Hello all 👋

Just a quick update on our reopening strategy/plan. First, I want to state that our reopening plan is not based on personal or political beliefs by myself or any other members of our team. It’s simply a combination of things that we’ve learned from other gyms opening and from other gyms not reopening. The following is a statement about how we are going to proceed based on the information we have at present. Click out if you want a fight, or to argue. Read on if you want to see our plan. 

 

As of today, we will be using the following theme to address our reopening plan, Getting/Staying Healthy, While Staying Safe. 

 

Also, will be using the following road map to construct our reopening plan.

The Vision Level – Defining the end goal clearly.

The Strategy Level – Defining the things we’re going to do to get there. 

The Tactical Level – The specific actions we’re going to take one-by-one to reach our goal.

 

We have had many team meetings including owners, managers, and other team members to brainstorm what it looks like for reopening a brick and mortar CrossFit/Boutique fitness facility. There are many wonderful ideas floating around and I am very proud to be part of such a positive and forward-thinking team. As of today, we will be doing what the government says, not because we’re blind followers, but because we respect the laws. Whether we currently agree or disagree with policies is irrelevant. We’ll state only that we like to operate on facts and data, and we always like to see as much of that as possible. At present, we’re going to keep washing our hands, keep the facilities closed, follow social distancing guidelines, and do our part to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

With that said, no concrete plans have been laid yet, just many different plans to hit the ground running 🏃. With the ever-changing parameters that have been laid out both federally and on the state level, it’s too soon to specifically identify our direct plan of action. We have many administrative hurdles in our way. Some of which include:

• Limited class sizes
• Workplace practices for our employees
• Safety protocols, including cleaning and social distancing measures
• Face covering guidelines, etc

 

Until we know more, we are day-to-day. What does that mean? For example, until the state clearly defines exactly what is permissible, we will not assume that our reopening plan will consist of smaller class sizes or outside workouts. However, I will assure you that we already have a plan for both 😀. 

 

Also, we plan to win this fight! Personally, I’m taking steps to prepare for a fight against COVID, not “comorbidities”—defined as “the simultaneous presence of two chronic diseases or conditions in a patient.” I can’t be certain I won’t get a cold and COVID, so I just have to wash my hands and hope for the best. But I am going to try to eliminate or prevent any other conditions I can.

Science has told us that “comorbidities” make COVID-19 worse. Much worse! We’ve also been told that certain comorbidities—hypertension and cardiovascular disease among them—are seen more often than others in many COVID patients. We’ve also been told that diabetes and metabolic syndrome increase the risk of COVID death by 10 times. Metabolic syndrome: “a cluster of conditions that occur together, increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. These conditions include increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels.” (Mayoclinic.org)

Metabolic syndrome is not rare. In fact, it’s very common: “A lurking crisis not fully realized is the poor baseline metabolic health of many Americans that makes them immensely more vulnerable to severe illness or death from COVID-19,” said Dr. Shebani Sethi Dalai in an article on TheHill.com. Dr. Dalai noted just over 12 percent of Americans have ideal metabolic health. This means the other 88 percent are at increased risk of everything. Their cells aren’t working properly, their immune systems are compromised, and they have pathogenic inflammation. The last element is even strongly related to poor mental health.

But here’s the good news: You can take steps that might prevent metabolic syndrome. The Mayo Clinic lists five of them:

– Getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days.

– Eating plenty of vegetables, fruits, lean protein, and whole grains.

– Limiting saturated fat and salt in your diet.

– Maintaining a healthy weight.

– Not smoking.

So just five things can reduce my risk of a COVID-related death by 10 times?

It sounds like the foundation of a plan. “I love it when a plan comes together.” Colonel John “Hannibal” Smith – A-Team, Team Leader 

Again, I’m not a scientist or doctor, and this is not medical advice. It’s just my personal plan. But it’s based on science, and it makes sense to me. At worst, it falls in line with generally accepted guidelines for health in the absence of a pandemic. At best, it will reduce my chances of death and set me up to give the virus a good fight. My plan is not even that hard to implement. I don’t smoke, so I get one easy win. That means I really only need to do a few things.

Here they are:

STEP 1: FITNESS

I’m going to work out four to five times a week for 60 minutes (hopefully). I’m going to do strength training and conditioning programmed by a coach. I’m going to supplement that training with a generally active lifestyle—I’ll do lawn work and chores around the house, walk my dog, stretch and play catch with my wife and daughters.

STEP 2: NUTRITION

I’m going to eat a lot of vegetables, reduce intake of processed foods, monitor fat intake, and avoid added sugar. I’ll limit treats but still have them at times, and I’ll stop eating before I’m stuffed no matter how good the pizza is. With a plan in place, I know I can eat the “treat” foods I enjoy in moderation and keep moving toward my goals.

STEP 3: LIMIT ALCOHOL

I very much enjoy a good old fashioned adult beverage, but I’m going to set limits. Alcohol is devoid of nutrition, and I don’t need it. But I enjoy it. So, I’ll plan intake and monitor to make sure it’s not contributing to weight gain or poor sleep (see Step 4).

STEP 4: REST

I’m going to get enough sleep. It’s stressful right now and the hours are long. But, Emily and I are going to bed earlier so we’re fresh every day.

Plan for the worst but hope for the best—I love that one. As I said, the best part about this plan is that it has no negative side effects even if we manage to wipe out or control the virus. It’s not like building a boat in a desert and praying for enough rain to float it. The work I do here is an investment in health and quality of life. Covid-19 is a threat, sure. But, so are all the other health conditions this plan addresses. Simply put, we could all benefit from a life plan that involves more movement and better nutrition. If you need help with your personal plan, we can provide it.

In closing, let’s go back to our theme, Getting/Staying Healthy, While Staying Safe. It is clear now more than ever that a proactive approach to health and wellness is the way. However, that does not mean that we will immediately get back to what most of you know and love as a “normal gym experience.” It’s important that we are patient and that we see the light at the end of the tunnel, but don’t rush to it.  With that said, we have an obligation to keep you and your family safe and healthy. On top of that, we also owe that same obligation to our employees and their families.

 

In Good Health,

Brian