I’m pretty familiar with most fitness programs; I think I started training when there were only rocks to use to workout. Not really, but it has been a long time since I started at the age of 14. I enjoyed training so much I earned my strength and conditioning certificate and CrossFit level 1 certificate. As Garrett’s dad, I’ve had 28 years of hands on, real life experience that has taught me many lessons. Not saying I’m the smartest coach in the world – but I have knowledge and experience that isn’t very common. With this knowledge and experience, I began to look for a fitness program that would work best for Garrett. As strength and conditioning coach you tend to focus on programming – that is the choice of exercise, reps, sets and how often an athlete should be training. So walking into a L.A. Fitness for the first time with Garrett, I was focused on the workout. However, when we walked into the gym Garrett saw two of his friends from high school that he hadn’t seen since graduation. Seeing those friends changed the way that day’s workout went. The increase in enthusiasm, effort and fun was amazing to see, just having some old friends around. It’s was pretty exciting and I came home to tell Susan about what happened. So as Garrett continued his athletic journey – we came upon CrossFit – this was well before it was the big craze. The programming for CrossFit was very appealing to me as both a coach and father. CrossFit workouts are based on functional movements, and these movements reflect the best aspects of gymnastics, weightlifting, running, rowing and more. Functional Fitness benefits individuals that have physical and/or cognitive impairments even greater than that of a typical athlete. Increasing ones capability to perform everyday tasks increases overall quality of life. So from a programming standpoint it seemed obvious to us the functionality of CrossFit was the best fit for Garrett. The big win came from the class setting. People of all walks of life come together for an hour to work on their fitness. Pushing, encouraging and cheering for each other to accomplish their personal goals. This is where the sense of community starts with CrossFit. That sense of Community is the reason Garrett’s Fight Foundation chose to focus on “Adaptive CrossFit”. Modifying or scaling is part of CrossFit programming so it’s seen as a “normal” occurrence. We adapt the workouts and exercises to each individual’s capabilities. With that, anybody can be successful at CrossFit and obtain their fitness goals. The CrossFit Community isn’t about labels, special needs or disabilities - it’s about capabilities and living the healthiest fittest lifestyle one can. As our athletes join our CrossFit community they enjoy increased social skills, self esteem and most important INCLUSION! Based not on a disability - but ones capability and hard work! Fitness and inclusion has been the goal for Garrett’s Fight Foundation goal since our inception. Choosing to use “Adaptive” CrossFit has led to unbelievable success, not just with Garrett – but all the athletes we have trained so far.
If you’re interested in our “adaptive” CrossFit program or bringing a program to your box, email us at garrettsfight.com
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November 2018
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