CrossFit Oshkosh is entering its fourth year of operation. Over time things have changed, people have come and gone, and we have been through the clichéd “ups and downs.” Recently I sat down and started to think about where we once were, where we are, and where we are going. This made me laugh and cringe at the same time, but then I realized how much more we can help people beyond what we are doing now.
No matter what way you spin it, society is at a tipping point. We have shifted to a more lethargic lifestyle, kids are developing adult-onset diabetes, our food is covered in sugar, and we gorge. These issues are compounded by the fact that a majority of people fall prey to this lifestyle which marginalizes and justifies the situation. How can we help, who can we help, and why are we here is what I want to focus on, though. I could sit here and talk at you, addressing why you should be more active, but instead I want to be selfish. I want to talk about CrossFit Oshkosh and what drives me as a trainer, business owner, and person.
I remember opening the gym, and knowing it was a long shot. The doors opened silently, with no big event, no pre-signing, and no idea how it would turn out. Almost four years later, and we are thriving as a gym, and as a community. Our first year we were peppered with college students and athletes, and life was grand. However, it wasn’t until the first person came up and told me how the gym had changed their life, that I truly understood where my passion and the gym’s identity were headed. I was shown a before and after picture by a member (I kick myself now for not actually taking these pictures in the beginning), tears were welling up in her eyes as she thanked me for helping change her life, and I felt justified and fulfilled. Is that selfish? A little, but we all just want to hear thank you sometimes. I can say, however, that this moment changed my perspective and my life.
I found who I wanted to work with at that point. I want to work with the people who feel lost and feel there is no hope of change. I want to work with the people who have tried every fad diet or multi level marketing scheme out there. I want to teach the general public about “eating an elephant “ and making small changes. I want to show them, no matter how far into the abyss they have gone, there is a way back. I found this out about one year into being a trainer. Do not get me wrong, I love working with athletes, talking about energy systems and the best format to attack training, but I have a true passion for being a part of helping someone do his or her first box jump or being able to pull themselves off the floor without assistance. That shit gives me the warm and fuzzies!
Remembering these moments make me smile every time I am driving to the gym and if you feel like you are lost you should set up a “No Sweat Intro.” It will cost you nothing to sit down and have a conversation with me about where you are and where you want to be. Hopefully together we can create the change you maybe didn’t even know you were looking for.