Taylor Fullerton has been a member of our community since the summer after she graduated from Queen’s nursing in 2015. Time flies when you run as fast as Taylor does! Taylor is an awesome example of an athlete who prioritizes health and fitness with a busy schedule. As a shift worker, sometimes she has to fit workouts and meals in less-than-ideal times, but she always makes it work! Taylor is leaving Kingston, so unfortunately, we have to say goodbye L She has kindly shared some insight into her fitness and her memories of the gym with us.

How has the gym changed in the time you have been here? The gym has continuously grown since starting! Whether it is the number of members, new equipment, full time coaches, layout of the gym, different programs (including On-Ramp and Teens!). You guys are always being innovative and strengthening the sense of community that makes Queen street so unique! Something that has not changed is the obvious passion for what you do!

How would you characterize your growth as an athlete since joining the gym? When I first started CrossFit, I would go a few times a week but not consistently. I didn't think too much about fitness goals, let alone overall health goals. Honestly, I was just trying to survive workouts!! I wanted to finish workouts top of the class and would stretch myself thin in terms of shift work, gym, and lack of nutritional habits. I'd like to think I have done a 360! My mentality as an athlete has been my biggest area of growth. I LISTEN to my body and work at a pace that makes sense. I will always be competitive with myself but when that change in mentality clicked and my goals were set.... every workout was my best and I left the gym satisfied.

What does a day-in-the life look like for you these days? My work life changes week to week! Sometimes I work 12 hour night/day shifts on the inpatient oncology ward or I work 8-10 hour day shifts in the Stem Cell Transplant clinic! I am so very lucky to LOVE what I do and am very passionate about my work. Making it to the gym is a priority and I look forward to it even after a long day! I am surrounded by driven, caring, and supportive people and it really makes the gym addicting. On days off... well... brunch is my jam and so is tearing up the dance floor once and a while :P

What do you eat on a typical day? What are your nutrition priorities? Nutrition has been my biggest struggle. Ever since joining the gym I have grown to actually plan what I should be eating and making sure I eat ENOUGH. Breakfast consists of eggs, toast, fruit, and of course...coffee! (how would we manage without haha). Apple and peanut butter is a fave snack. Riley and I have been doing Hellofresh which not only forces me to eat hearty meals but they are tastyyyy and fun to make! Nutrition is HUGE for them gains but also recovery. It is now a priority to stay on top of proper intake and maintain balance. I have noticed significant improvements with energy for WODs.

What improvements have you made in the past 6 months that you are most proud of? Changing my mental game and knowing what my goals are as an athlete. I am not as critical with myself but feel fortunate to stay fit and positive while maintaining a personal/work life balance. Working up a good sweat and maybe not completing workouts at the RX weight is OKAY. Now I make sure to have fun and recognize the improvements that come with patience!

What would you consider to be your greatest strength as an athlete? My drive to become better, physically and mentally. I think we are all a little crazy to continue to come back to CrossFit, knowing workouts are going to get spicyyyyy. BUT that's what makes this community so amazing and the constant improvements with strength/endurance goals just makes you keep wanting more. I keep chasing a challenge and surprise myself with my ability to overcome barriers.

What are your current training goals? What are your current life goals? I want to continue making fitness part of my routine. When days off are needed, TAKE them. I will continue to challenge myself to go out of my comfort zone because that is how you grow as a person!

Take leaps and trust yourself. Appreciate being healthy and build concrete relationships that'll last forever. BE YOURSELF because that's what makes you, you :)

Do you have a particularly memorable or challenging workout to share?  Ouuu... first one that comes to mind is FIGHT GONE BAD. This workout without fail, destroys me every time. A classic position after intense WODs or even in between sets would be on my knees (somehow I feel more rested! haha)

How do you see CrossFit fitting into your life long term (beyond our community)?  CrossFit will always be in my life! Will I always go to CrossFit classes? I'm not sure. But I do know it has taught me so much more than staying fit and hitting PRs. Queen Street has shown me what it feels like to be a part of such an uplifting community! It also has shown me what it takes to be a well-rounded athlete.

Is there anything you would like to add? THANK YOU! This place is SO much more than a gym. You guys have truly created something like no other. Lifelong friendships have been made here and it's always a better part of my day. I will miss you all SO SO much.