I love to meet and learn from other CrossFit athletes. It’s one of the great things about CrossFit in general — the elite athletes love to support the beginners and at times, get their own inspiration and support from those just starting out.

The guy in the picture is Chris Spealler – who is, in the CrossFit world, a rock star. He is the ONLY athlete to compete in all 5 of the CF games and is one of the coaches others look to for advice. He also talks a lot about the community aspect of this sport. And I am happy to confirm that he is not just all about talk. I asked him to do me a favor for our box –and without hesitation — he came through. What other sport out there can boast that an elite athlete like Spealler is accessible and happy to help?

Baseball/Basketball/Hockey/Soccer elites –no way in hell would I have the opportunity to reach out to them and ask them for help. Can you imagine me saying – hey Lebron, can you do me this favor for a little ole box in Ashburn VA? Slim to no chance — I hope this aspect of CrossFit continues on, even after it becomes big!

Speaking of getting big — CrossFit is being talked about everywhere. While I think that is amazing and great for those of us already deeply entrenched in the philosophy and benefit of it all, I am seeing a side of this sport that I don’t like. Why is it when someone questions our approach, we automatically feel the need to put their thoughts down in a non-constructive way. Or someone is trying it for the first time and some in the community feel the need to belittle them. That is not what we are about — CrossFit really is that good. People will discover it and if it’s for them — they will be hooked and continue on. I have seen it happen — we all have. They get HOOKED, just like we all did.

We shouldn’t take that holier than thou attitude towards our sport. Not all boxes have the same  approach to coaching or their community atmosphere — experiences with CrossFit are definitely not consistent. We all have seen that it is clearly not for everyone. I have met a few athletes at our box recently that need a High Intensity Fix during their workout, so they don’t get the constantly varied approach. Now, I may not agree with them and wish they would broaden their definition of being fit – but if it works for them, then who am I to put it down.

For years and years, we have all been taught to go to a globo-gym, get on that cardio machine for as long as you can –and then add some strength training, crunches and call it a day. That is not something that can be changed overnight — it is constantly being re-enforced. What we can do is lead by example — we are a community of supportive, varied athletes. We welcome anyone to come in and try CrossFit – fit, not fit, adrenaline junkie. globo gym weight lifter — we welcome them all, make them feel empowered and above all else, show them how CrossFit can blow their mind and body.

We aren’t going to bring CrossFit to the masses by making fun of famous people trying it (see Jillian Michael do a CF workout) or putting down a friend’s story about the treadmill. We just need to keep doing what we are doing and pretty soon – the truth will present itself.