Before you read too much further, there are a few things I think you should know:
- I am an old white guy – no surprise there
- I’ve been doing CrossFit for about a year
- This is an attempt to mix some of the ideals of MLK with the community of CrossFit. Who knows if it will work?
As we again celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I often wonder what does it mean to me? What does it mean for me? Being a 55-year-old white male, I obviously haven’t suffered the injustices endured by MLK and so many others. On the contrary, I wonder if I’ve actively done anything to alleviate these ongoing injustices.
Raised in a white neighborhood, having attended Catholic schools and Church my entire life, diversity is not part of my everyday world. It’s not that I avoided it. I suppose it’s more that I never really found it. Or actively sought it out. Maybe its just that I haven’t taken full advantage of situations to expand my diversified horizons.
And then, about a year ago, I joined Omnis CrossFit. (Ok..stop it. I can see your eyes rolling!!)
I’m not going to delve into the nuances of CrossFit. That’s not what this is about. (Although I have learned not to giggle snort when we talk about the Snatch and the Jerk.) Instead, I want to share how this interesting, diverse community meshes will with the words of Dr. Martin Luther King.
Omnis CrossFit a diverse Box. (“Box” is CrossFit lingo for “gym.”) Not only do we cover the spectrum (or rainbow) in creed and color, we have quite a range in ages – from those in their teens to those in mid to late 50s, and even 60s. We have couples and even families that work out together. We have single parents, adoptive parents, folks new to the area, and folks just passing through. It’s almost a live-action version of Toby Keith’s “I Love This Bar”. While I think our club is unique in its friendliness and cleanliness, it’s approach to community and its overall family atmosphere, are common goals among the CrossFit world.
In reflecting on today, I am reminded how so many of MLK’s words resonate with what happens within our CrossFit community. Please be aware that these comparisons in no way are meant to trivialize the larger meaning behind these words of wisdom. They struck a harmonious chord with me. I’m hoping that they can do the same for you today.
“We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.”
CrossFit is built on a culture of community. There are wide variances in age, background, ethnicity and culture within our membership. Although each group workout is relatively small in numbers (8 – 12), we all experience the same grueling, yet rewarding daily workout. Our aches, pains and even groans are common as we all shared in the same workout for that day.
What we share greatly overshadows our differences. Communities such as this would not exist if it were not for Dr. King leading the fight for justice for all.
“Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. This is the interrelated structure of reality.”
Keeping within the community spirit, even though we perform as individuals during each workout, we know we are all united in our overall goals. Members rarely leave the gym until everyone has completed the hourly workout. Usually, those that have completed the workout will be standing by, encouraging and cheering on those that are still performing. It is truly a group united.
Dr. King’s words remind us that we must learn to live, work and play together as brothers or perish as fools.
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
At the end of any CrossFit workout, you will see a roomful of athletes lying on the ground, out of breath with blank stares and looks of exhaustion. There is no comfort or convenience during a CrossFit workout.
We experience each other when we are physically challenged. Granted, it is by choice. But even then, you gain insight into the character of your fellow athletes.
CrossFit workouts frequently honor our nation’s fallen soldiers. These “Hero” workouts remind us of those that have made the ultimate sacrifice and have proven their true measure.
Today, many CrossFit box will honor MLK with a workout in his honor.
“Human progress is neither automatic, nor inevitable…Every step of the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concerns of dedicated individuals.”
Every CrossFit athlete has different goals – whether it is to add strength, lose weight, compete in CrossFit games or anything in between. Many use their workouts as just an hour of structured “me time.” You will not find a group of more passionate, dedicated individuals than in our CrossFit box.
Because of Dr King’s legacy, we re able to work together, to pray together, to play together, and yes, to struggle together.
On this day as we celebrate and recall the dream of Martin Luther King, Jr, I can see that progress is being made. Slowly. I have gotten stronger – in ways beyond just physical strength. But with respect to both physical strength and in working toward the goal of strength through diversity, I still have much work to do.
We all still have work to do.