A new facility has been added to the gym landscape in Stettler as Crossfit celebrated its grand opening on Friday, Nov. 13.
Describing her project, owner CJ Oprea said, "Crossfit is not your typical 'gym', as here we are trying to build a community where health and fitness are important to everyone."
Constituting a yoga studio and other features, Oprea has introduced a new concept.
"Crossfit is a constantly varied, high intensity functional movement," she said. "It focuses on using your body as a machine to get stronger both mentally and physically as opposed to the standard machines you see in a typical gym."
All Crossfit classes are coach-led and every athlete is taught how to do each movement correctly.
There are four coaches at the facility.
Oprea has been active with sports in her hometown Stettler from a young age, having obtained a Kinesiology degree, she has been working in the health and fitness industry for 14 years.
After being involved in numerous sports including college level volleyball, she has now found her true passion in crossfit.
"After overcoming many injuries through the years, I have never been stronger or healthier as a result of crossfit," said Oprea.
Amber Jordan, another coach is also originally from Stettler and has been crossfitting for two years after leaving behind a successful running career.
Jordan had qualified for the Boston Marathon in 2014, but was unable to participate due to a running injury.
She has rehabilitated herself back using crossfit and is now healthy, stronger and eager to coach all levels.
Tonia Foesier is the gym's representative from Germany but has been living in the Stettler area for a long time.
Her specialty is Olympic lifting and she has recently competed at the Alberta Weightlifting Open, finishing third.
Foesier loves the lifting but also has a passion for crossfit and all the mental and physical benefits it brings.
Natasha Gonda has been crossfitting for two years.
"Gonda is a very technical coach and brings tons of expertise to the facility," said Oprea. "Our opening on Friday was a huge success and we had many new faces trying crossfit for the very first time."