Why we do what we do

So many people ask what is CrossFit? Each time I've answered this question, I've given a different answer. It is especially hard to answer if the person who is asking has already seen a CrossFit video of these Herculean animals doing a work out; because, well, I'm a head trainer for a CrossFit gym and I don't look like that..... at all!! People don't understand what it is that we do, so before I try to explain what we are, I'm going to tell you what we are not!!

• We are not meat heads...far from it. Yes, there are some extremely large and strong individuals that do CrossFit; however, CrossFit separates themselves from typical meat heads because most CrossFitters know the how and why to their training. They understand the importance of full range of motion and DON'T understand bicep curls!

• We are not crazy.  Okay, well maybe we are a little but in a good way. Just because we think about everything we put in our body or we get up at un-godly hours to work out doesn't mean there is a screw missing. CrossFitters are among the healthiest individuals on this planet so if you think that's crazy that's okay.
• We are not for everyone.  Yes, I said it...CrossFit is not for everyone. There are a lot of people out there who don't care about themselves or their body. There are even more people out there that don't like to hear the elliptical is pointless and that we can help them loose more weight. And lastly, there are even more people that don't want to lift weights because they don't want to get too "big". Trust me, its harder than it looks.

Okay , so what is CrossFit then?? Well, its probably a little different for everyone, and I would love to hear what CrossFit is to you in the comments box. But for me, CrossFit is...

• CrossFit is a community of very strong knowledgeable people. Most people in the average gym couldn't tell you why they do what they are doing. Go to a CrossFit gym and the majority of people can not only tell you why they are doing it but how they are doing it. CrossFit is an open book, if you ever have any sort of a question on anything related to CrossFit just go to CrossFit.com and you will get your answer for FREE!!! This doesn't mean a free introduction that requires you to pay for the "real secrets of getting fit", CrossFit.com gives you the complete information without a charge.
• CrossFit is hard work - you have to work hard to get results. Sweating on a treadmill for an hour is not hard work. There are not too many places that people are willing to pay this much money to hurt. Yes, the hurt is short lived and followed by an amazing high, but it's hurt none the less - a hurt that only CrossFitters are willing to endure in order to reach their ultimate fitness goals.. CrossFitters not only work hard when they are in the gym but they are all very focused on the same goal of health and longevity. 
• CrossFit is for everyone.  Now I understand I just said CrossFit wasn't for everyone, but CrossFit SHOULD be for everyone. The scalability of CrossFit is universal. We have members that are professional athletes and division 1 athletes all the way to individuals who have suffered from traumatic brain injuries. All of our athletes come to the same class and they all do the same work out modified specifically for them. No other gym or place in the world will you see these two levels of athletes working side by side. It is inspiring to say the least! CrossFit isn't just for general health anymore either. CrossFit Endurance, CrossFit FootBall, etc - you name it, CrossFit can be molded to fit you.
• Lastly, CrossFit is passionate; let me explain. Never has there been a company that has cared so much not only about their employees but also the people they are selling to. They truly want what is best for each an every individual that does CrossFit. Look at what they have done from the CrossFit games all the way down to working with top doctors like K-Star and Dr. Romanov. They are all passionate about helping CrossFit grow. K-Star is basically giving out millions of dollars worth of free physical therapy to anyone who will listen, all because he wants to see CrossFit grow and see how far we can push the limits. Coach Glassman and coach Burgener have given away thousands of "secrets" to anyone who wants to know, all because they want to see CrossFit grow.

So, I still never have a very good answer for people when they ask me what I do or what CrossFit is but I do know that if I can get them in the gym they will fall in love with it.