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Still a relative newcomer to the fitness regimen that is CrossFit, Whitehorse athlete Erin Light finished third in the Battle on the Border competition in Lloydminster, Alta. earlier this month.

The 25-year-old Light competed in the Women's Rx division 鈥� the most advanced category for CrossFit athletes.

Light picked up 813 total points after competing in eight different events.

Prince Albert's Whitney Darchuk won first with 879 total points.

"If you compete in the Rx division, it means that you can do all of the technical skills that CrossFit requires,鈥� Light explained in an email to the Star. "Examples of these exercises include muscle-ups on the rings, pull-ups, handstand push-ups or lifting a set amount of weight.鈥�

Light said one particular competition sees athletes deadlift 185 lbs during a workout.

The demanding new sport combines Olympic weightlifting movements, gymnastics and cardiovascular movements into a high-fitness training regimen.

Events can see any number of these movements combined into a workout that can last anywhere from two to 30 minutes.

"Although there are several set movements, really anything is fair game,鈥� Light explained. "We could be asked to go for a swim, lift strongman stones, flip tires, climb ropes. You must be prepared for the unexpected.鈥�

Pull-ups, rowing, skipping and running are all standard activities within CrossFit, but forcing athletes to prepare for any type of physical workout is key to the core strength and conditioning program.

Light, an employee with Environment Yukon, was introduced to CrossFit less than two years ago.

In that respect, her third-place ranking is a great achievement.

"I was a competitive gymnast and competed doing cheerleading nationally for several years prior to being in CrossFit, so I feel as though this is only a small achievement in terms of my athletic life,鈥� Light said.

"(But) it has given me a taste of what I can do and I look forward to training hard in the future in order to keep on this same trajectory of improvement.鈥�

Light said quitting gymnastics and cheerleading a few years ago created a void in her life.

"I craved competing and the discipline of competitive sports,鈥� she said.

"I was a little intimidated of CrossFit and I had a friend convince me to come out and try it. I did one workout and have been hooked ever since.

"Now, CrossFit is my passion and it is my life. CrossFit has the best community atmosphere of any sport that I have ever done.

"The people at CrossFit Whitehorse are no exception to this statement. We have a great community budding from the gym.鈥�

Light is one of 10 athletes registered in the CrossFit Open, scheduled to happen here in early March.

The Open will be held every Wednesday and Saturday morning next month in the CrossFit Whitehorse Box at Riverdale's Peak Fitness.

Gym co-owner Erin Schultz explained that the event is the first stage of qualifying for CrossFit's national competition.

If an athlete succeeds locally, he or she will have an opportunity to participate in the regional CrossFit Games in June. A national competition will be held following regionals.

Light barely missed her shot at nationals last year, after finishing 11th at regionals.

The local event is open to anyone who wants to give the fitness regiment a try, said Schultz.

For more information, contact Peak Fitness at 668-4628.