Picture this: you just finished working out. You’re sweaty, exhausted, and proud of yourself for a productive session… but something’s missing. You’ve been training for months and making progress, but what you really want is someone to share your struggle with you, to see your effort and tell you how awesome you are.
Now imagine you have a class full of friends cheering you on through your last rep, congratulating and high fiving you for showing up and working hard. Even better, their praise doesn’t feel hollow, because they just went through the same exact workout. That’s a different feeling, right?
Other Gyms Focus on PRs –– but We Focus on People
I’m a numbers nerd, so believe me when I say I understand the benefits of PRs (or personal records). They allow you to objectively track your progress through heavier weights, faster times, or more complex skills. So it makes sense that many gyms prioritize celebrating those achievements.
However, while our gym does track and celebrate PRs, we believe it isn’t the most important aspect of our members’ experience. The human connection –– greeting people by name, knowing what makes them tick, sharing a sweaty high five (or fist bump) after a hard workout –– is what keeps people coming back for more.
Why High Fives Matter More Than Heavy Weights
I’ve been coaching people for over a decade, and what I’ve seen time and time again is that, although many members initially join the gym to look or perform better, almost all of them stay for the relationships they make here. As the famous proverb goes, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
Fitness isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon, and just like that proverb says, you need companions to make a long journey, especially one that can be difficult or take longer than you think it should.
That’s why we believe in the group class model. It isn’t just about logistics, it’s about making your journey with us rewarding and fun.
If You’re Still Nervous, Let’s Talk
All of this sounds great so far, but you still think you won’t be able to keep up. I get it. It can be scary trying something new, especially when you feel surrounded by people who are competent or experienced at it.
The truth is, we’ve all been there. I still remember my first day walking into a CrossFit gym twelve years ago. I had been working out on my own for at least a year, but I was still the “new kid in town” and didn’t know the difference between an AMRAP and an EMOM.
The good news is that our members are welcoming and supportive, so even if you are brand new to all of this, you have coaches, gym ambassadors, and classmates to ask when you need help.
You Don’t Need to “Get in Shape” Before Trying CrossFit
The other concern I hear all the time is that people think they are “not fit enough” to do CrossFit. That’s like someone saying they are too sick to go to the doctor! So let’s bust that myth right now
The founder of CrossFit, Greg Glassman, is known for saying that “the needs of Olympic athletes and the needs of our grandparents differ by degree, not by kind.” What does this mean? It means that, while some people may be more advanced than others, we still all need the same foundational exercises, such as squatting, lifting, pressing, pulling, etc.
Because of this philosophy, our entire program is built around the idea of “scaling” workouts to the different ability levels of each person in class, whether it’s your first workout or your thousandth. You don’t need to “get in shape” before CrossFit, you need to come to CrossFit to get in shape!
Strong is Great. Supported is Better.
Like I said earlier, we value getting fitter, faster, and stronger. There’s nothing better for your physical health than regular conditioning and resistance training… but what good are short-term improvements without long-term sustainability?
At our gym, we leverage our community to improve everyone’s health over the course of years, not just weeks or months. Our program is here to challenge you. Coaches are here to teach you. Friends are here to support you. All of us are here for each other.
What Our Members Say After Their First Month
Don’t believe me? Listen to what some of our members have said:
“The culture here is welcoming, motivating, and makes even the toughest workouts not just doable, but genuinely enjoyable!”
“I’m now committed to going pretty much daily because the energy, encouragement, and sense of community truly radiate through the space.”
“I was intimidated by the CrossFit reputation of being hard and only for super fit people, but this gym meets people of all levels where they are and helps you grow from there.”
“This gym and the coaches have absolutely changed my life.”
Why Community Is the Real Secret Behind Great Fitness Classes
If it’s not obvious by now, Community –– a supportive group of people united in a common purpose –– is our gym’s first and most important core value, and it has been since day one.
It’s well established that healthy relationships are directly correlated to better physical health, such as lower blood pressure or stronger immune systems. Even beyond that, we’ve seen what can be accomplished when you’re surrounded by friends and people who are in your corner. Surround yourself with people who believe in you, who lift you up, and who challenge you to be the best version of yourself. That’s how you win.
What Makes Our Gym Different
At CrossFit Donelson, we’re here for anyone who wants to grow. We aren’t looking for elite athletes, just people. We don’t care whether you’re a first timer, a former athlete, a soccer mom, a working professional, or a grandparent. All we care is that you’re willing to work.
Our coaches and other members will be ready to meet you, help you, and high five you on day one and every day after that. If you live in or near Donelson, and you’re searching for a place like that, we’d love to meet you. No pressure. Just people.
Spencer Smith
Owner & Head Coach
