What counting cards taught me about life.

I used to love games of chance: the energy I got from winning a big bet, and the despair I got from losing one.

Blackjack was my game because I felt I had some measure of control. I even learned how to count cards.

That all changed when I decided to get in shape.

Weird connection, I know. Stick with me.

I gambled that spending five times more on a CrossFit membership (rather than a cheap Gold’s Gym membership) and committing to CrossFit everyday, despite being the fattest and slowest person in the gym, would get me results.

Once I started seeing results, it encouraged me to keep making bets on myself, such as investing in cooking equipment and buying better quality food. I felt this was a game I could control and win (and I eventually lost 100lbs—WIN!).

When I opened CrossFit Thames (and later CrossFit Hale), it was a gamble of money, time, and our ability to figure out how to run a business enough to keep the doors open.

When I controlled the outcome, I was willing to do whatever it took to win those bets…

After doing that, blackjack was never the same.

Not enough control over the next card…pokerchips

counting gives you an educated guess, but it only gets you to 51% odds of winning.

When you gamble on yourself or people you believe in, you get to influence the outcome….

and you win a LOT more often than you lose.

This year, we are making a ton of bets on you…

>> Rolling out new programs like Nutrition coaching, Hale Kids, and an expanded MissFit

>> Developing our coaches, and training new coaches to help expand the schedule.

>> Hosting bigger and better events like the 12 days, the Hale Throwdown, and even smaller guest events like this weekend’s Barbells and Brunch.

>> Reaching out to get feedback, share wins, and give you better information through social, the new website (coming this weekend), daily emails, and the podcast.

>> Breaking ground on a $50k project next week to build you showers, changing rooms, a treatment room, and new equipment.

Why?

Because we are betting that you will be MORE committed to your health and the health of those around you when you have everything you need to be successful.

Are you gambling on yourself?

Are you willing to put the time, effort, and money to get fit, strong, and feel more energy?

Book yourself in for a “no sweat” intro here and find out if we are worth the gamble – http://www.meetme.so/crossfithale

Or simply reply and ask me a question.

Coach “double down” Jay

PS – Prices for new members go up 20% on Jan 31st, so if you’ve been on the fence, now’s your chance to get in before they go up!

Announcements:
Free workout this Saturday at 9am for guests. Barbells and brunch! Bring your favorite, easy breakfast dish and a friend, and enjoy a workout and some coffee with friends!

Workout of the Day:

Skills:
burpee pull ups
clapping push ups

Workout of the Day:
In pairs:

4 rounds for time of:
400m run
20 burpee pull ups
30 partner clapping push ups

One person works at a time, both run together

Advanced, go solo

  
Coaches Notes:
Both of you run together. Split up the work any way you like for the burpee pull ups. For the partner clapping push ups, you should both go down and up together and clap hands at the top.

You can scale to burpee ring rows or knee push ups as necessary.