Our Coaches | Pure Grit

Our Purpose

At Pure Grit CrossFit, our coaches are the heart of our community. We believe that a key benefit of CrossFit is the personalized attention you receive from experienced trainers. Our certified CrossFit coaches are dedicated to watching you move, ensuring proper form, and providing tailored scaling options to help you achieve the intended stimulus of each workout. They're not just there to guide you through the WOD; they're your partners in fitness and life, offering support both inside and outside the gym. Our team boasts a diverse range of experience, from CrossFit Games Semifinalists to dedicated athletes focused on achieving their personal fitness goals. With a blend of youthful energy and seasoned wisdom from our Masters athletes, you'll find a coach who understands your unique journey and empowers you to reach your full potential.

Meet The Coaches

Shelby Hamilton

Hi, I'm Shelby Hamilton, owner and CrossFit Level 2 Head Coach at Pure Grit CrossFit. Sports and athletics have been the driving forces in my life, shaping who I am today. From provincial-level achievements in rugby, softball, and gymnastics, to playing hockey and soccer at Mount Allison University, I've always thrived in competitive environments. After my university sports career, I discovered CrossFit, and it was a perfect fit. My lifelong dedication to fitness and a strong work ethic, the very core of CrossFit, ignited a new passion. While I still love to compete, my greatest joy comes from sharing my love of fitness and empowering others to achieve their goals.

My coaching journey began at the incredible CrossFit Cobourg, where I learned the art of creating a nurturing and supportive environment for everyone. I had the privilege of coaching classes, developing and leading specialized CrossFit Gymnastics seminars, and designing and coaching a competitive CrossFit program. That invaluable experience fueled my desire to build a place where even more people could find their fitness home. And that place is Pure Grit. I'm incredibly grateful to have created a community where everyone feels welcome, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Brittany Vis

My CrossFit journey began in 2018, and it's been a transformative experience ever since. With a background in running, high school sports, and military fitness, I was searching for something more challenging and dynamic than my usual routine – and CrossFit delivered! My aerobic capacity is definitely my strength, which is why I love tackling demanding workouts like the hero WOD 'Murph.' On the flip side, gymnastics is my ongoing challenge, and I'm constantly working to improve.

What truly drives me as a CrossFit coach is witnessing people achieve what they once thought impossible. Being a part of someone's health and wellness journey is incredibly rewarding, and I'm passionate about helping others unlock their full potential.

Outside of the gym, I'm a Registered Massage Therapist here in Belleville, and most importantly, a proud wife and mom to an amazing, supportive family. I believe in a holistic approach to wellness, both inside and outside the gym, and I'm excited to share my passion with the Pure Grit community.

Terry Slaney

My CrossFit journey ignited in 2012, sparked by a magazine article that caught my attention. The appeal of fast-paced, high-intensity workouts was undeniable, especially as someone with a busy full-time schedule. CrossFit delivers the results I need, without sacrificing my time.

What truly sets Pure Grit CrossFit apart is its incredible inclusivity. No matter your age or fitness level, you're welcomed with open arms. The atmosphere is electric – fun, motivational, and genuinely inspiring. We're all encouraged to push our limits and celebrate every step of progress. I particularly love the structured and varied workouts, especially those challenging chippers and gymnastic movements.

In May 2022, I took the leap and became a Level One CrossFit coach. I wanted to share my passion and firsthand experience with others, and it's been incredibly rewarding. Guiding members through new movements and witnessing their achievements is what drives me.

Beyond the gym, I enjoy creating culinary adventures for my (admittedly) cooking-challenged wife. And when I have the chance, I love exploring the world. My travels have taken me across Canada, the United States, and throughout Europe, enriching my perspective and fueling my sense of adventure.

Rian Newman

Rian's been a CrossFit enthusiast since 2012 and a coach since 2015, holding a CrossFit Level 2 certification. She's also a French Teacher at Harry J. Clarke Public School, and loves reading and traveling. Rian's diverse passions and experience make her a fantastic coach and role model at Pure Grit CrossFit

Tyler "Biggy" MacDonald

Hello, my name is Biggy! Legally I go by Tyler MacDonald but even my own mother calls me by my real name Biggy!

When I first started CrossFit in 2021 it was to change up my routine of doing the same things in a commercial gym that never seemed to get me anywhere. After experiencing my first couple of workouts with Pure Grit CrossFit there was no turning back. This gym is the definition of community and is for everyone and anyone. I have never felt more welcome in a space with people of all different ages, fitness levels, backgrounds, professions, and lifestyles in my life! Here at Pure Grit we consider ourselves family. Whether it’s a workout, breakfast, dinner or parties this community is something I cherish and am proud to be a part of.

I was lucky enough to obtain my Crossfit-OL1 recently and it has been such a fun and enjoyable time getting to coach and help in any way I can to any of our athletes needing help or encouragement. Watching groups of people come together and put in the work to all obtain a common goal is beyond uplifting and is part of the reason why I wanted to coach and help out with the gym in any way I could.

My favorite workouts involve a machine and a barbell. Being a bigger guy I know what kinds of workouts I will excel at but it’s always nice challenging myself to something hard when I know I have a team full of support behind me encouraging me to get better at certain movements that I never thought I could ever do.

When I am not in the gym I am working as a career firefighter, being a husband and father to my 5-year-old daughter that is usually right at my hip as she is also a lover of the gym herself and is a member of the kids CrossFit program here at Pure Grit. If I am not at work or the gym you will find me on the golf course or playing hockey or building something new or driving Shelby nuts with my ideas!

Dean Hamilton

Hi, I'm Dean! I'm a CrossFit Level 1 coach here at Pure Grit CrossFit, and I've been loving being a part of this community since 2021. Before CrossFit, I played competitive hockey and spent years in traditional gyms, but nothing compares to the transformative power of this training. As a local first responder, I know firsthand how crucial functional fitness is, and I truly believe the CrossFit methodology is perfect for first responders.

I love coaching, and I've developed a keen eye for strategy, especially when it comes to competition. I'm passionate about helping athletes refine their skills and push their limits. But what really fills my cup is working with new clients. Guiding someone through their first steps and celebrating those amazing moments when they achieve their first pull-up, muscle-up, or any new movement – that's what makes coaching so rewarding for me.

I train hard, both for my personal growth and to maintain the fitness required for my role as a first responder, and I bring that same level of commitment to every coaching session. I truly believe that taking that first step into the gym with a positive attitude is the key to unlocking your potential. At Pure Grit, you'll find more than just a workout; you'll find a supportive, tight-knit community that will hold you accountable, inspire you to push harder, and become some of your closest friends. Come join me and the Pure Grit family, and let's discover what you're truly capable of together!