A New Year
A Healthy Epidemic?
Before 2020, the term pandemic certainly had historical implications. But it didn’t necessarily carry the comprehension it does now, as we continue our collective global experience in the midst of COVID-19.
In fact, in our current state of society, if someone says “the pandemic,” it’s a no-brainer as to what they mean. They’re speaking in capital letters. The Pandemic.
For many, this pandemic has meant a loss of financial security, a loss of social interaction, a loss of mental stability, and, worst of all, a loss of loved ones.
However, despite this hardship, and despite the negative connotations with the word, an epidemic can also be a reference to social behavior. For those familiar with the work of Malcolm Gladwell and John Decker, human behavior is contagious. In this sense, ideas, information, and actions can spread like viruses do.
This is where Amplify fits in.
Our gym is a social network. The healthy epidemic? Fitness. But not just in the physical sense. Amp is a community fit to nurture social, mental, and emotional well-being.
Positivity is contagious. And it is passed through our amazing community, year in and year out.
Going Viral
CrossFit has seen its fair share of ups and downs in popularity since its inception in 2000. After steady growth early on, it became a well-known term by the 2010s, garnering either love or hate across Internetland for intense workouts and cult-like fanaticism.
Arguably, the brand hit its pinnacle of mass appeal from 2016-2018 when the CrossFit Open had its most participants (415,000 in 2018) and global affiliates hit record numbers (over 15,000 by 2019). Involvement from Reebok and EPSN helped the CrossFit Games hit mainstream vernacular.
If CrossFit is truly past its prime, it received no help this year from ownership, unfortunately. During the social unrest after the murder of George Floyd and subsequent riots across the states, CrossFit headquarters went viral— for all the wrong reasons. Founder Greg Glassman posted some questionable and racially tone deaf comments on social media, causing a huge fallout across CrossFit affiliates and top competitive athletes. The call for change led to Eric Roza taking over as CEO.
Time will tell how things trend.
In the meantime, CrossFit Amplify will hold its name and the belief that members always understand our ultimate goal— building a fitness community infectious with positive change and healthy sustainability.
A Breath of Fresh Air
The world is looking for a new start in 2021. We’d love to leave the past behind and get back to “normal.” The reality, of course, is that a new calendar year doesn’t mean issues simply disappear. We will be working to mitigate disease and break social inequities for the foreseeable future.
That’s not to say we should be pessimistic. We can absolutely look ahead with hope.
After all, many of us value the lessons learned this year even if we despised the events of 2020. We see our priorities with a much clearer lens. We were forced to slow down. We were implored to look inward. For the most part, our priorities boil down to the three main parts of life: physical health, mental health, and social health.
Think of your own 2020. It has created a sense of what’s truly important, right? And, as a guess, that starts with family and friends.
We have always considered Amplify a second family. We use that term all the time— AmpFam.
Our second family took a hit this year, with quarantine requiring us to spend time apart. We worked to stay connected virtually, hitting home workouts and then creating (and updating) safety procedures once we reentered the facility. Still, now, many await a safer time before returning for in-person workouts.
And that’s okay. Breathe in. Breathe out. Let’s forge ahead together… safely.
Like a Shot in the Arm
Keep in mind that as the new year begins, it’s not just about resolutions, it’s about a lifestyle. It’s not just about goals, it’s about a system. A lifestyle that includes a system of wellness lasts far longer than short-term objectives.
Let the new year be invigorating. Let it be a reset and renewal. Let it be the shot in the arm you need it to be.
Make sure to remember that our community, our system, is not just about exercise. It’s a place for social strength and mental conditioning. It’s camaraderie. It’s love.
So many members share the sentiment that Amplify was a saving grace this year. Yet the same is true for us as coaches. Without our loyal members, we wouldn’t have survived 2020.
Amplify is the location, but the heart and soul is the people.
The Yearly Challenge
Each year we offer a motivational challenge to each and every reader, as prompted by our own love/hate relationship with CrossFit and the tough workouts we endure.
See our six-part blog series, “Maximizing Your Amplify Experience.”
Check past posts regarding the fitness equation, dedication, progress, community, and many more topics in the Articles section of our website.
Ask questions. Seek out answers.
Step back and do some self-reflection. Think about what can be done to continue or set into motion your dedicated lifestyle.
What brought you in to the gym in the first place? Why did you step foot into Amplify?
What are you doing to take the next step, to make the next advancement in your fitness journey?
Where can the trainers help? Specifically, what can you communicate that would further benefit the time you put in the gym?
Whether you are an Amplify veteran or have just joined our ranks, we’re glad you’re with us. Here’s looking ahead at another year of fitness without boundaries.
Thanks for reading throughout the years. Be well, now and always.
– Scott, 01.01.2021
