I won’t lie to you, yesterday scared the crap out me. I spent most of the day watching the news and talking to other business owners about Doom’s Day type scenarios.
As tough as yesterday was I woke up today rejuvenated and ready to push forward. Much of what is going on in the world is out of our control. Whatever is meant to happen is going to happen and it’s important for us to focus on the things we can control, make whatever positive impact we can, and continue to serve our members the best way we know how.
I think at this point we all understand how to protect ourselves and others. We have all received countless emails telling us to wash our hands and stay home if we feel sick. At this point, I won’t continue to lecture you on basic hygiene practices, but instead layout a plan as we push forward.
While times can certainly seem dark we do have a few bright spots to hang our hats on:
- You’ve prioritized your health and fitness. You’ve done everything you can to prepare for anything. You’re strong and healthy, and you have an iron will earned through training. That virus is going to have a fight on its hands if it runs into you.
- People in Pittsburgh have time to prepare. While gyms in Italy and Denmark have been shut down, we have time to plan. We’ll be very prepared to help our clients stay fit as governments work to manage the pandemic.
- Spring is on the way, and we’ll be able to use large, well ventilated outside spaces should the need arise.
- We’re talking to the best gym owners and business mentors daily to learn how we can serve our clients best right now. We know people around the world, and as a client of ours, you’ll benefit from that. You can expect a world-class response to the coronavirus without a pause in your training despite what may come.
- We are keeping Arsenal as close to spotless as we can. Daily cleanings are in full effect and you can expect that to continue to ensure that we are all working out in the safest environment possible.
Long-Term Plans
We are preparing in case the government-mandated closures in other places happen here. As a leader in the fitness industry, we have a huge network of resources, and we’re using that to make a solid plan.
If we must close, we will not stop providing you with coaching, programming, and inspiration. We will use the internet to program and instruct workouts. We take a lot of pride in being a rock for our clients, and we’ll make sure you keep working out even if the government wants you to do it at home. You pay us for coaching, and we will deliver it without interruption.
We will program workouts every day, with precise instruction. We’ll tell you how to use household items, and we’ll leverage technology to coach you. We are more than prepared for this.
To help you prepare, here’s a to-do list from our friends at CrossFit 204:
1. Go out and buy a kettlebell or a set of dumbbells. You can probably get something for about $50 or less. Dicks Sporting Goods and Dunham’s are close by, and there are tons of online retailers. Select a weight that you would use in a conditioning workout (25, 35, and 55 lb. kettlebells are common, as are 20, 35, and 50- lb. dumbbells). This will be your primary piece of at-home fitness equipment. Don’t worry: You can stay very fit with just one kettlebell or dumbbell.
2. If you have the cash, buy one heavy object and one lighter object. Maybe a few different ones. If you have additional cash, pick up anything else you might want—it can all go on vacation with you when things are back to normal. If you don’t have cash, get creative. Fill some jugs with water, clean off that old tire in the garage, and so on.
3. Make a space where you can work out with us online. It should be about 8 feet by 8 feet. Just don’t knock over plants or do a burpee on the dog’s tail.
4. Create Instagram and Facebook accounts if you don’t have them. We’ll likely use those platforms to run workouts.
5. Make sure you have a way to set up a phone or iPad so you can see and hear us during the online session.
6. High-five the Internet.
We sincerely hope to avoid any government-mandated closures, but we are prepared for everything.
You will be taken care of. We’ll show the exact same enthusiasm and care over the internet. You won’t get a physical fist bump after a great workout, but our emoji game is very, very strong.