Brantford Member of the Month December 2025 - Elissa Tepperman

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF

I am originally from Toronto and moved around a bunch for school. We’ve been in Brantford for about 7 years now, where I work as an Ob/Gyn. I’m married to fellow member Alex Burman and we have a 3 year old daughter, Maggie. I love being active, travelling, and eating. Putting all 3 of those things together is my biggest jam.

WHAT GOT YOU INTO CROSSFIT?

Alex did! I was a gymnast and a wrestler in my former life and have always had some sort of gym membership to keep me active. Alex was really loving CrossFit and the community he found and thought it might be a good fit, so shortly after we moved here I jumped ship to the dark side.

WHAT DO I LIKE ABOUT ALCHEMY?

The community and the coaches! Everyone is so friendly and fun to be around - it makes doing the hard stuff way easier and way more fun. The coaches care and are really invested in the progress of all members, no matter what stage of the game we are at.

WHAT HAS BEEN MY PROUDEST MOMENT?

A few of them over the past couple months - my first 5k run under 30 mins and my first sled push at 400lb! And though not physically done at the gym, finishing Hyrox Toronto last month was a huge accomplishment that just a few months ago I really wasn’t sure I could actually get through.

WHAT ARE YOUR CROSSFIT GOALS FOR THE FUTURE?

Post Hyrox, I’m focussing more on strength and weightlifting as a new challenge to work at.

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

My favourite workouts are chippers - long ones to work away at with good, loud music on. It would definitely include rowing, handstand pushups and (dare I say it?) burpees!

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

My energy levels are way better, even after working super long shifts at the hospital. Now that I’ve drank the proverbial competition Kool-Aid, I’m motivated to keep increasing my fitness level to see what I’m capable of signing up for and finishing next…something I never thought I’d be into.

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

Travel, eat, hang out with my fam

WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD SPOT?

Doesn’t matter where it is. Gosh - that’s a hard one since I live to eat! Rapscallion in Hamilton. Garde Manger in Montreal. Craft Steak in NYC. Some back alley noodle stand in Bangkok. Mmmmm…