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Fit the Culture or Fix the Culture: Your Box’s Personality

11/13/2017

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“Culture” is a workplace buzzword these days.  The feel when you interact with others, the service attention you receive, and the priorities of the people all contribute to that culture.  Each CrossFit Box (gym) has a culture, but there is a huge difference between the gym and the workplace—one pays you to fit a culture, and the other you pay to enjoy the culture.  CrossFit can be financially unachievable for some, but those who do have a membership “get it.”  The members know the people are what we’re paying for, not the equipment or the class times.  Each person shapes the gym’s personality, and it’s rewarding to be a part of that identity.  CrossFit is not a cult, it’s a culture.
            I’ve been a CrossFit trainer for 17 months, but I’ve spent 5 years as a member of six CrossFit boxes (yes, a member, not a drop-in).  Some communities have a culture worth propagating, and some have a culture not worth much.  That’s intuitive, right?  Some are great; some aren’t worth much.  However, some cultures aren’t apparent to you until you’ve been a member for a little while.  Once it’s apparent to you, and you’re comfortable with some other members, you must ask yourself this question:
“Do I fit the culture, or do I need to fix the culture?”
 
The question is a fascinating one.  It’s one that determines how important you are to the gym and those around you.
            I’ve observed many types of cultures that need fixing in a bad way.  “Box 2” for me had a two-section gym, in which the “serious lifters” always had one side while the “regular people” had the other; talk about divide!  My “Box 4” only used high-level, competition-style instruction and programming, and few fitness levels were able to enjoy the classes for which they paid a lot of money.  Does your gym present you challenges, or does it give you obstacles?  You should not feel handicapped by your own trainers! 
            Alternatively, I’ve also observed many types of cultures to fit into.  “Box 1” for me had a familial, home-grown following which inspired its members to value time with one another rather than times on the leaderboard.  “Box 3” has a hands-in “break down” after every class, during which the person who gave the most valiant effort led that countdown.  Now, at CFI, the culture is loyal one.  Our athletes chose to “fit” into a new space, a familiar family, and a new ownership.  We knew if we didn’t fit right away, we’d fix it.  Our athletes value who they know rather than what they knew at previous CrossFit gyms. 
            As a coach at CFI, I’d love to charge everyone with the same question about culture: “Do you fit into the culture?  Or do you need to fix it?”  Take ownership of your vision of CFI—what are we missing, and how can you make it happen?  Do you want more recognition for your effort?  Recognize others without expecting it in return.  Cheer other classes on, even though you don’t have a bar in your hand at that moment.  Select a new partner in a partner WOD to make a connection.  Your personality is as much a part of us as, say, a coach or an owner; we lead and train for you, so we are passionate about meeting your wants and needs.  You fit into our culture, but you can fix small aspects to make it a better home for yourself.  Your desired culture is our commitment to our athletes and our community.

​Coach Josh Womack

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Granite Games Judging

9/19/2017

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CrossFit’s worldwide presence has transformed its “constantly varied, high intensity, and function movement” mission into a bona fide sport.  Local throwdowns, annual events, and the CrossFit Games have inspired near-and-far competition for your everyday box-goer.  With CrossFit’s status as a sport, standardizing movement requirements and rule compliance is a necessity, which is why each individual and team receives a personal judge during all competitions.  A judge has the following two roles: ensure movement standards and count repetitions.  The judge’s role is crucial to providing fair competition across all events. 
            In May 2017, I had my first opportunity to attend the CrossFit Regionals competition in Nashville, TN.  The energy was electric, and I longed to have a role at the event.  I left the event with the goal to judge at a CrossFit Regionals competition.  I had the opportunity to judge at local events, such as CrossFit Carmel’s “Gorgeous Ladies of CrossFit” (“GLOC”) and “Teen Rumble” to confirm that I enjoyed the judging experience.  To further my resume, so to speak, I wanted to cut my teeth on a large-event judging experience.  Thus, Kill Cliff’s “Granite Games” competition became a destination of mine in September, 2017.

            An eleven-hour drive and several Americanos later, I was instructed on my volunteer duties listed above.  In my event arena, I was supported by two “Head Judges” and a “Team Lead.”  These individuals would give me guidance throughout the weekend to uphold standards, whether it was squat depth or illegally moving equipment pieces.  The most impactful thing I learned, though, was the concept of a judge being a “story teller.”  Noah, a Head Judge, explained that judges tell the story of the workout.  When a judge enforces an athlete to roll the bar to the next station, he’s telling a story; when a judge visually gives a no rep, he’s telling a story; and when he counts down the final five reps on his visible hand, he’s telling a story.  All the judge’s actions communicate to the audience the story of the workout—who is progressing, who is failing, and where each athlete is in the middle of the workout.  Once a judge becomes competent in ensuring standards and counting reps, he or she can hone the craft by becoming a great story teller for the audience and announcers.
            Overall, my Granite Games experience was phenomenal.  The staff took very good care of all volunteers, and I first-hand witnessed some incredible professional CrossFit athletes.  My greatest appreciation goes out to the Head Judges I had the privilege to work with; they were adept at their role, and they sought to provide individual feedback to volunteers about how to improve as a judge.  With my eyes on CrossFit Regionals in the near future, I hope to continue judging to advance CrossFit as a competitive sport, locally and widespread.

Coach Josh Womack

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