There was a  time when I thought our box, CrossFit JAX, would be a firebreathers only gym forever. It was how the gym started and all I knew CrossFit to be.

I love to laugh at myself when I think about those good old days. When I went to my first ever CrossFit Games last month, I was reminded why you can’t build a box around the top 1%… It’s the the same reason why The Games are one weekend out of the year and not held every single day.

As an affiliate owner, Coach, and CrossFitter, I can’t imagine or picture a place or event more perfect than The Games; it was a CrossFit MECCA! From the jaw-dropping display of athletes (I know all their stats, PRs, training habits, and favorite songs to workout to), to the vendors (every t-shirt, Rogue display, Reebok shoe, WOD demo you could ever dream of), and of course the community of people whom I love but never physically see or hang with as they are spread all over the world (yes, it was nice to have a beer with Coach on Sunday night too). I spent 12 hours a day for 3 days in The Home Depot Center soaking up every ounce of CrossFit that I could fit in my head and heart.

When I returned home, of course, everyone asked, “How was the Games?!” It was awesome to talk about what I saw, who I met, and of course the after party. But what I brought home with me from The Games was so much greater than what I experienced there. As Chris Spealler put it, ”The one thing I think the CrossFit community should be reminded of is that CrossFit is not the Games, (rather) it’s about changing peoples lives.”

This is the fire that drives me to do and build who we are at CFJAX: the knowledge that as an affiliate owner I have the opportunity to create the same experience I had at The Games for my clients EVERY SINGLE DAY.  

The experience I had at The Games embodies what is happening in affiliates all over the world. People show up and put out the very best of what they’ve got on any given day. The WODs are brutal, the support and community is on point, the coaching is elite and the drive and desire to train even harder for the next WOD is embedded into our culture. This passion for community and wellness is NOT just for the firebreathers in your box, not just for the top 1%. YOU ARE THE CROSSFIT MECCA TO YOUR MEMBERS.

Some of my friends were shocked to learn that 2012 was my first trip to CA for The Games because I have been an affiliate owner since 2007. Do you know why I hadn’t been to The CrossFit Games before? Because I didn’t have the associates in place to keep the doors of the gym open while I was away. I hadn’t earned the right to go without sacrificing my promise to my members. That promise is that there is a place for them, here at CrossFit Jax. There is a schedule, a class, a WOD, a coach, and a community to support them whenever they need it.

There is a higher calling for my people at The Hot Box. It is my beloved community and our program that changes lives, and it all starts with me as the affiliate owner.  If you missed The Games this year, feel free to stop by CFJAX any day for your very own taste of our CrossFit Mecca.

CFJAX is a strength & conditioning gym that is committed to your pursuit of fitness excellence. CFJAX will assist you in achieving all of your fitness goals and help you maintain a healthy and energetic lifestyle, leading to a path of everlasting wellness.  We have a place for you inside our four walls, regardless of age, gender or fitness level. No experience is necessary.