to Xfit are too long to list, physically way stronger, less injury, more energy, I can’t imagine life without the gym and that’s exactly what I was after when I joined.

What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected?
What I didn’t expect was to learn so much more about my body and my health. Today I have greater knowledge of my body and what it needs through mobility, diet, sleep. I’m far from perfect and I don’t always make the right choices for my body but I know what they are, just being aware makes you better.

Any advice for people just getting started?
If I where to offer an advice to new members it would be simple,” Stick With It”, it will change your life. Get your mind there first and work towards your goals, once you start achieving them your passion will take over…”As you think you will become”.