One loyal CrossFitters has a bad experience at an affiliate and issues a call to action to others: Be passionate about every athlete.
As an at-home CrossFitter (we live in the boonies), I needed help learning the Olympic lifts. Despite the fact that my husband lost his job six months ago and we’re sapping our savings trying to find work and keep our house, I begged and pleaded for the money to do a beginners’ class at a (somewhat) local affiliate. Something about my newly found rock-hard abs, flab-less rump, and increased bedroom interest enticed my husband’s hesitant permission, and off I went, scared stiff, to embarrass myself in front of other out-of-shape, middle-aged hopefuls looking to reclaim their youthful dreams of strength and sex appeal.
But it sucked!
To be fair, this was only one affiliate over the duration of four weeks. Was it a fluke? A misinterpretation? I may never know, but what I do know is that the box was cold and unwelcoming. The result? A missed opportunity for them and for me. I love CrossFit too much to let it slide. Too many people across this planet are busting their tails to improve themselves and others. What are you doing, affiliates, to make sure this isn’t happening in your box?
My purpose in writing is to send a wake-up call to the other affiliates: Why are you open? What is your purpose? Are you helping people reach their CF dream? If not, why not?