Brantford Member of the Month March 2026 Charlene Westerveld

WHAT GOT YOU INTO CROSSFIT?

I've worked out for years, and especially while I was pregnant with my kids, realized the importance of staying healthy and taking care of my body.  I've always been curious about CrossFit, but was intimidated because what I'd seen of CrossFit online seemed intense and intimidating.  I often drove past Alchemy though, and it piqued my interest, and this past June saw an ad on social media for a one week trial.  I decided to try it, and after that was hooked. 

WHAT DO I LIKE ABOUT ALCHEMY?

I love the community.  It's been amazing meeting new people and I love how friendly everyone is.  I appreciate that there are always modifications if needed, and you're never made to feel 'less than' if you don't choose a more advanced way of doing something. 

WHAT HAS BEEN MY PROUDEST MOMENT?

I don't know if I have a specific moment, but I think what I've been most proud of is how hard I've pushed myself over the last 8 months.  Working out at home, I often would choose not to do certain moves like burpees and squats, but it's not even something I think about anymore at the gym. 

WHAT ARE YOUR CROSSFIT GOALS FOR THE FUTURE?

Continue to get stronger, stay healthy, and  convince my kids of how great CrossFit is so they eventually join me. ;) 

IF YOU COULD DESIGN THE PERFECT WORKOUT, WHAT WOULD IT INCLUDE?

Chest press, chest flies, shoulder press, shoulder raises, and bicep curls.  

WHAT'S THE BIGGEST CHANGE YOU'VE SEEN IN YOURSELF SINCE I STARTED CROSSFIT?

I definitely feel stronger, but also more confident with various moves that were a bit intimidating at the beginning. 

WHEN YOU'RE NOT AT THE GYM, WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE THING TO DO?

I love spending time with my family. I love to travel.  And I like to plan travel . I'm a homebody, so when I'm not traveling I enjoy being home curled up on the couch with my favourite cozy blanket, a book, and a glass of wine. 

WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD SPOT?

I LOVE Speekezies.  They're close to our house so we often walk there in the summer.  The owner is super nice and the food is amazing.