Brantford Member of the Month September 2026 Jess Duke
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF!
I’m a mom to an active 2.5-year-old, so life is easier if I don’t stop moving!
I value community, a lot of my weekends are spent with friends and family.
In my previous (pre-kids) life, I was big into biking, hiking the East Coast Trail, travelling, rock climbing, portaging, and playing ice hockey. I’m slowly finding my way back to some of those hobbies in this phase of life.
I’m currently training to get as strong as I can before my upcoming knee osteotomy, so you’ll see me around the gym on crutches for the next few months!
WHAT GOT YOU INTO CROSSFIT?!
I didn’t seek out CrossFit… but CrossFit found me when I needed it most.
I was first introduced to Alchemy when I signed up for the Babies and Barbells program through Moai Movement, coached by Victoria, in 2024. When that program ended in 2025, I began experiencing severe pain from osteoarthritis in my knee—returning symptoms from a childhood injury, worsened by muscle loss and weight gain postpartum.
I quickly realized that I was going to be in pain whether I exercised or not. So, with the support and guidance of my doctor and physiotherapist (who conveniently goes to the gym as well!), I joined Alchemy in June 2025 and started with two classes a week.
After the first month, I was pleasantly surprised to find that my knee actually felt better after a workout. Now, I’m incredibly proud to be attending five classes a week, and I only wear my knee brace at the gym. Thanks to the coaches and community at Alchemy, I’ve taken control of my pain and gotten my life back.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT ALCHEMY?!
I love that I can just show up and there are lots of class options to choose from—aka, no excuse not to go!
The coaches really make the experience what it is. My lifting technique has improved so much, and I love that there are always modifications available. I also really enjoyed participating in the nutrition challenge this year and learned a lot from it.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT AT ALCHEMY?!
Having my name on the wall for the 40-cal bike and hitting 140 on bench press!
IF YOU COULD DESIGN THE PERFECT WORKOUT, WHAT WOULD IT INCLUDE?
Anything with
back squats, lunges, the assault bike, dumbbell thrusters, and maybe some burpees.
WHAT'S THE BIGGEST CHANGE YOU'VE SEEN IN YOURSELF SINCE I STARTED CROSSFIT?
My endurance! Just being able to finish a workout within the time cap is a huge win for me.
It’s also the little things—like being able to lift and throw my son in the air with ease, or getting up and down from the ground easier and with a little less grunting.
WHEN YOU'RE NOT AT THE GYM, WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE THING TO DO?
There’s not too much time between work and family time, but when I can sneak away, I prioritize going to the Brantford Potters’ Guild to get creative and enjoy some quiet time to myself.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD SPOT?
Our Kitchen Brantford (OKB)! It’s my favourite place for homemade lunches, and they feature local small businesses throughout the week, so there’s always something new to try
A LITTLE EXTRA LOVE !!!
I’m so grateful for the coaches—especially Victoria and Andrew—who have helped me learn to trust my body again, and for the entire Alchemy community for making me feel supported.
Alchemy came into my life at a time when I really needed it, and I truly don’t think I would be where I am today without it. What started as a way to manage my pain has become so much more than just fitness. It has given me strength, confidence, community, and a version of myself that I’m incredibly proud of.
