The Cult of CrossFit is in Community: The Desire to Belong

Together we are Stronger

There are more CrossFit gyms in the world than Starbucks in the US.

Let that sink in a moment.

CrossFit began its monumental growth in 2000, soaring to over 13,000 locations in 2017. The cult-like fanaticism of its followers has led it to become the most dominant fitness trend of all time.

Why has CrossFit been so successful?

Beyond the tremendous health benefits of the workouts, nutrition, or lifestyle philosophy, it has captured an element of society that has long been disappearing. CrossFit instills a sense of community and social belonging in its members.

Communities are Disappearing

Let’s take a stroll down memory lane (for some of us). Churches were the heart of families and communities for centuries. They would bring families and communities together in celebration, fellowship, and supporting one another in hard times.

Now in the 2000’s, we don’t have the same troubles our ancestors once had, and there’s never been a better time for freedom of speech, global connectedness via the internet, and ability to choose where we live.

As a result, our connections have grown broader, yet research shows they are shallower than ever:

girl-drinking-coffee-alone-cult-of-crossfit-post-wod-fever

Communities are disappearing and leaving us lonely

Welcome to the Matrix

Today’s quick and easy access to devices and the internet has led to an explosion in how much easier it is to connect, and yet has left us feeling lonelier and more disconnected than ever. Despite the hundreds of hours Americans spend on social media, the divide in real life has only grown larger.

People are lonelier, less engaged, and less active than ever before. Even in fitness, people are more likely to plug in some headphones and jump on the treadmill than grab a buddy for a nice run under the sun.

neo-the-matrix-red-pill-cult-of-crossfit-post-wod-fever

Is there a Red Pill? (Matrix fans enjoy)

Community is the Solution

As Churches and garage sales fade, people still have that same desire for connectedness and community. That kind of connection that can’t be achieved through Facebook likes alone.

man-alone-at-gym-cult-of-crossfit-post-wod-fever

This would be easier with a friend

Adolescents and adults may turn to traditional gyms or recreational sporting events. The large franchise gyms might give you a warm welcome tour, have some familiar faces, maybe even an occasional spot buddy or two. But, unless you’re very outgoing, it’s difficult to turn strangers into friends or feel like you’re part of something bigger than yourself. People are still left glued to treadmill televisions, iPods, and noise-cancelling headphones.

What makes CrossFit Special?

CrossFit offers a completely different experience. Boxes are communities and families. The owners and coaches are spouses, siblings, and best friends. They have community roots and they welcome members warmly into their circle.

WODs may be individually scored, but they are completed with team spirit and group effort. The advanced athletes always rush to cheer on the rest of their class. When you’ve got a squad of people screaming at you to finish a set of rope climbs, you’ll be amazed to learn how much more you have left in the tank.

finishing-last-crossfit-quote-cult-of-crossfit-post-wod-fever

Birthdays, newborns, and holidays are all celebrated together. Everyone knows when you reach a new PR. Your box mates hold you accountable to missing a class and showing up on time.

Sound like a family? CrossFit combines the best of fitness with the healthy atmosphere of a community.

Join the CrossFit Community

With over 17,000 affiliates world-wide, there’s a likely a CrossFit Box within 20 minutes of your home.

crossfit-affiliate-map-cult-of-crossfit-post-wod-fever

Source: www.map.crossfit.com

When you sign-up for a membership, you’re buying into an experience and a fitness family. You receive the expertise of trained, athletic coaches, access to state-of-the-art equipment and exercise programming, and most of all, entrance into a vast community of fitness fanatics.

CrossFit is growing larger each year. It’s helping people fall back in love with fitness with the help of a supportive and nurturing community.

Have you found your tribe?


WOD Fever

Motivation. Information. Preparation.

We want to make every WOD your best WOD.  

WOD Fever represents CrossFit athletes, weightlifters, bodybuilders, and anyone who has a "workout of the day".  Join our community and follow us for more WOD BOD Interviews, fitness news, training tips, and deals on gear.  


Liquid error (sections/article-template line 48): Could not find asset snippets/relatedblogs.liquid

598 comments

  • URGENT AND EFFECTIVE LOVE SPELL CASTER TO HELP YOU GET BACK YOUR EX LOVER VERY FAST WHATSAPP +2348124644470

    My Name is Micheline Peric from Ireland, I want to say thank you to PRIEST WISDOM for the good thing he has done for me,Though am not sure if this is the best forum to show my joy and happiness for what he has done for me but i can’t hide happiness and my Joy so i have to share it with people, my marriage got crashed about two years ago and i tried all i could within my power but to no avail. I saw a post and testimonial about the good things PRIEST WISDOM has been doing so I decided to give it a try. though he is always a busy man but when he responded back to my email, he gave me 24hours for my marriage to be restored really just like he said my marriage was restored since then I am happy and i am living happily i am so grateful, PRIEST WISDOM you can always email him here: Supernaturalspell0@gmail.com or WHATSAPP / cell phone +2348124644470 or view his blog his web page https://supernaturalspell21.blogspot.com/ or go to his page https://web.facebook.com/PRIESTWISDOM11

    Micheline Peric
  • URGENT AND EFFECTIVE LOVE SPELL CASTER TO HELP YOU GET BACK YOUR EX LOVER VERY FAST WHATSAPP +2348124644470

    My Name is Micheline Peric from Ireland, I want to say thank you to PRIEST WISDOM for the good thing he has done for me,Though am not sure if this is the best forum to show my joy and happiness for what he has done for me but i can’t hide happiness and my Joy so i have to share it with people, my marriage got crashed about two years ago and i tried all i could within my power but to no avail. I saw a post and testimonial about the good things PRIEST WISDOM has been doing so I decided to give it a try. though he is always a busy man but when he responded back to my email, he gave me 24hours for my marriage to be restored really just like he said my marriage was restored since then I am happy and i am living happily i am so grateful, PRIEST WISDOM you can always email him here: Supernaturalspell0@gmail.com or WHATSAPP / cell phone +2348124644470 or view his blog his web page https://supernaturalspell21.blogspot.com/ or go to his page https://web.facebook.com/PRIESTWISDOM11

    Micheline Peric
  • Hi everyone I am Emily Naomi wanna give a big thanks to this wonderful psychic for bringing my husband back to me… I never really believed in magic spells or anything spiritual but a trusted friend opened my eyes to the truth about life. My marriage was heading to divorce a few months ago. I was so confused and devastated with no clue or help on how to prevent it, till I was introduced to this psychic Priest Ray that did a love spell and broke every spiritual distraction from my marriage. A day later my husband started showing me love and care even better than it used to be, he’s ready to talk things through and find ways for us to stay happy. It’s such a miracle that my marriage can be saved so quickly without stress. You can also contact him for help by email psychicspellshrine@usako.net or whatsapp: +12133525735 and you can also visit his website: https://psychicspellshrine.wixsite.com/my-site

    Emily naomi
  • 💔 Are you heartbroken…
    You are no longer in good times together with your lover, Do you want your Ex back, are you having issues in your marriage, worry no more contact a powerful Spellcaster Dr Subla, he also help me to get back my lover after two years we both separated, Dr Subla, makes it works out for us to be together again of which I didn’t expect we now live happily 🥰 all thanks to you Papa. I really appreciate your good work in my life, you’re always there for me as a father indeed you’re god sent to me. for those of you in need of his help here his contact information.
    WhatsApp: +2349034287285 Or Email: dr.sublatradictionhome@gmail.com also click on the link below to visit his Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/doctorsubal I fully believe that no matter the situation you might be passing through in your relationship marriage he can also help you out.

    Faith Smith
  • 💔 Are you heartbroken…
    You are no longer in good times together with your lover, Do you want your Ex back, are you having issues in your marriage, worry no more contact a powerful Spellcaster Dr Subla, he also help me to get back my lover after two years we both separated, Dr Subla, makes it works out for us to be together again of which I didn’t expect we now live happily 🥰 all thanks to you Papa. I really appreciate your good work in my life, you’re always there for me as a father indeed you’re god sent to me. for those of you in need of his help here his contact information.
    WhatsApp: +2349034287285 Or Email: dr.sublatradictionhome@gmail.com also click on the link below to visit his Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/doctorsubal I fully believe that no matter the situation you might be passing through in your relationship marriage he can also help you out.

    Faith Smith

Leave a comment