Shelly M. Patel

Shelly still laughs when she remembers walking into her very first CrossFit class back in 2013. Seeing the barbells lined up, she innocently asked the coach which equipment the women would be using. Fast forward to today, and you’ll find her confidently lifting a barbell several times a week. Driven by the belief that routine is the enemy and that women need resistance training for strong, healthy bones, Shelly fully embraces the CrossFit lifestyle always learning, pushing, and improving. She thrives on rope climbs, double under, and pistol squats, though she’ll admit wall balls and thrusters aren’t exactly her favorites. Still, she shows up five days a week, dedicated to growing in every aspect of her fitness.

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When Shelly first walked into AIO as a member, it was love at first sight. She instantly knew she wanted to help build the most welcoming, beginner-friendly CrossFit gym in the city a place where both her kids and her 79-year-old mother could train safely and confidently.

And that’s exactly what she’s done. For over a decade, Shelly has joyfully shared her passion for CrossFit and the AIO community with everyone around her. She believes that lifting, mobility, quality sleep, and proper nutrition are the cornerstones of a long, vibrant life. When asked how she manages to juggle so many roles, Shelly simply smiles and says, “AIO is a labour of love and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”