Per Ardua is Latin for ‘Through Adversity,' fitting for the rough, rocky environment of Cape Breton.
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Cape Breton Island, located in Nova Scotia, is connected to the world by a single roadway: the Canso Causeway. The island is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and lacks a major industry after the decline of its coal mines.
Scott McIntyre, a professional photographer, affiliate owner and dedicated CrossFitter, sees CrossFit Per Ardua as a way to help his community get healthier and avoid the winter blues.
McIntyre built his three-car garage with a CrossFit gym in mind.
“When we built it, we had no intention of doing classes at all. Basically, it was built for myself, my wife Helen and a few of our friends,” he says.
McIntyre was encouraged by a growing number of friends to affiliate. The next-closest box is five hours away.
“So, on this small island town, CrossFit was, and still is, very much unheard of. We are CrossFit here,” he says.
Per Ardua is Latin for ‘Through Adversity,' fitting for the rough, rocky environment of Cape Breton. McIntyre held his first class on June 1, and started with three classes of five athletes each. Before 10 a.m. on his first day, he knew he would have to add more. This growth continued, and the affiliate quickly outgrew the garage.
“We have grown pretty fast. It took no time at all to fill four classes, and since we announced the new location, we have been busting out classes of eight on-ramp athletes every two weeks,” he says.
CrossFit Per Ardua is equipped for groups of 10 to 13, and has a membership nearing 70, but McIntyre is cautious.
“Heading into the new location, we plan to do classes of no more than 10 at a time,” he says. “I really want to focus on our members and make sure they get the attention from the trainer or coach that they need.”
The 2,500-square foot location is in Sydney River.
“It’s perfect for CrossFit — high ceilings, garage door, cinderblock walls, everything. We are so excited to open.”
He is set to open the doors in mid-December.
The tiny community of Cape Breton means everyone knows everyone, and members bring their friends. McIntrye is finding this new group of athletes to be a source of motivation.
“I have people now who have not only dramatically changed the way they look, but the way they get through daily life. I am more inspired to be a better CrossFitter because of them,” he says.
Keely Wadden, an athlete since opening day, will soon be travelling to Toronto to complete the Level 1 Seminar along with McIntryre’s wife, Helen.
“The interest and dedication she has shown is amazing. Just four months into CrossFit, she signed up for the CrossFit Kinetics Fall Classic, and placed third in the scaled division. She has been with me at almost every single on-ramp class, stays late after her class in the morning to help others … not to mention, she has spent hours painting our new box,” McIntyre says.
The growth of CrossFit Per Ardua shows that McIntrye is on the right path to helping the remote Cape Breton community.
“I really want to contribute to Cape Breton and our people, and do my part to help make us a healthier, more fit community.”