CrossFit Athletic Group

"Whenever I find myself at a disadvantage, I always try to turn that to my advantage."

- Kanye West

During the lockdown I had Kanye's quote playing on repeat in my head; since so many things were taken away during that time, an opportunity presented itself to do things in a way we never would have if business was running as it had during the previous 10 springs.

Some things we missed out on:

• shelter from the elements
• barbells
• pull-ups (still don't get why those bastards shut down outdoor playgrounds)
• mobility days
• GHD stuff
• rope climbs
• benchmark workouts as rx'd
• large group atmosphere

So instead of improvising things like dumbbell deadlifts and hip extensions on bleachers, I figured it would be better to go all-in on things we could do at 100%, and catch back up on the other stuff whenever the time comes.

Here's what we gained during the lockdown that we never would have otherwise:

• Mr. Malak
• Mr. Krstich
• Jaylee
• Somersaults
• Handstands
• L-sits
• Individual attention from me
• Emphasis on intangibles like toughness and leaving the comfort zone
• Focused time with athletes in sports

It's 2024 now and all of those things are still present in major ways in the gym, and none of them would be if I tried to force our normal operations while freezing our asses off in parks. In short, we took advantage of our disadvantage. Months later we were blessed with a familiar sight:

80's Theme Workout - Summer 2020...........

Mr. Carey sent me a text on Monday:

Golf next week is going to be earlier than originally planned due to schedule conflicts. So that means you won't have 16 CrossFitters at CrossFit next Saturday Morning (Aug. 17th). Sorry about that, I tried to do it in the afternoon but that didn't work out... (pun intended!)

Well shit. Doesn't the golf range know that the Champions Club Theme Workouts are really important to all of us most of us some of us me and any and all schedules and travel plans and religious holidays need to be rearranged in order to accommodate the 80's Workout?

No?

Apparently not.

And let's be honest, 16 Champions Club dudes going out of their way to arrange a golf game is a really awesome thing for the gym as a whole and probably everyone golfing who didn't get partnered with Mr. Gjon. Understanding that brought me to a decision: traditional 80's Theme Workout with like 18 people and no dads/college boys, or something different?

The decision was simple. Disadvantage? Nope. We can do music and anchored sit-ups next year. Step aerobics was a thing in the 80's right?

Not pictured (still running) - Mrs. Colleen and Mrs. Burton

I mean it when I say I feel blessed and honored that all of you are part of this gym. There is also a factor of "fit" that I take into account, so if someone said, "Could you see a guy like Mr. Blackwell or a kid like Katie Shakes being at your gym?" I'd say, "No doubt!"

Matt Fecht has no business being at our gym. None whatsoever. I don't know how or why God has blessed us with him for the last 10 years, and it's probably not my place to understand. But I'm thankful that he's back with us and is as willing as he always has been to help. A traditional Champions Club 80's Theme Workout has virtually no role for Matt's influence, so since we were deviating from the usual 80's format, might as well give you guys a chance to have a full dose of Matt that I, and a small group of our athletes, have had the privilege of experiencing.

Matt Fecht is the most impressive professional athlete I've ever been around, and while that list is not pages and pages long, it includes a dozen or so NBA players, a few NFL dudes, two Olympians, and one "world-class" LARP-er (no joke). His drive and competitiveness allows him to compete as his level and at his age, and his humility and desire to give back make it... well... probably make it possible he can fit in to a family like ours.

Thank you for the assist today my man! Love ya for real! And big ups to all you for coming out today and taking on the challenge of working out with a pro.