Crossfit ‘The sport’ vs Crossfit ‘The wellness program’

Text by Donald Ravenscroft from Crossfit Plett

Having been in the fitness industry for close to 17 years now, and with CrossFit being a part of my life for the last 4 years I’d like to share my thoughts on what attracted me to this community in the first place, something I hope members of the community still take to heart.

When I began my CrossFit journey in 2010 the Games was still in its infancy, I didn’t even hear about the games until one of my old school friends kept bugging me to give it a try. I looked online and watched a whole bunch videos and for the first time found a fitness routine/ sport that engaged me as much as when I was still competing and qualifying for the Olympics.

Why is this relevant? Well the CrossFit I fell in love with was the wellness program, not the sport! Don’t get me wrong I love the Sport and where it has come in such a short time but the CrossFit I fell in love with brought constantly varied, functional movement to the masses. Karin the soccer mom who was on her way to pick up 3 kids from practice, Mike the account exec who had spent the whole day confined to a chair, Jaco the ex Rugga player who couldn’t play anymore and needed an outlet for his competitiveness. More to the point, the CrossFit I fell in love with brought Mike, Jaco and Karin together in a safe and encouraging environment where all three had the opportunity to “throwdown” together shoot the breeze and learn constantly varied, functional movement. All this while trading things they knew about fitness to help each-other build a stronger community. Even though in social circles they might never have spent any time together, in the box they were all friends helping each other become more of a bad ass. And yes, Mike had a lot to learn from Karin.

Athletes came onto the scene later and most were part of this early culture, they were part of the crowd, joined in and helped out, grew with CrossFit. Most so called CrossFit athletes were not and still are not “professional athletes”, I feel that even in the US only a small (very small) portion of athletes are at that level and most of them have only just reached it.

Coaches, what I feel needs to be said here is that most athletes are a product of their own design, not any one coaches. Any coach that accepts sole responsibility for an athlete’s abilities is under delusion, the athlete puts in the time, effort and work. Most of them have had many coaches on their journey. The fact that you are their coach now and claim to be responsible for their success only detracts from their hard work and dedication.

Athletes, we get that you are bad ass, we respect and acknowledge the hard work and dedication that you put into your craft. Please don’t forget who pays to keep the lights on at your box. Those hardworking CrossFitters who aren’t in it for the glory, the CrossFitters who come in daily & do what they do for the love of CrossFit and getting moving so they can do what they love each day with more freedom and ease.

I love to coach both the athlete and people like Karin, Bruce and Jaco! Karin who can now clean and press that big ass suitcase above the cupboard without asking her husband. Mike, who now finishes a day of work without any lumbar pain because for the first time in his working life he has correct posture & Jaco who thought he would never find an outlet for his competitive nature after he was diagnosed with an ACL tear.

Where ever you fit it… it is for you. I get up in the morning and stay late in the evenings for and I hope all CrossFitters out there, love their training and getting fit in a vibrant, engaging community.