Tenyears ago we took a leap of faith.
FirePower CrossFit opened for business onJune 1st, 2008 on Main Street in Milton. A handful of early-adopters camethrough the doors and many tire kickers came to see this CrossFit-thing they kepthearing about. We were about box number 250 to join as an affiliate. Today there are over 13,000 CrossFit gymsworldwide.
Fewknew at the time what they were really getting into.
In the early days ourcoaching staff of Travis, Brian, Chris, Dan, Kim, Mark, Heather& George were mostly 911's and they used CrossFit training to performtheir police & fire fighter duties safely and confidently. Our coaches wereour most elite athletes at the time, and many thought that CrossFit was justfor the elite, 911’s, or simply crazy people.
Butit was fun. It was different. And new customers were intrigued. Most weresurprised when they walked in the doors - no glitz, no glam, no mirrors, and noa/c. Then they got the sticker shock of the price. "You want me to paywhat??"
"Yes, we do. And here'swhy..."
Adecade has passed and most of our original coaching staff are still part of theteam today. That is almost unheard of in the fitness industry. Typicallycoaching staff come and go in short spurts. And a large number of original membersare also still here today as well after almost a decade.
WhileCrossFit is known for producing strong, fit people, there’s something magicalabout being part of a CrossFit community that goes way beyond the workouts.
- Men and women discovered a new level of self-confidence;as parents, in the workplace, and in themselves. We see them standing taller, holding theirheads higher, and finding an encouraging, supportive side of themselves theydidn’t know existed.
- Many found their life partner in the communityand brought new life into the world as a result. These babies are now joining the FirePowerKids program.
- Some found fitness in their 40’s and50’s that they never knew growing up.
- Many have turned their health metricsaround at their doctor’s offices and got off medications.
- They’ve developed a village-approach andtribe mentality around raising all our children. Taking responsibility and leadingby example for their children and others’ children in the community
- Couples found a new level of relationship,developed a fitness hobby together and reconnected in a passionate and fun way.
- As jobs and careers changed, lay-offs,etc., people found a safe place to simply ‘be’…to feel connected, welcomed, andencouraged in difficult times.
Over10 years, members & coaches have had to learn how to manage their agingbodies; to dig for courage to restart time and time again after injury or timeaway; and stay humble as younger athletes join and surpass wod scores andtimes.
Andwe’ve all found a place to call home. Toaccept each other and be accepted despite all our quirkiness and differingpersonalities. We love hard and givelove equally hard.
That’swhat it means to be #10YearsCrossFitStrong.
On Friday June 1st, we will be doing a special 10 year tribute wod all day in each class. And in support of it, we are asking for a small donation to support SickKids Hospital.
Thank you for accepting us and supporting us from years 1 thru 10, wherever you are on your journey.
We are honoured to be part of it!
Sincerely,
George, Andrea & the entire FirePower Community
P.S. Join our friends at FirePower Kids this Sunday for their 5th anniversary celebration as well. All are welcome!
