Marie Grandmont
About The Athlete
Marie joined CFC way back in the spring of 2016. Since then, she has not only become a staple member / personality of our community but has been one of our most avid and loyal supporters since day one. Her contributions to our gym, community and the energy she and her family brings every week are incredible to say the least.
Beyond being awesome in life, she’s also made some incredible progress in her strength, conditioning and overall movement. Squatting heavy, frequently pushing herself in workouts and doing it all with positive energy.. Just a gem of a person to coach and workout with.
On behalf of our coaching team, thank-you for all you do for our community. We were so excited to do this spotlight and even more excited to see what the next year bring for you fitness goals.
How did I get here, I followed a fire breather….. Scott came home from a visit with a friend who was doing Crossfit and said “We need to try this!!” I had been his cheerleader, following him around through various sports over the years but never had he used the word ‘WE’. How could I say no?
Two and a half years ago we walked through the doors of CFC to do the May onramp. I had been working out in my basement for the last 3 or 4 years with my 5 lb (I know right!) hand weights and my Livestrong stationary bike. I had never lifted a weight before in my life. I spent my 20’s & 30’s doing aerobics and marathon running, with the occasional time spent at Shapes or the YMCA with machines. Olympic weight lifting was not in my repertoire. For the first 6 months I found it intimidating and I would do a mental rehearsal in the car on the way to Crossfit. I often thought ‘What the —- am I doing’! I quickly became inspired by the amazing strong women that surrounded me at class and the trepidation dissipated and I became excited to tackle whatever came next. Now if I don’t make it to class for more than a few days I actually physically crave the weightlifting. I am completely hooked!!
I am very fortunate to have the support of Scott and my mom which allows me the opportunity to come to class right after work. Scott and I both feel like we have found the fountain of youth. I have never been in better shape or stronger in my life. I love the variety of movements that comprise Crossfit which challenges me to do so many things I have never done before. I attended my 30th high school reunion in the fall and it was amazing to look around the room. It’s important to me to age with strength. I have always been active my whole life but never really considered myself an athlete until now. Plus where else would I dance?
What are some of your non-crossfit hobbies or activities?
I have 2: their names are Jeremy and Jenna. We are committed to ensuring our children are also active so life becomes busy with activities. We are hard-core lake goers in the summer with 2 family cottages where we like to boat and stand-up paddleboard. We love to vacation somewhere warm in the winter, plus we ski with Scott’s family at Spring Break in Big Sky, Montana. I also volunteer sitting on the Board for the National Emergency Nurses Association which is sometimes my other part-time job.
One sentence to describe CFC from your perspective…
I have 2 words
- Inspiring: I am inspired every day by the sheer strength, mobility, fearlessness, tenacity, and dedication of the individuals that walk through the door. Everyone brings their all to class. I am inspired by each and every individual. If you ever catch me staring it is because I am in awe.
- Community: Our gym family is second to none. The people make the place.
What is your favorite part of CFC?
Of course the community. I feel so very fortunate that we have landed in a place where we are surrounded by such great supportive people and amazing coaches. There is no judgement only the common goal of sweating it out together. I get to leave every day feeling stronger than when I came in. In no other sport is the person who finishes last the one who gets cheered on the loudest.
Favorite and least favorite movement/workout, and why?
Push jerk and thrusters (yes I know I am a little sick that way). There is something about the movement of thrusting the bar overhead that I totally love. I love rowing, wall balls, and I have a love/hate relationship with the assault bike. Hate Burpees!!! But what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.
Favorite superhero, band/musician or celebrity, and why?
First of all, superheroes don’t wear capes and many walk amongst us. I have 2 superheroes in my life: Scott, who gets more bionic every day. I need to do Crossfit just to keep up with him!
The second is my mom, who looked after my dad with dementia at home for years. She looks after us all. If I could choose who I could be it would likely be Wonder Woman because she has amazing powers and a sweet outfit.
Biggest/proudest/latest accomplishment or PR?
I don’t think I can pick out one specific thing but rather looking back at where I started makes me most proud. I could not squat at all even to parallel. I could not do a push up except from my knees. I could not lift more than the trainer bar over my head let alone put weight on it. The day I lifted 100 lb over my head made me feel like a super star!
What’s your take on our coaching team?
I feel very fortunate that we have such a varied and skilled, phenomenal group of coaches at CFC. Each coach brings their own flavour and expertise to the class. All coaches are absolutely fierce on their own accord both in the gym and when competing. I am truly enjoying all the different styles each coach brings to the programing as well. I always tell the coaches that I am a work in progress and all are patient with me. I am a ‘start low and go slow’ kinda crossfitter.
Taylor: The epitome of Crossfit. Quiet and thoughtful. Great eye for lines and great descriptors for how our movements should be when we begin each class. He always checks in with everyone before and after the workout. He is an amazing human to see in action.
Shane: The barbell Sensei and I am the grasshopper. This is his domain and I happy when I join it. I always learn so much about technique at barbell. He always has positive things to say. Living the dream ☺
Jason: You always get a two for one deal when Jason is coaching; a great coach and a comedy act at the same time. The absolute king of pacing a chipper or organizing a large group WOD. I love his throw-back play lists.
Tyler: The man who understands movement. His warm-up segments are the best – busting out Jane Fonda! He has a keen eye on the class and knows instinctively what you are capable of. The healer. Also love his playlists!
Stephanie: Wise beyond her years. She understands what makes us strong and gives us a good engine. I am loving her programing, dedication to accessory work, and overall knowledge and understanding of the human body.
Michelle: It has been a long time since I have had an opportunity to be coached by Michelle but more often when we first started at CFC. She is an amazing gymnast and has phenomenal strength! Absolutely inspiring!
Lisa: Loving her as the new edition coach to CFC! She is a brilliant coach with amazing experience at coaching barbell. Phenomenally strong and fabulous sense of humour.
Lindsay: She is truly inspiring! Once again CFC is fortunate to have an amazing seasoned coach to add to the ‘new’ list. Also a phenomenal human to watch in action!
Sara: She is a positive force with a studying eye for movement. I have only had a few classes coached by her but once again a great addition to the coaching team.
Do you have any goals set for the near future – in or outside of CFC?
I have to big goals at CFC; double-unders and pullups, I am just taking a while to get there. OMG d/u’s are killing me!!! I also want to learn how to snatch like a champ. It is such a complex movement.
Give us a little known fact about yourself…
I am known for my chop stick lessons. I once taught a table of 15 emergency nurses from across the country how to use chop sticks.
Coaches Comments
Marie is a great fit for CFC, She brings a positive attitude and really defines what crossfire is about. She doesn’t bring her ego into the gym just a an awesome vibe. She scales appropriately and focuses on her fitness and fun. She is always getting stronger and her technique for lifts is always improving. On top of all that is is super fun to have in class and is always eager to crush a retcon. Keep up all the work for 2019. – Coach Jason.
Since day one Marie has been nothing short of amazing. She is determined, sincere, hardworking, humble and as authentic as one can be. She’s always been a question asker, always curious about the tips / tricks and how to improve. I don’t think I can remember a day when she wasn’t both proud of an achievement and disappointedly motivated to do something better the next time in. He is a constantly and consistently working on something, wether it be pull-ups, barbell work, squats, etc. and pushes her limits in the workouts every day.Aside from the work she puts into her own fitness, she consistently challenges us as coaches to continue to give her new cues, new accessory work and ways to work towards her goals. She is one of the most outgoing and encouraging members of our community and never shies away from a challenging situation or having to finish the last leg of a long partner workout. I take great pride in looking over at Marie during a workout or while coaching and knowing with confidence that she is moving well, and to her fullest. When Marie comes through our doors, she is there for herself and leaves everything else aside, and for the time she spends and gives myself, our coaching staff and our community I am truly greatful. You are awesome and continue to be such an incredible part of what CFC has become. Thank you for everything. – Coach Taylor
I want to be like Marie when I grow up. She’s a boss lady. She makes time in her busy life of being a mom to her beautiful children, and a wifey to her sweet hubby for her health and fitness. She does what needs to be done in order to make it work. Even if it means hauling the kiddos to the gym at 9am so she can get a quick sweat on before hockey and dance. She is such a great role model to not only her children but also to everyone else in the gym. #bemorelikeMarie
Marie has stepped up her fitness game within the last few months. She’s lifting heavier and going into metcons ready to attack. I love seeing how much more confident Marie is becoming inside the gym. She’s working hard towards learning double unders and kipping pull-ups. The effort is paying off – keep it up Marie. Marie also has the most perfect squat. Good mobility and so much control throughout her entire range. #squatgoals
Marie has become CFCs own mama bear. She’s always looking after us and cleaning up after us (sorry Marie). She beams with positivity and always rocks the biggest smile. Marie we are so lucky to have you apart of our family. Thank you for choosing us and for giving us somebody to aspire to be. We love you! – Coach Steph
Marie has been one of our most consistent members since joining CFC. Every class she shows up to she brings a positive attitude and is always ready to give the workout everything she has. I’ve never seen her be negative, and she’s always encouraging to everyone in the class with her. Her and Scott (her husband) are such positive role models and amazing people to look up to. Since Marie has started she has made huge improvements in her lifts and has got herself some seriously shredded arms. We are so lucky to have you two at CFC! – Steph & Shane
Sincerely,
The CFC Coaching Team
