925, CrossFit, And The Past Few Days
925 Community,
(6/8/2020)
Some of you may have seen the events that unfolded within the CrossFit community this weekend, and I’m sure they will be ongoing for some time.
To give some context and background, I'll explain the structure of CrossFit, its leadership, and its relationship to 925:
CrossFit HQ is in charge of the CrossFit training methodology, certifications, and the CF educational/media presence. Greg Glassman is the CEO and creator of the CrossFit brand.
925 is a CrossFit affiliate, which means we pay a fee each year to legally use the CrossFit name. Our workouts are our own, and are based on principles from CrossFit, as well as many other fitness methods gathered from years of experience in this industry. We do not take orders or guidelines from CrossFit HQ, and outside of our affiliation to legally use the name, throughout eight years of affiliation, they have never asked or directed us to do a single thing.
925 is, and always has been, its own community and business, built from the ground up following the values and vision Diana and I have had for how we believe we can best help others.
I explain this because most people don't have a correct understanding of affiliates’ relationship/requirements with CrossFit HQ, so this should shed some light on the relationship 925 has with HQ.
Recently, Greg Glassman made insensitive and callous comments on social media and treated a fellow affiliate owner in a way that completely opposes our 925 values. He was rude, condescending and allowed his emotions to override his better judgment. We do not support his behavior and regret the shadow it has cast over the CrossFit community as of late.
925 is a unique community of people. Each day, we aim to live out our values, and love and care for each person we have the privilege to interact with and lead through their journey to a better life through fitness and wellness. If I, or any one of our team, had said the things Greg Glassman had said, I would expect to lose the respect of all those we serve at 925.
925 came into existence out of the desire Diana and I had to help others and share the love of Jesus with all those we possibly can, using fitness as the platform. Those of you who know us know we do this to the best of our ability in every way we possibly can. We have definitely made our fair share of mistakes along the way, but have grown immensely and learned the vital importance of cultivating meaningful relationships, serving our team and clients with a humble, joyful attitude, and continuously shining a bit of God’s light on our community, using the gifts and opportunities He’s blessed us with.
925 refers to 1st Corinthians 9:25, which says “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”
We know we only have so much time with you, and we want every minute to be spent bettering your lives for things that matter most. Our values are what guide us to love all of those around us, following in the footsteps of our Creator and Savior.
CrossFit was the catalyst, as a training methodology and, more broadly, an all-inclusive community that allowed us to most effectively build a gym where we could accomplish our mission.
As you have come to expect, we don't do anything rashly. However, Diana and I have been discussing what our relationship with CrossFit will look like in the future, especially if Glassman remains CEO. The methodology has helped us change many lives over the years. There are also many wonderful people working at CFHQ, and CrossFit is far more than one man. However, if 925 is to be associated with something, it needs to align with our values. We’re hopeful we will see the other 15,000 affiliate owners and 925 pull their weight and effect positive change within the CrossFit organization, but time will tell how this will play out.
Thankfully we have the ability to choose to follow our own values and chart our own course; we will do so promptly. We are officially changing our name to 925 Strong.
As for our affiliation, when we are due for renewal, we will assess what changes have been made within CrossFit and decide whether we wish to continue to be associated with the organization.
As for our classes, programs and culture, which have been developed uniquely within 925, you will not see any changes. Know when you show up to the gym, it will still be a place where you are warmly welcomed and provided with the service, smiles, and professionalism you know and appreciate. We plan to continue letting our actions demonstrate our beliefs.
925 exists to care for and improve the lives of as many people as we possibly can, and we will serve you in this by standing steadfastly by the values you know we uphold. Whatever the outcome in the future, please know that we will do whatever will allow us to make the greatest positive impact on our clients, team, and community.
Thank you for being with us along this journey as we continue to pursue our mission – our passion! – at 925 Strong!
--------------------------- Glassman resigns --- Castro takes over 6_9_2020------------------
925 Community,
6/10/2020
The past few days have been a whirlwind of events. Watching what has unfolded within CrossFit has been difficult, but at the same time, we have seen positive change. Please read this when you get a chance, from CrossFit HQ: https://www.crossfit.com/why-didnt-crossfit-just-say-someth…
Greg Glassman has chosen to resign his position as CEO of CrossFit. Dave Castro has taken over this role.
Their comments are below:
Greg Glassman:
“I’m stepping down as CEO of CrossFit, Inc., and I have decided to retire. On Saturday I created a rift in the CrossFit community and unintentionally hurt many of its members. Since I founded CrossFit 20 years ago, it has become the world’s largest network of gyms. All are aligned in offering an elegant solution to the vexing problem of chronic disease. Creating CrossFit and supporting its affiliates and legions of professional trainers has been a labor of love.
Those who know me know that my sole issue is the chronic disease epidemic. I know that CrossFit is the solution to this epidemic and that CrossFit HQ and its staff serve as the stewards of CrossFit affiliates worldwide. I cannot let my behavior stand in the way of HQ’s or affiliates’ missions. They are too important to jeopardize.”
Dave Castro:
“CrossFit is a community — one that is global, diverse, and tough. Every person in our community shares a common bond. We are all dedicated to a visionary, transformative approach to health and fitness. Our individual passions for that approach have forged an enduring community.
Our community is hurt, though. Our shared bond brings together millions of people with differing opinions, viewpoints, and experiences. Friction is inevitable. Common ground, mutual respect, and fellowship must also be inevitable. I’m honored to take on the role of CEO of CrossFit, Inc. I hope to do right by affiliates, trainers, athletes, and other members of the CrossFit community around the world and never lose sight of the mission Greg established for us all.”
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I am thankful, and impressed, that CrossFit and Greg Glassman moved as quickly as they did to recognize and address where they were wrong, both personally and professionally, and take immediate action. Many companies go on “apology tours” after something like this, but after reading both Glassman’s statement and HQ’s thoughts and plans for the future, I believe they are sincere.
Glassman has always been rough around the edges, and a bulldog when it comes to fighting for what he believes is right. His recent comments and treatment of others was unacceptable, especially for someone in leadership. Fortunately, he quickly realized this, apologized, and took action toward allowing CrossFit to continue helping people by opening the door for better leadership and a refocusing on their purpose.
Forgiveness is a huge part of 925’s value system. None of us is immune to slipups and mistakes. I know I’ve said and done plenty of things I’ve needed forgiveness for, from my family, friends, and those I serve. Jesus said 'Love your neighbor as yourself,’ and part of that comes through forgiveness, grace, and the compassion required to help others grow through mistakes.
While 925 will continue to grow under ‘925 Strong’ as a broader brand and continue to watch and help provide feedback and accountability to CrossFit, we are not going to end our CrossFit affiliation at this time. With many things, time and events may alter decisions, but we believe the changes that have been made thus far are genuine, and while born out of a difficult, painful situation, we have hope they are lasting.
CrossFit has, under the guidance of Greg Glassman and the HQ Staff, done an incredible amount of good in the world. It changed the course of my own life and provided a way for Diana and me to better serve those around us through fitness and relationships.
Over the years, 925 has developed its own values and culture. We also enjoy our own style of workouts and perspectives on health and wellness that haven’t always exactly mirrored CrossFit or other gyms. We view our differences as part of what makes the affiliate community better; if we all had the same opinions, preferences, and way of doing things; we would never be sharpened, never challenged to question what we do and why we do it. In many ways, diversity is a source of our strength.
We want to fan the flame of health – its physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects – through 925 and CrossFit to the best of our abilities. CrossFit’s new iteration of its values may not resonate with every gym, but their acknowledgment of their responsibility to protect, nurture and grow the methodology by being inclusive and caring for those they influence is encouraging.
We’re looking forward to continuing to pour into the 925 and CrossFit communities and support the greater cause of furthering health through fitness.