I see you…

I see you. I see you walk into the gym, nervous you won’t know anyone and will have no one to talk to.

I see you walk into the workout room. Observing everyone around you. Not wanting to stand out. Not wanting someone to notice you. Thinking you might be an outsider.

I see you standing off to the side. Watching. Observing the other athletes in class. Wanting to be part of the crowd, but nervous you won’t fit in.

I see you look at your shoes and tug at your shirt. Wondering if you are wearing the “right” stuff. If your outfit will somehow give you away. Like you don’t belong in a CrossFit gym.

I see you. I was you. And I want you to know that you do belong. You belong just as much as every single person that walks through our doors. We are an inclusive community. We are welcoming and kind. We are proud of you for stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new. We know it’s hard. We know it’s intimidating. We know you will doubt yourself. We’ve all been there.

But we also know how amazing it will feel when you finish that workout. When you accomplish something you didn’t think you could. When you have proven to yourself that you are good enough. You can do the hard things You are worth taking care of. You matter.

And we are grateful that you have chosen CrossFit and our community to be a part of. We value you. We care about you. We care about your spouse, and your kids, and your pets, and your job, and your friends. We care about you for far more than the hour a day you are at the gym.

We want you to be successful. We want you to be comfortable stepping into the gym. We know that you will be uncomfortable during the workout – it’s like that by design. Because learning to be comfortable being uncomfortable and stepping outside your comfort zone is where personal growth happens.

I see you. And not because you don’t belong, but because you do.