10/01/2026
🌟 October Member of the Month: Ali! 🌟
It has been awesome to watch Ali over the last few years and see the positive impact CrossFit has had on her life. She originally started at CFA as a way to get her son to work out and decided to join him. It didn’t take long for her to get hooked, and she quickly found a community that challenged and supported her.
Since then, Ali has continued to get stronger and faster while improving all aspects of her fitness and endurance. She’s a great runner and rope climber, and her dedication and consistency never go unnoticed. Even more importantly, she’s setting an incredible example for her boys by showing them the value of hard work, consistency, and taking care of yourself.
What do you do when you’re not at CFA?
�“I’m probably feeding teenage boys, buying more groceries for teenage boys, watching high school or middle school sports, or hanging out with my kids.” 😂
What do you do for a living?
�Ali is a professor in the Natural Resources Management and Wildlife Biology programs at Grand Valley State University.
What’s something most people at the gym don’t know about you?
�“I really like gardening and grow a lot of my own food. It’s hard work, but it tastes so good!” 🌱
When did you realize CrossFit was right for you?
�“When my son was going into 7th grade, he wanted some weight training and asked me to go with him. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but after a couple weeks, I was addicted.”
She says what ultimately made CFA feel like home was the people—the coaches and members who are positive, supportive, encouraging, and genuine. The burn, grit, perseverance, and fist bumps after every workout became a part of her life when she needed it most.
What would you recommend to someone just starting CrossFit?
�“Go for it! Push yourself to try hard things, and accept failure as an opportunity to grow.”
She even has a little Kung Fu Panda wisdom to back it up:�“If you only do what you can already do, you will never be more than you are now.”
Keep up the great work, Ali! We’re lucky to have you at CFA! 💪🔥
Find out more about Ali and her CrossFit journey below:
https://crossfitallendale.com/member-of-the-month/october-ali-l/