So apparently I've left my Rant Fans on the edge of their seats for far too long... Here it is. The next soap box speech on life.
One of the main attributes that I've tried to pride myself on is that of being a CrossFitter who opened up a CrossFit, NOT a businessman that opened a CrossFit. To the average consumer, I feel as though the differentiation can be a difficult one to make. In my eyes, the box owners who make it their cheif objective to make money are sort of wolves in sheeps clothing. So how does the average Joe tell the difference?
#1) Is the CrossFit initially built for quantity or quality? Due to the fact that CrossFit's definition includes the term "constantly-varied" in it, it becomes extremely important to ask yourself this question. Why? Because a CrossFit with 12 rowers, 12 kettlebells, 12 pullup bars, and 12 olympic bars are solely set up for volume. They have no concern with exposing you to a multitude of different disciplines including gymnastics, strongman, olympic/power lifting, varied monostructural movements, etc. They would rather build themselves for volume so that they can squeeze more people in during a tighter time frame. Cookie cutter if you ask me.
#2) Pricing... need I say more. Do they create their prices to cover house costs and supplement their time at a modest rate or do they jump onto bandwagon pricing such as those that vary from $150-300/month. Nuff said.
#3) Does the owner even CrossFit? Are they specialized or do they reflect the type of athlete that they are trying to create in their clients. Are they willing to go to the trenches with you? Have they done the WOD they are programming? If not, are they ready to answer questions about it and explain the science behind it at the drop of a hat. Are they even willing to do that?
#4) Do they reflect the integrity that they expect out of you? Do they perform each rep with full range of motion? If not, call them out.
#5) On a daily basis, do they put as much into a WOD as you do? Are they willing to put that much heart into the business? If an owner isn't willing to pick up a scrub brush and clean the shitter or pick up a broom, they aren't deserving of your money.
#6) Do the owner and his coaches have and demonstrate the ability to scale each and every move that they may ask you to perform? If not, flares should be flying.
K. Enough of that. Here comes part #2 because I've deprived you for so long.
We've taken a look at the owner. Now, it's time to look at the CrossFitter themselves. I want each of you to take a moment introspectively to ask yourself the following question:
"Am I a CrossFitter or do I just like the idea of being considered one?"
This can almost be considered a rhetorical question because it is so broad. First, I think you have to give a general definition of what a CrossFitter is...
To me, the mold of a CrossFitter begins with the willingness to challenge one's self physically and mentally regardless of age, gender, or skill level. Next, comes the courage to attack and overcome weaknesses when confronted with them and to try new things even though they may not prove to be the best at it. Lastly, comes the possession of desire- desire to learn more outside of the box, desire to finish the WOD no matter what the cost, desire to become a better person, a better athlete, a better soldier, a better cop, a better fireman, etc.
If you don't possess each and every one of these qualities, fear not- you can achieve them. As a coach, I think it's my job to find them. However, you will be met with certain conflicts along the way. In our community, the following items are deemed unacceptable:
#1) The conscious decision to quit workouts after you've started them knowing the conditions.
#2) Hacking reps and form after having been completely advised of the standards.
#3) The presence of so much pride that you are unwilling to learn.
So take time this week and reflect upon these attributes. Ask yourself whether not you're striving to possess each of these attributes. To me, they forge discipline. Failure to hold yourself to that standard is no different than failing to act or giving up when a brother or sister firefighter, officer, or soldier are in distress. For the average civilian, it is no different than deciding not to wake up in the morning, not waking up in the middle of the night to comfort your crying child, or not assisting a worthy person in distress. For my Fitch and Stonington Football players, it's giving up during a 2 minute drill, assuming that another player will make the tackle and blowing the game, or missing a block that gets your teammate injured. Suck it up, train hard, play hard, live hard. You're a CrossFitter...
