As you know well by now, I don't hold back my thoughts and opinions when it comes to integrity in my profession, and within the sport we love called "CrossFit".
It takes years to master movements and to make industry standards… well, "standard"!
The larger the CrossFit bubble gets, the thinner it's skin becomes,,, let me explain…
I hold myself to very high standards and expectations… and those standards and expectations have been passed down to our coaches, and then to you. Our expectations are real, not fabricated… and based on the potential we believe you DON'T KNOW you possess. We realize each RedShed athlete is in a different place, and will need to be treated with respect regarding that fact.
When we coach and teach, it's based on principles that have been in place for years… the same principles "the founder" used in 1974… which is why "74" is seen on so much of your CF gear.
The "eye test" is truly a judgement call! What I mean is that each individual coach sees things as they see them… it's a judgement call! If you are taught crappy movement without the basic principles in place, that's what you will get. You pass the eye test with that particular coach, but might fail miserably when put into a position where industry standards are strictly enforced.
Well, what about our daily WODs, coach??? I see stuff everyday that doesn't pass the eye test…
My answer to that is simple and complex at the same time. Most of what "you" would consider not passing the eye test is based on where that particular athlete is "right now", and "your perception" of what passes "your" eye test.
There are factors that will limit range of motion, strength and skills… like gender, biological age, training age, innate flexibility, past injuries and overall structure. Perhaps those athletes are just not ready to "compete"… but that doesn't mean they are cheating in their training… remember, it's a process; we are all on a journey!… keyword = TRAINING!
What I see everyday at the shed is fulfilling to me as a coach. The training environment we have created allows for each of you to learn, understand, train and implement the movement standards and integrity we hold so close to the vest. Training + effort = a potent combination we like to call fitness!
Our program is not designed to create a revolving door of boot camps with barbells, but instead to plant the seeds of fitness, health, wellness and fulfillment. It's not for the immediate, or for the short term… it's to help you develop a lifestyle around positive behaviors that will last a lifetime. It's not about the quick fix, monthly specials, or groupons… nothing is free, and a lifetime of feeling good isn't going to come from anything that is worth nothing.
As the skin of the bubble gets thinner, so do those standards and expectations I hold so dear to my heart. I find myself no longer interested in attending competitions, or being enamored by what's out there. Why? Well, it's because for the past few years, most of what I see doesn't pass the eye test, "my" eye test. It is glaringly obvious to me that a lot of the stuff out there is crap (yup, I went there, and I said it!)
Fulfillment in achievement is never reached via cheating.
Lazy leaders build weak armies.
There is no easy way to earn anything that is worth something to you.
… and those are my words!
And competing is just a very small part of what we do… I will save my views on competition for another essay!
Nice blog
Thanks for sharing