If you type “CrossFit” into YouTube or Google, you’re usually met with two things. First, those ridiculously chiseled athletes with six-packs so profound they look carved from marble, and second, the infamous “CrossFit fails”—videos of people attempting moves and failing miserably, often resulting in injuries that are physical, mental, or emotional. I won’t lie; those clips can be pretty funny. CrossFit is easy to mock, especially when most of the mockers are sitting on the sofa with a tub of cookie dough ice cream, gearing up for another Netflix binge. But behind the memes and the fails are people hitting fitness goals, looking better, and feeling great, and maybe that’s why CrossFit gets so much shade. It’s polarizing, cultish even—“Do you even lift, bro?”
For years, I was on the mocking side. Not of the people—anyone trying to better themselves deserves respect—but CrossFit itself. I mocked it like I mock romance: acting like I hate it, but secretly, I love it. That’s where I’ve always stood with CrossFit—the high-fives, the community—I didn’t openly buy into it. Until now. This week, I finally took the plunge and got back into CrossFit after a fair few years away. Here’s my story.
My First Dance with CrossFit
My CrossFit journey began in 2014 when I was living and working on Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, as a private contractor. I’d been going to the gym regularly but was growing bored and needed something new. After some persuasion, I decided to try the CrossFit gym on camp. It was incredible. The gym was massive, based in a hangar, and stocked with top-notch gear—probably no surprise since CrossFit aligns with the military. After just one session, I was hooked.
With some of the Guys in Kandahar CrossFit
The workouts were tough, led by a crazy American guy who blasted music and often blasted my form on the rower. By today’s standards, he might represent what’s wrong with CrossFit—lots of energy, not much technical guidance—but his infectious enthusiasm kept me coming back. Before I knew it, I was showing up regularly, pushing through WODs (Workouts of the Day) alongside everyone from Navy SEALs to medics, kitchen staff to cleaners. All nationalities, all walks of life, united by the drive to push each other harder. It was a special time, and I regretted not starting sooner. Funny how life repeats itself (more on that later).
Murph became a favorite of mine. The prayer beforehand made it feel like more than just a workout; it was something bigger, a connection to a broader purpose.
Returning to the UK
When I came back to the UK in 2016, I joined CrossFit Bath after a chat with Ollie Mansbridge, someone I’ve known for years. I’d also met Shacks before—though, on a stag do, so the less said about that, the better. I loved the classes, the community, and the people I got to meet. But life had other plans. The gym relocated to Twerton Park, and the logistics didn’t work for me. Work took me away again, this time with the American forces, so I returned to a regular gym.
Then Covid hit. During lockdown, I shifted my focus to training for an Ironman, which consumed a year of my life. CrossFit had no place in that schedule. When I finally had time, CrossFit Bath had moved to a new location, but before I could rejoin, I found myself back in Afghanistan for one last stint during the final months of the conflict. With the Taliban closing in, training became a mix of flipping tires and long runs around the airfield as the camp emptied out.
Boredom and a Need for Change
Finally, I returned to the UK for good and joined a central Bath gym. It was convenient, fitting in with my new business and location, but after a year, the spark was gone. Progress plateaued, training felt like going through the motions, and I was just plain bored. I needed something different.
Over breakfast with my friend Piers and after a nudge from Fenella (apologies if I’ve spelled your name wrong!), I was convinced to rejoin CrossFit Bath. I contacted Alex, signed up, and locked in. It was time to dive back into community, into fitness, I was ready for it, high fives, burpees and all!
Back in the Box
Monday morning, 5:45 a.m., I was sitting in the car park, clutching my coffee, wondering, “What the hell am I doing?” Starting something new—or restarting—always comes with nerves, but they quickly faded as headlights lit up the lot and people began arriving.
Walking into the gym, I was struck by how amazing it looked—big, spacious, raw, but polished in all the right ways. The layout was impressive (not that I’m an expert in CrossFit gym design), and the energy was infectious. I knew immediately I’d made the right choice and that was further confirmed by the introduction and the people introducing themselves and welcoming me. I hadn’t even worked out, but already felt right at home. Testament to the ethos this gym has instilled!
The session itself flew by. From the warm-up to the WOD, everything was structured, with no thinking required—just follow the instructors, push through, and let the timer and music carry you. By the end, I was suitably wrecked and felt better than I had in years (if muscle aches is feeling good). Needless to say, I was hooked all over again.
The Box- CrossFit Bath
Why CrossFit Works
It’s Sunday now, and after three classes this week, I still can’t fully straighten my arms. But I’m already looking forward to my alarm going off at 5:20 a.m. tomorrow. It’s funny how quickly you can wish you’d started sooner. Better late than never, right?
CrossFit will always be a little polarizing. The criticism mostly comes from people who judge it by memes and videos, not by stepping into a box and experiencing it. In just one week, I’ve met new people, reconnected with old friends, and reignited a sense of belonging that I hadn’t realized I was missing. The mocker has become the mocked, or perhaps that’s just in my head.
I once heard someone say, “Walk into any CrossFit box, and you’ll see teachers, doctors, pro athletes, students, firefighters, plumbers, nurses—all kinds of people dedicating an hour of their day to being a little better than they were yesterday.” That sums it up perfectly.
Tomorrow, I’ll head back to the box, ready to get a little fitter, feel a little better, and enjoy the journey with like-minded people. There will be burpees I’m sure, there will be pain, but there will be a community of people in it together, lead by some top notch instruction in an amazing setting. Lets do this! High fives welcome.
Leave a Reply