about
THE CrossFit Rush STORY
JEFF FOTTI - OWNER
OWNER & CROSSFIT RUSH FOUNDER, CROSSFIT LEVEL 2 TRAINER, PRECISION, NUTRITION LEVEL 1 CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL, Pn1, BURGENER STRENGTH LEVEL 1 WEIGHTLIFTING
We teach people with a wide range of athletic ability; complete beginners to professional athletes. If you’re physically gifted, almost any kind of training works. For most of us however, details matter.
As a coach, training non-experts is more challenging, more rewarding, and a lot more needed. Elite athletes, I’m not going to change their life. But helping somebody regain the ability to run or lift their kids or garden, or be able to ski again? That’s a big deal.
The thing I’m proudest of is the positive learning environment we’ve created here. Encouragement matters. Coaching matters. And being surrounded by examples you can relate to matters.
CYNTHIA FOTTI - OWNER
OWNER & CROSSFIT RUSH JiM FOUNDER, BRAND X METHOD PROFESSIONAL YOUTH COACH, CROSSFIT KIDS TRAINER, CROSSFIT LEVEL 1 TRAINER, BURGENER STRENGTH LEVEL 1 WEIGHTLIFTING, TWO-BRAIN COACHING | CERTIFIED NUTRITION COACH
“Tiny yet Mighty”, a common reference made towards me growing up. Being of petite stature saw lots of stereotyping challenges for me. Ones which I loved to overcome.
Whether I was hard at work on a farm or pursuing excellence in gymnastics and equestrian sports, I managed to keep up to my “bigger and stronger” peers.
I was introduced to CrossFit in 2012, and instantly hooked. I had found an inclusive programming that leaves no room for boredom and ignites the technician in me. One in which “Tiny and Mighty” is a common and achievable goal.
As a coach I seek to transfer my skills to every athlete and watch them crush their goals while having fun in the process.
OUR coaches
NATHALIE BASTIEN
COACH, GENERAL MANAGER
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer, Brand X Method Professional Youth Coach, and Burgener Strength Level 1 Weightlifting
I have played sports all my life, I was a hockey player from the age of 8 to the age of 16. Then from there I have tried different fitness groups including Zumba, Kickboxing, Pilates.
I learned about CrossFit in 2017. After going into my first class not knowing what I was getting myself into the coaches made me feel right at home! I have continued with CrossFit since then here at CrossFit Rush. Shortly after starting I learned that they had a kids program, AMAZING! I now had a place that both myself and my daughter could enjoy fitness together. I’ve had a passion for the fitness industry for over 7 years but the time was never right to pursue my dream. Recently I decided to push myself outside of my comfort zone and take a risk on myself and I couldn’t be happier that I did. When an athlete says ” Wow, thank you for that it helped me out” is the best feeling ever. Helping others achieve their goals is what makes me happy and now I get to do that with our athletes, adults and kids.
JOEY GOUR
COACH
Certified Kinesiologist, RKin, CrossFit Rush Head Coach, Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certified Professional, Pn1, CrossFit Level 2 Trainer, CSCS
My first exposure to CrossFit was in 2013 when I saw the CrossFit games on TV. I saw this style of training as a way to improve my athletic capabilities. At the time, I was in my first year of studies at UOttawa.
I obtained my bachelor’s degree of Human Kinetics from the University of Ottawa in 2016. Shortly after, I became a certified CrossFit Level 1 Trainer and started my coaching endeavours here at Rush. In February 2017, I obtained my CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist). My thirst for continued education has put me on the path to broaden my knowledge of weightlifting and have added Level 1 certified Catalyst Athletics Weightlifting coach to my certifications. My most recent achievement is becoming registered with the College of Kinesiology.
Regardless of my education, one thing that has always resonated with me is; you can have all the fancy certification you want, but the best coach will be the one who cares the most.
Being a coach and helping people reach their goals is what I love to do. I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else. When members walk into the gym, my priorities are to make it the best hour of their day and teach them something new. The best feeling in the world is that moment when something clicks for them. It’s great to see that excitement in their eyes and know that I helped them achieve what was once perceived as unachievable, do what was once undoable.
I conclude this bio with my favorite quote:”The goal is just to get fit, make it the best hour of your day, stay safe, turn up the music, high five some people, and blow off some steam. So remember that. Relax. Have fun. Work out.”
-Pat Sherwood
Alex Iori
COACH
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer, Client Success Manager
Anick Gour
COACH
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
JENNIFER ANGEL
COACH
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
As a high school teacher and parent, I’ve enjoyed coaching kids and teenagers for over a decade, so when the chance arose to take my Level-1, I saw it as a great opportunity.
When I first started training at Rush I remember how overwhelming it could be to learn new movements, but also how empowering it could be when those new skills finally clicked. The coaches made all the difference in my confidence to keep going when something was challenging, and I hope to have the same impact on others as well.
Ultimately, I hope to inspire those around me to show up each day and push themselves to be better than they were the day before.
STEPHANIE PONCET
COACH
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
JONATHAN BRISEBOIS
COACH
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
I found CrossFit over 7 years ago and ever since I never looked back. The people, coaches and community at the gym were always very supportive and kept me coming back day after day.
Helping others has always been something I really like doing, whether it’s my kids at hockey, members at the gym or friends and family in general. After recently passing my CrossFit L1, I can really put my knowledge of CrossFit in practice by helping other members get better everyday and watching them hit their goals is really awesome. Always make sure to trust the process and work hard everyday!