Coronavirus: support your local Box.
Honestly, I would never have thought of having to write this post but the circumstances are what they are and so here I am again, extending my appeal to all Italian CrossFitters and not only those in Lombardy that I published last weekend . Seeing the trends in the world I am afraid that this post will be valid also in many other countries but Italy even if I deeply hope to be wrong.
I have to say that not everyone understood what I wrote and some resented it because I asked to support their Box. We are in a democracy and everyone is free to express their thoughts so I accept criticism but they will not stop my thinking in this situation.
Boxes closed but not stopped
The boxes are closed all over Italy and I know how frustrating it is, especially for the most avid CrossFitter not being able to train, however we always say that those who do CrossFit must be prepared for the unexpected and this is definitely the time to put it into practice.
Many Box Owners and Trainers are showing that with a bit of adaptation it is possible to train even while staying at home and are keeping the attention of their members alive by offering homemade WODs with all the appropriate scaling so that everyone can perform them. Of course it’s not like staying in the Box, certainly it’s not like having all the equipment available, but we are in a particular moment and we must all do our part by accepting small sacrifices.
The important thing, besides following the safety instructions of the authorities and avoiding the gatherings of people, is not to give up. Who is not really a “training addicted” could let go and stop moving, frustrating all the work done so far and the results obtained. This has to be avoided so stay at home but stay away from the fridge and move; there are a lot of exercises that you can do and your coaches are showing them to you.
For the next three weeks, hoping that they are not more, the way you train but the spirit changes and even if the community at this point becomes totally virtual, do not lose sight of your training companions and keep in touch. However, some Boxes offer a kind of class, bringing together small groups on Skype or other similar programs. I know, it is strange but it serves to not lose the sense of community.
We are CrossFitter and we know how to deal with difficulties
We are CrossFitter and certainly it will not be a virus, however subtle, to stop and prevent us from doing what we like to do more, But we are also responsible people, who care about the well-being of others and that is why unless that there are no mandatory reasons, we would do better to stay at home. It is a question of respect and as we know how to deal with longer WODs, we will also be able to deal with this situation. One rep at a time, as we always have.
As I have already had occasion to write, your Box Owners and your Coaches are suffering enormous damage from this situation which in many cases seriously compromises the very existence of the Box and also in this case I ask you to behave as responsible and grateful people.
From their homes they let you know that you are there, they keep you united and trained and they do it first of all because their passion for what they do is great but also because their mission is to help you improve at any cost, even inventing new ways to do it and keep you active. Your coaches don’t stop and they are always there for you, even in this situation.
For many of these kids, who have struggled to make their dream come true, their future is at stake, which depends largely on you. They helped you, they made you have fun, they made you grow and improve, and they always have been for you. Now it’s up to you to show your gratitude and solidarity.
Do not ask for refunds for your unused subscriptions and even if many Box Owners will probably decide to make you recover the lost days, if you can give up this additional gift they make you and pay for your subscriptions anyway. It is a temporary situation but for some very difficult, do it to be sure of having a box to return to. It is a way like any other to say “thank you coach”.
The photo of the post is the Logo launched by a Lombard Box, CrossFIt Lab 3.0 for CrossFitters with the message that whatever the situation, your coaches are always there for you and also to show that CrossFitters never lose heart . To be able to use it for your social profile to tell everyone that, virus or not, you remain decayed and trained.