This summer, Montreal Lake Cree Nation added a community CrossFit program and members are feeling the burn. “We have a lot of fun. We cheer each other on. It’s not scary when we come and lift weights together, and I think it’s really important that the younger kids see,” said CrossFitter Lonnie Flett after Monday’s class. Coach Joey Genereaux has been driving down from La Ronge to run the now twice weekly CrossFit program out of the Senator Allan Bird Memorial School gym. He previously worked with Montreal Lake as a motivational speaker and was brought on to coach the new community program, coordinating with Montreal Lake’s prevention manager. He was told that even if no one showed up, he could keep running the program. “The main thing is we stayed consistent with this program,” he said. “We started in June and it’s already getting into September, and we just found out that we’re going to continue having it as long as I provide the services, because it’s such a positive thing in the community, you know, community wellness.” The turnout on Monday night had participants of all ages. Genereaux said he was hoping youth attendance would pick up heading into the fall and on Monday it had. “It’s helping these young boys, young women, older women that are on healthier lifestyles. It’s promoting making them feel good when they leave… it’s more about us connecting, cheering each other on and enjoying ourselves.” On day one of the program only one participant showed up, but interest has since grown. “The very first class there was only one person, and it was Lonnie.” said Genereaux. As an off-reserve member, volleyball coach Lonnie Flett said she’s always on the lookout for activities in the community. “I thought I’d really like to try CrossFit,” said Flett. “I’ve never done it before. It’s pretty scary and daunting to watch. So, I thought this is going to be the safest place to do it.” She wants to set a positive example for her youth athletes. “I’m all about women in sports, especially First Nations women. I do a lot of coaching with younger athletes and so being able to stay fit is really important, and being able to model that is, I think, a lot more important.” Flett is no longer daunted by CrossFit. “Whether we’re lifting berries or lifting weights, I think it’s really important to continue on our wellness plan and holistic approaches to wellness,” she said. As a motivational speaker, Coach Genereaux would share how fitness helped on his addiction recovery journey and now as a coach, he’s inspired CrossFitter Willa Roberts. Roberts attended Monday’s class with her son and has been a participant for many weeks. A parent and new grandparent, she said it’s important for her to keep moving. “I’m also on my recovery journey too, with Joey,” shared Roberts. “It’s important being a role model to my children and our youth, our community, and a lot of my friends and family.” She said that the program has helped her self-discipline and getting out of her comfort zone. “Day one, like I was sore, really sore. I didn’t want to come today. I was tired, but I got to teach my children and I got to discipline myself no matter what.” By the end of class, Roberts was glad she’d decided to show up. “I know that a lot of my friends that are into the addictions and just, getting my sons here and some of their friends coming. It’s a good thing and I gotta thank Joey for that.” After just a few months, the program has already helped members practice self-care and build community connections. Genereaux said he’s open to bringing the program to other communities in the future. “I’m so grateful for the opportunities that Montreal Lake’s been giving me and the consistency in the athletes. And it’s awesome, you know? And I just hope that it grows and grows and grows.”
