FROM INJURY TO EMPOWERMENT

How CrossFit Barrie Helped Me Rebuild

Before my injury, I was a moderately active paramedic — biking, lifting weights occasionally, and working long hours. I loved my job, but the pace was relentless. I was exhausted, under-fueled, and running on empty more days than not.

Then one day at work, everything changed. A significant amount of weight fell on me, and although the initial pain seemed minor, I was urged to get checked out. That’s when I got the news: fractures in my L2 and L3 vertebrae. I was stunned. I assumed a second scan would clear things up and that it was a mistake. But it wasn’t. I was severely injured.

The verdict was strict rest for at least six weeks, with specialists warning that returning to frontline work might not ever be possible. I was 27 years old, heartbroken, and scared of what this meant for my future. But I shifted my focus to healing, recovery, and getting stronger.

Those first few weeks were tough. I slept on the floor because it was the only relief I could get from the pain. I did gentle core activation exercises on my back and avoided stairs. I snacked in bed and felt isolated, going from the fast-paced camaraderie of my job to quiet days of discomfort.

At the end of my rest period, I began treatment and light rehab with my chiropractor. We both agreed that it was time to get moving and exercising again. But instead of diving into a gym solo, I was encouraged to find a CrossFit gym that prioritized smart and safe movement. That’s when I reached out to Sam and Nani at CrossFit Barrie.

I sent an email to them that basically said: “Hey, I’m recovering from spinal fractures… can I join your gym?” From the first response, I felt like family. Every coach asked about my limitations, and there were many. But that didn’t matter. All the coaches were ready to help and modify workouts for me.

In those early days, I modified everything. But honestly? I probably would have even without the injury, I had no idea what I was doing! The frustration of not being able to push myself was real, but the diversity of abilities at CrossFit Barrie made me feel like I belonged, no matter what.

My first big wins? Squatting with an empty barbell and being allowed to jump down from the pull-up bar. Small things for some but for me, they were massive milestones.

Every coach had a plan for how to safely adapt each workout. They slowly pushed me to try more, move more, and believe in my strength again. A special shoutout to fellow gym member Christine DeGeer — the ultimate gym hype girl — who welcomed me into her squat sessions and supported me through a personalized program from Coach Nani. With guidance from Coach Nani, I went from being told I should never load my spine… to squatting over 200 pounds!!!

Fitness is now non-negotiable.

It’s not about weight loss or punishment. It’s about medicine, for my body and mind.

My mindset has done a 180. Movement is no longer something I have to do, it’s something I get to do. I’ll never forget the first time I was cleared to run. Five steps in I was like, “Never mind, can I go back to biking?” But Coach Margo asked, “Do you have pain?” I said no. She said, “Then get running.”

Now, I’m back to lifting weights. I can run. I’m pain-free. I’m not afraid to move. I’m stronger than I was before the injury.

If you’re recovering from an injury, here’s what I’ve learned: Rest is necessary. Progress might be slow, but it matters. Mindset is everything.

I remember one of my first classes at CrossFit Barrie started with a fellow member Rick Gignac saying, “How lucky are we to move our bodies today?” That line lives in my head every workout. It was so powerful and inspiring.

These days, my goals are simple: Keep getting stronger, improve my conditioning (my biggest challenge!), and chip away at gymnastics skills. Outside the gym, I’m prioritizing rest, slowing down, and living with intention.

CrossFit Barrie didn’t just help me recover — it helped me redefine who I am and I am forever thankful to this family.