Stronger, Faster Masters: Joyanne Cooper Inspires the Masses

Stronger, Faster Masters: Joyanne Cooper Inspires the Masses
By Stephanie Kewin

Years ago, long before CrossFit (let’s call these the fitness dark ages)you might havespent your 40sdoing incline treadmill speed walking orjazzercise. My, how times have changed. Todaycountless individuals around the world aged 40 and up are pulling on their high socks, lacing up their Nano’s, and throwing iron aroundlike it’s no big deal.

Every 20- or 30-somethingguy or gal knows at least one 40-something man or woman who shows up to yourbox every day and—yes, sorry—shows you up. But hey, while he or she is lapping you and inadvertently whooping your pride, at least you’re inspired—inspired to be better every day and inspired to continue being better well into your 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond.

Joyanne Cooper is one such 40-something woman who will walk into your box, kick your ass with a smile on her face, and then cheer you on as you slog through the last reps of your WOD. Joyanne first learned about CrossFit two years ago while on a cruise. Says Joyanne, “In January 2012 my husband and I went on a cruise and someone we met was trying to describe CrossFit to us. That evening we went to the sports bar on the ship and the TV was showing highlights from the 2011 CrossFit Games. I thought it looked crazy and had no clue what this sport was, but I knew I needed to check it out!”

Soon after, she drank the kool aid. A naturally enthusiastic and energetic person, Cooperhad spent 10 years as a group fitness and spin instructor but was ready for a change in a big way. Herpassion for CrossFit quickly grew and she found herself immersed in anewfound lifestyle. “CrossFit has been an amazing addition to my life and at just the right time. It has made me realize that I am capable of doing whatever I set my mind to and that I can learn new things and get stronger and faster even in my 40s. I am the strongest and fittest I have ever been and continue to set new PRs for myself.”

In a mere two years, Joyanne catapulted from a CrossFit newbie to a Games competitor in the Mastersdivision—a feat almost unheard of, and it begs the question,“What other sport makes it so accessible to be an elite-level athlete?” Cooper testifies, “The 2014 CrossFit Games was such an amazing experience—a lifetime highlight for sure! From getting the email from HQ in April that I qualified to participate at the Games, to arriving in California in July and receiving clothing with my name and number on it at registration, to hearing my name on the loudspeaker at the start of every event, it was so surreal, a dream come true.” She goes on, “Our first event was the deadlift ladder; I was so nervous in the athlete corral area. Then it was ‘go time’ and we ran out on the field in single file and I had to fight back tears of excitement. I couldn’t believe I was at the CrossFit Games! I wasn’t going to be watching the events online; I would experience it for real! I get goose bumps just thinking about it. I was the only Canadian in my age group, and hadfriends, family, and coaches in Carson to cheer me on that week. That just made the whole experience extra special.”

When it comes to local competitions, Joyanne is just as enthusiastic. “I’ve always had a great time competing; from local competitions, to the Open, to the Games, they’ve all been great experiences. Individual competitions force me to strategize and test my limits. Team competitions are so fun, and I find them less stressful than an individual competition. I’m always grateful to get asked to compete on a team, especially since my teammates are usually 20 years younger than me. I hope I have many years left in me to keep up with the younger athletes!”

There’s no doubt Cooper has years of stellar fitness ahead of her, and it’s clear she hopes to continue not only achieving personal goals but impacting others in a positive way. On the topic of women in sports and how mainstream perception is changing, Joyanne is exceptionally passionate. “I have been asked by many strangers at the mall or in the grocery store how they can ‘look like me.’ I tell them I do CrossFit, and I am also quick to mention that I don’t do CrossFit so that I can look like this. I do it because the programming is brilliant; it has made me strong both physically and mentally, and I am stronger and fitter than I was in my 20s. On the flipside, I have heard comments that too much muscle on a female is not attractive. I let that go and definitely don’t take it personally. I love what I do and I think strength is beautiful, in all shapes and sizes.”

Strength as beauty is certainly a trending topic of late, but Cooper takes it even further than its surface meaning. As a mom to a teenage daughter and stepson, she hopes to encourage strength not only in women but also in our next generation. “It is so important for moms to make time for themselves and to make fitness part of their regular routine. Most importantly, moms need to do this GUILT FREE! We constantly hear that children learn from their parents through actions. By eating clean and training regularly moms are setting an amazing example for their kids!” To Joyanne, CrossFit Kids is about so much more than a good time. She says, “Our CF box has a CrossFit Kids program. I love watching them lift, run, and row. I’m so impressed with the parents who commit to this type of fitness for their children each week. It’s important for them to learn to move properly and to have fun doing it.”

Individuals like Joyanne Cooper who are realizing their fitness potential into their 40s and beyond are what make a sport like CrossFit stick. Fitness as a lifelong pursuit is now more attainable, not just for a few but for all.

Joyanne will kick your ass with a smile on her face, then cheer you on as you slog through the last reps of your WOD.

“CrossFit has made me realize I can learn new things and get stronger and faster into my 40s.”
“We ran out on the field in single file [at the Games] and I had to fight back the tears of excitement.”
“I am stronger and fitter than I was in my 20s.”