Community

com·mu·ni·ty  

1. people in area: a group of people who live in the same area, or the area in which they live
2. people with common background: a group of people with a common background or with shared interests within society
3. nations with common history: a group of nations with a common history or common economic or political interests

When I think of the people at CrossFit Indestri (CFI), I think "community".  As defined above, #2 is exactly what it is.  Not necessarily people with a common background as we all have led very different lives and come from very different backgrounds.  But we are a group of people with a shared interest.  We all have a love/hate relationship with CrossFit LOL.

But seriously, it's very hard not to grow close to a group of people that you've completed a WOD with.  We cheer each other on, give encouragement to help keep them going, and give them a high five or props at the end of the workout.  We smile, we laugh, we sweat, and well, sometimes, we cry together.

Community is one of the top reasons I am still at CrossFit.  As much as I have learned that I love to lift heavy things, the people bring me back day after day.  Whether it's a "Hey Mighty Mouse" from coach Tyson in the morning or some "ribbing" from some of the members about whether we're ready for today's workout or not.  I don't think I could ever leave this type of environment.

Photo by Jennifer Nichol

This couldn't have been more true when I, unfortunately, had to take a total of 6 weeks off from CrossFit.  Between Pool School, a vacation, and some medical issues, it was the longest time away from these people that I've had in the past year.  And when I was going through my personal troubles, the only place I wanted to be was at CFI.  Kind of a Cheers effect.  You know "where everybody knows your name"...

While I was off, I received messages on Facebook.  "Miss you", "When are you coming back?"  "Quit slacking and get your butt in here!"  (My favourite).  Just made me miss CFI more.  So the first day I went back, I was a little emotional but boy, was I happy to see everyone.  Got some great hugs and "welcome back".

Another great testament to this community, well now more like a family, is how people stepped forward to help Chris achieve his goal at MetCon.  They were either there to watch him or there to help him.  Truly amazing!

So, if you're looking for a place where you can get fit and feel a part of a "community" like ours, then check out your local CrossFit box.  Ask the members.  I bet they say the same thing.

"Where everybody knows your name,

And they're always glad you came;

You want to go where people know,

People are all the same;

You want to go where everybody knows your name."

Where Everybody Knows Your Name by Gary Portnoy and Judy Hart Angelo

source: http://www.lyricsondemand.com/tvthemes/cheerslyrics.html