Dear Joel,

We would like to warmly congratulate you on being named Member of the Month.

You’ve been training with us for just over a year now, and your positive attitude, energy, and regular class attendance have really stood out to us. You contribute greatly to motivating both new and existing members—keep up the great work!

Could you introduce yourself shortly?

I'm Joel, 35 years old, originally from Sweden. I've been living in Switzerland for the last five years and work for the Swiss Ice Hockey Federation, where I'm involved in the education and development of ice hockey referees.

What was your dream job as a kid, and what are you actually doing today?

I love ice hockey, so becoming a professional player was definitely a dream of mine. I imagined playing in World Championships and the Olympics. I eventually became a referee, which was pretty cool in itself, before moving into education and development, working with referees from beginners all the way up to professionals. That path actually took me to World Championships and the Olympics, just in a different role than I originally imagined!

What memories do you have of your first CrossFit class?

I was a bit hesitant, to be honest. There were so many new movements, and I was used to running to stay active, so adding weights and learning all these new exercises was a bit intimidating. And the fact that I was already completely exhausted after the warm-up didn't exactly help!

What are your hobbies besides CrossFit?

I'm a big fan of sports in general, and I love travelling, hiking, and cooking. Basically, anything that involves being active, discovering new places, or enjoying the opportunity to make good food.

How do you get motivated for a difficult task?

I'm someone who doesn't really like things to stay the same for too long. I enjoy change, even though I know it can be challenging. I think what motivates me is knowing that the work I'm putting in today will hopefully lead to something better in the future. That applies both to my professional life and to what I'm doing here in the box.

What influence has CrossFit on the rest of your life?

I've noticed a huge difference since I started CrossFit. It began with small things, like sleeping better and feeling more energized, but I've also noticed that I have much less back and neck pain from sitting and working at a desk.

I think having a routine and coming to the box three times a week gives me something to focus on outside of work. It's a good way to switch off, challenge myself, and take care of both my body and my mind.

Is there a specific athlete (of any sports) that inspires you the most?

I'm really impressed by Swedish cross-country skiers, both on the men's and women's sides. The level they push themselves to, the consistency, and the amount of work that goes into reaching that level of competition is incredible. It's really motivating to see what people can achieve when they put so much dedication into their sport.

Do you remember your favorite moment in our Box?

Definitely the first time I deadlifted over 100 kg! It was a really cool feeling because I could clearly see how far I'd come since I started. It made me realize that with consistency and time, you can actually make a pretty big difference, even if the progress isn't always obvious from one session to the next.

Can you share a memorable interaction or connection you've made with another member?

One of the things I really appreciate about the box is how welcoming everyone is, regardless of your level or how long you've been training. I don't think there's one specific interaction that stands out, but the little conversations, encouragement, and support from people during workouts have definitely made a difference.

It's nice to come in, know people by name, and feel like you're part of a community rather than just showing up for a workout.

Member Stories