The feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals. I came across this as a definition of community and automatically the concept of CrossFit came to mind. CrossFit is powerful in it’s ability to unify people. It makes total sense why I’ve stuck with CrossFit over the years, while other fitness pursuits have come and gone. I love having a sense of belonging, shared interest and seeing people regularly who share commonalities; even if this is simply the workout we attacked together that day.
The value I place on being part of a community goes back to my roots. I grew up in a Newfoundland fishing village of about 80 people. Everyone knew and helped one another. The local fisherman traded their catch with the farmers who in turn provided produce. Neighbours watched one another’s children. Support networks were formed without anyone even realizing. People left keys in the ignition of their cars in case someone needed to borrow the vehicle. No one locked their house doors. Help yourself to sugar in my pantry if you’ve run out was the mentality. I spent my first 17 years in this community, Point-aux-Gaul. Community feels like home.
The sense of community within CrossFit is unique. Everyone knows one another, you’re greeted by name as you enter, there is always someone to help with technique, you compare workout results, chat about common interests. This doesn’t happen in regular gyms. At regular gyms, people rarely speak to one another and the goal is to get in, exercise and get out. At CrossFit you know other members, their life stories … you feel like part the mortar. Members become friends and part of your network. If you have never been connected to a CrossFit Community, you are in for a treat when you take the leap and join! I look forward to getting to know you all and hear about your stories.
Starting a CrossFit Gym means creating a community of people. It also means fostering the health and wellness of that community. In my opinion, exercise is the best medicine, playing a large role in maintaining both physical and emotional health. A close second would be sound nutritional practices. Followed then by social connectedness; a sense of belonging. It’s incredible to me that CrossFit can offer members a social network of people who value exercise and good nutritional practices. Sounds like the recipe for health and longevity all whilst having fun. After all, our habits are most affected by the habits of those we are surrounded by. I became a doctor 10 years ago to help people by promoting and assisting in health maintenance for those that I care for. I became a teacher in the field of medicine to help further my reach – assisting others in becoming physicians and promoting health. Becoming a CrossFit owner, I get to add depth to the impact I can have, I can be an ambassador for wellness amongst community that will become Defy Functional Fitness. My very own CrossFit Community. I couldn’t feel more grateful to be on the cusp of this passion project. As the space continues to develop, I feel a sense of pride and excitement for what’s to come. I cannot wait to share this with you when the doors open.
Defy Functional Fitness, as I mentioned is project that has risen from passion. Part of this passion comes from my partner Darren, who is not only my business partner but more importantly my life partner, sharing the same values, goals and energy for CrossFit and the development of a stellar gym community. I feel fortunate to have him to share this journey with – my best friend, the love of my life and my business partner – the two of us working together to build a solid centre for training and health – Defy Functional Fitness. See you all at “Defy” soon!
Michelle