Nate and Heather
They say that the couple that prays together; stays together. Well what do you say about the couple that does CrossFit together? We take a closer look at Nate and Heather Theriault to see if we can find out.
You may have thought that the Theriault’s were your average couple. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, their past is littered with sporting activities. Nate kicks things off…“I lived in the hockey rink from the time I was 5 and played goalie for four years in high school in Digby. Summers were full of golf. I played probably 75 rounds a year from 12-18 years old and had dreams of golf scholarships as all juniors do but it didn't work out that way. Although, I did manage to win some tournaments and make some great friends.” (Editor’s Note: After achieving consecutive Muscle-Ups and Handstand Push-ups Nate confessed that as a child his parents were encouraged to put Nate into gymnastics after others noticed his natural ability for balance and body awareness.)
Ever wonder why Heather is solid in the squat? Years of figure skating at competitive levels helped hone her strength. “I started figure skating when I was two years old. Over the course of my skating career I had the opportunity to take Skate Canada Tests in each of the skill sets (Skating Skills, Ice Dance, and Free Skate) through a nationally standardized testing system. I obtained “Gold” in Skating Skills and Ice Dance, and “Senior Silver” in Free Skate.”
As with many young people, the over indulgences of university life took their toll on the Theriault’s. Nate chimes in with a shock…“From 2nd year university to May 2009, I did nothing, absolutely nothing. I would get pizza delivered from across the street!” Heather managed to fair a little better but shares a similar story. “What a shock to my body when I went to University in 2000 and basically stopped exercising all together. Figure Skating kept me in shape - I didn’t know anything else. I took up running and did a brief stint at Curves but stopped when school started up in September.”
Do you ever wonder what Nate looks like in leg warmers and spandex? Heather helps us with that visual. “I did not like the idea of going to a gym so I opted for workout DVDs. From 2004 to 2009 I was an exercise DVD addict. I spent so much money on exercise DVDs but would quickly get bored with them and go through a period of inactivity before finding something else to try. During winter of 2009, I ordered a new workout program which Nate and I did together for 3 months.”
With organized sports by the way-side and DVD’s quickly becoming boring, the Theriault’s were about to enter a new phase with a little assistance from CFK’s very own Brandon “Fitness” Swartz. “Rather than critique my fitness DVD program with Heather, Brandon was positive and supportive. He then led me to a CrossFit website for me to check out. I started doing a few body weight workouts and was hooked.”
Nate was caught by the CrossFit bug quickly but Heather was a little more suspicious. “Nate had signed up to do the Fundamental sessions with Brandon in November 2009 and so I tagged along with him to see what it was all about. The first WOD was half Cindy which combined two of my most hated things: pushups and pull-ups. It was tough, but it was fun at the same time. I finished all three sessions and even though I liked what I saw, I wasn’t completely convinced it was for me.”
“At no point during a workout do I stop and wonder if its helping me get a six pack. There's just no time.” Nate Theriault
So Nate kept on trucking this time with a few more people in tow. “My first workout was at St Mary’s with Brandon and Andrew. We did "Annie" out on the track. Three days later I texted Brandon to see if it was ok that I could barely sit up from the pain....he said the soreness would go away. It never has, I sit here in pain from 150 thrusters!”
Fast forward a few months. CrossFit Kinetics opens for business, Nate joins, Heather eventually joins, and they both find success lifting heavy weights and working out at a high capacity.
Nate fills us in on the transition. “Things I never thought I could do have become part of a warm up. I have seen major physical changes but they are secondary to becoming stronger, faster and more agile. At no point during a workout do I ever stop and wonder if its helping me get a six pack. There's just no time.”
Heather was once a skeptic but now fully converted to our madness. “I’m doing things that I never thought possible for myself. I’ve done lots of weight lifting in the exercise DVDs but never with anything over 30 pounds. I never would’ve dreamed of being able to push 100+ pounds over my head, squatting with 160 pounds or Deadlifting over 200 pounds. Pullups? With a kip, no problem! I’m physically and mentally stronger and I see changes, big and small, almost every day! Despite what I’ve accomplished so far, there’s still much more growing and learning for me to do and I look forward to it.”
So what does the future hold for one of CFK’s premier couples? While Heather is intent on eliminating “goats” (she cites push-ups, pull-ups, and ring dips as areas for improvement), Nate has his eye on a CrossFit competition in 2011.
“I want to clean up my eating, and lead the healthiest life I can. Strength gains are a huge priority, and doing as many workouts as Rx’d. Sectionals in 2011 are a must do. I would also like to beat Jim Hardy at a workout. Can I say that?” – Nate
[Soft Break]I was given some wise advice once. When couples argue you must ask yourself…Do I want to be right? Or do I want to be happy? A happy wife is a happy life. The Theriault’s are experiencing a similar benefit with CrossFit entrenched in their relationship. “Nate says that I’m calmer now! That’s a good thing.” - Heather
Nate finds minor chores a breeze with his new found work capacity. “I find on the weekends tasks like cleaning house, groceries, errands etc. are no longer a chore, but easy compared to the workouts we endure. Also, Heather and I have become committed to eating better together. At this point I wouldn't have it any other way.” If you think Nate does all the chores you are kidding yourself. Heather is finding her duties easier too. “I’m stronger now which has made getting the vacuum up and down the stairs easier.”
Heather lets us know why she does this to herself day in and day out. “Though I might sometimes feel like I’m torturing myself I keep coming back because of the variety in the workouts, the challenge of finishing a tough WOD, the opportunity to see how far I can push limits, to learn new things, and of course, because of the amazing trainers and members that make up the CFK family.”
Nate seconds those comments. “The people. Plain and simple. Everyone has different jobs, cultures, ideas, and different ages - yet we share a common goal. Heather and I have lived in Halifax for a few years and hadn't made many new friends, but that has changed in the last 8 months. There just seems to be a special bond formed when day after day you put yourself to the brink of your limits with others. I actually of
ten wake in the middle of the night and see what the next day’s workout is, and wonder who will love it or hate it.”
This trainer often wonders what it would be like to have your significant other on the other side of the room training with you. This piques my curiosity as there are a number of couples at CFK but the better WOD times don’t always go to the men. In fact, it is often the wife/girlfriend who takes the top time in the couple. With Heather’s rapidly improving abilities I asked for more details. “One reason I joined CFK was because I never saw my husband anymore. When I started doing CrossFit, it was something that we could do together as a couple but honestly; working out with Nate is no different than working out with any of the other members at CFK. You’ll rarely see us by one another’s side coaching the other through a tough workout. Though, I do enjoy the times when he gives me a pat on the back and says “Good job bud!” his silent encouragement is all I need.”
Nate gives us his take on the situation too. “For the first few months at CFK Heather wondered why it took me hours to get home. Couldn’t I just do a WOD and leave? Also, what's with all the bruises? She now knows the answers to all of the above.”
“The day Heather decided to try CrossFit it was Deadlifts and Push ups...she hates pushups. It brought a smile to my face to see her suffer! While at CFK, we really don't spend a whole lot of the time together, or cheering one another on. I do, however, keep an eye out to see how badly she's beating me!” (Editor’s Note: Ouch!)
On behalf of all the trainers it is a joy to work with Nate and Heather. As trainers we often chat about which clients are doing well and where the improvements are coming. Heather and Nate continually end up on the top of the pile as individuals who are progressing steadily with positive attitudes. I was on hand one Friday night to witness Nate finish a workout that took 40+ minutes. It was a grinder that would have dulled the spirits of most people. However, Nate carried on with a smile on his face and a sense of pride that he would not be defeated. It was a moment like this that shows that Nate’s strength of spirit exceeds that of the physical realm. And where was Heather…Oh, she was done a while ago! But she was nice enough to stick around and poke her hubby through the tough times.
Nate
Favourite WOD: "Ben Ten"
Least Favourite WOD: "TGI......Thrusters"
Favourite Lift: Squat Snatch
Least Favourite Lift: Thruster
Heather
Favourite WOD: So far I don’t have one that stands out as a favorite; I’ve generally enjoyed the majority of them.
Least Favourite WOD: 400m walking lunges
Favourite Lift: Clean: squat, power, hang - you name it, I probably like it.
Least Favourite Lift: Overhead Squat


CrossFit Kinetics