CrossFit is unique for a variety of reasons. There are a number of characteristics that distinguish it from other training methods, concepts, and programs. Among the most important of these, in my opinion, are the spirit of community, mutual support, and respect among athletes. These attributes are conspicuously absent from your typical gym setting. The idea of community goes far beyond merely getting a good workout, and I believe it's the essential component that really keeps people coming back to the gym.
An important part of my mission therefore, is to embody this spirit and encourage others to adopt it. We need this attitude to take hold and spread. Who wouldn't want to work out in such a place? It makes for a quality experience, and that is a rare and precious thing. So how can we achieve this? Here are a few suggestions:
- When you finish a workout, and there are others not yet finished, don't be that guy or gal who simply walks off somewhere to lick your wounds. Turn your attention to those who have not finished and cheer them on. You can do this regardless of how tired you are. Nor does it mean you have to jump up down and get in their face or scream and yell etc....(unless that floats your boat). Just give some words of encouragement. Don't underestimate the power of a single spoken word of encouragement. Don't deprive others of your contribution! Get out of your comfort zone, open your mouth and speak some positive messages. You'd want the same if you were in their shoes.
- Out of respect to your fellow athletes, do your best to be on time. Walking in late is not harmless. It's disruptive and subtracts from the quality of the workout. Don't be that habitually late arrival.
- Use the reservation system online whenever possible. For obvious reasons, this allows me to provide you with a quality gym experience, where everyone has the equipment and space they need.
- I would love to overhear a conversation about SeaCity CrossFit where I hear something like this: "Man those guys are sharp on their technique and form, every athlete has impeccable movement standards, you won't see any sloppiness in that gym..." I think this speaks directly to the idea of a solid community that recognizes the vital importance of standards.
This is not to suggest that there is a big problem in the gym with sloppiness, or carelessness. I just want to stress what I think is most important, especially for the benefit of newer people, and to promote the kind of gym culture that produces the best athletes. My job is to reinforce these ideas on a regular basis, even at the risk of becoming repetitive. More to come on this topic....meanwhile keep up the hard work, and keep going strong.
Tim
