Thread by @BStulberg

A few additional thoughts on fitness, health, and well-being amidst the CrossFit fiasco.

1) Be wary when singular figures say they have the one and only answer in a domain where it is clear there are many answers.

See Bikram and Bikram Yoga. That didn't work out well either.

2) What CrossFit did really well was community. It made movement social and, for many, spiritual. It also shifted the focus from how you look in the mirror to how you feel in your body. Both of these are GREAT.

3) CrossFit was never anything special besides the above. (Don't get me wrong, the above is a big deal.)

Well programmed strength and conditioning is well programmed strength and conditioning. Some "CrossFit" gyms are great. Others reckless. Just like any other area of fitness.

4) It is hard to make a distinctive brand out of something that is not conducive to a distinctive brand. There is no singular best kind of health and fitness training.

Move Your Body Often.
Sometimes Hard.
Every Bit Counts.

Trying to monetize that is inherently problematic.

5) This is part of the reason that @CrossFit had to create a cult, an us versus everyone, mentality. They had to artificially develop a way to differentiate themselves when—for the vast majority of people—a regular walk, jog, or YMCA class does the trick.

6) To the decent people out there who own CrossFit gyms, I'd seek legal assistance asap. Get out of the partnership and then re-brand. "Such and Such CrossFit" becomes "Such and Such Strength."

Also: Show your community (not just words, but actions too) that you are anti-racist.