If you’re a woman over 30 trying to figure out strength training, CrossFit, menopause, confidence, or simply how to feel good in your body again… hi, I’m Jacqui.

I’m the owner of CrossFit Durst, and if you’ve ever worried that you’re “too out of shape,” “too old,” “too inexperienced,” or “not athletic enough” to start lifting weights, I need you to know something:

I was you.

At 42 years old, I’ve spent most of my life chasing fitness in one form or another, but my journey didn’t start with barbells. It started with running shoes.

For years, I was deep into triathlons and distance running. But please don’t mistake me for some gifted gazelle winning races and collecting medals. I was average. Middle of the pack most days and sometimes even bringing up the rear.

What I loved wasn’t being the fastest—it was discovering what my body was capable of when I committed to something.

I loved the grind.

I loved the structure.

I loved the challenge.

Eventually, I completed the Mississauga Full Marathon in 4:40:36, something I’m still incredibly proud of today.

But after years of endurance training, I was burnt out.

Physically.

Mentally.

Emotionally.

My body felt fried, my motivation disappeared, and honestly? I wasn’t having fun anymore.

Then a friend convinced me to try CrossFit.

So I tagged along.

And to be completely honest… my first experience was terrible.

The gym felt intense. Everyone looked incredibly fit. People seemed to know exactly what they were doing while I stood there feeling awkward, intimidated, and completely out of place.

I remember thinking:

“This clearly isn’t for someone like me.”

So I never went back.

Fast forward a few years.

Another friend started getting incredible results with CrossFit. By then the sport had exploded in popularity and another gym had opened nearby. I decided to give it one more chance.

And this time?

Everything was different.

The coaches were warm and welcoming. They remembered my name. They gave me feedback immediately. They genuinely cared that I was new and wanted to help me learn.

Before I ever stepped into a class, they worked with me one-on-one through an on-ramp program. I got to ask all my “silly” questions, learn the movements properly, and build confidence before joining the group classes.

For the first time, I felt seen instead of judged.

More importantly, I saw people who looked like real life.

Different ages.

Different body types.

Different fitness levels.

Not just the super-fit people.

For the first time, I felt like I belonged in a gym.

I fell completely in love with CrossFit—not because I suddenly became elite, but because I found a community of people who simply wanted to get better without ego.

I learned how to lift weights safely.

I got strong.

I stopped obsessing over being smaller and started focusing on being capable.

And that shift changed everything.

Instead of chasing a smaller body, I started chasing strength, confidence, energy, and what my body could do.

I found confidence I didn’t know I was missing.

I found friends who celebrated my wins.

I found a community that accepted me exactly as I was.

And yes, I drank the Kool-Aid.

CrossFit became my hobby, my passion, and eventually my future.

Why I Opened CrossFit Durst

When the idea for CrossFit Durst first came into my head, I knew one thing immediately:

I never wanted anyone to feel the way I felt during that first CrossFit experience.

I never wanted someone to feel intimidated because they needed modifications.

I never wanted someone to feel less important because they were new.

I never wanted someone to think they had to get fit before joining a gym.

I wanted to create a place where beginners felt welcome.

A place where women could learn to lift weights safely.

A place where people navigating perimenopause and menopause could feel supported instead of judged.

A place where fitness wasn’t reserved for naturally athletic people.

Because the truth is, I wasn’t some elite athlete.

I didn’t grow up playing competitive sports.

I was simply someone who discovered that moving my body made me feel better and gave me confidence.

At the time, opening a gym felt completely insane.

I had experience leading group fitness classes. I had worked as a spin instructor and running coach. But owning a gym? That felt huge.

So I started learning.

I earned my CrossFit Level 1 certification and asked my gym if I could start coaching.

Within a few months, I was coaching Sunday classes and completely hooked.

There is honestly nothing more rewarding than watching someone do something for the first time they never thought they could do.

Their first box jump.

Their first push-up.

Their first pull-up.

Their first deadlift.

Their first moment of realizing they’re stronger than they thought.

Eventually, after a lot of hard conversations, risk-taking, and giant leaps of faith, I quit my full-time job in Toronto, moved to Brantford, and opened CrossFit Durst.

And now here we are.

Nearly 12 Years Later

This August marks 12 years of owning and operating CrossFit Durst.

Has it been easy?

Not even close.

There have been setbacks, challenges, growing pains, and moments where I questioned everything.

But there has never been a moment where I questioned why I do it.

Every single day I get to help people just like me.

People who don’t see themselves as athletes.

People who are starting over.

People learning to strength train for the first time.

People navigating life after 40.

People trying to understand changing hormones, declining energy, stubborn weight gain, and bodies that suddenly seem to play by different rules.

Today, I’ve coached thousands of classes and helped hundreds of people learn how to move better, get stronger, and build confidence.

I’m a CrossFit Level 2 Coach, a Precision Nutrition Coach, and I’ve accumulated countless continuing education certifications focused on strength training, nutrition, movement quality, and helping everyday people succeed.

Especially women.

Especially beginners.

Especially women over 35 who feel like their bodies suddenly stopped following the rules.

Because fitness at 40 looks different than fitness at 20.

And that’s okay.

You don’t need punishment.

You don’t need perfection.

You don’t need to spend hours doing cardio trying to shrink yourself.

You need education.

You need strength training.

You need support.

You need coaching that understands what you’re experiencing.

Most importantly, you need a community that actually sees you.

That’s what we’ve spent the last 12 years building at CrossFit Durst.

And while I can’t spill all the details just yet, I can tell you that I’ve been working tirelessly behind the scenes on some exciting things that will help even more people in Brantford improve their health, build strength, and feel confident in their bodies.

Trust me.

You’re going to want to be part of what’s coming next.

Looking for a Beginner-Friendly Gym in Brantford?

If you’ve been searching for:

Strength training for women over 40
Beginner strength training
A beginner-friendly CrossFit gym
Menopause and perimenopause fitness support
Women’s fitness coaching in Brantford
A welcoming gym community
Coaching that meets you where you’re at
A place where modifications are respected and encouraged

Then you’re exactly the kind of person we built CrossFit Durst for.

You do not need to get in shape first.

You do not need experience.

You do not need to be less nervous.

You just need to start.

And when you walk through our doors, I promise we’ll remember your name.

About the Author
Jacqui Veino is the owner of CrossFit Durst in Brantford, Ontario, a CrossFit Level 2 Trainer (CF-L2), and a Precision Nutrition Level 1 Coach. She specializes in helping busy adults build strength, improve their health, and stay active for life through expert coaching, nutrition, and sustainable fitness habits.