How to Represent Invictus When On the Road…or Anywhere for that Matter
Written by C.J. Martin
An interesting topic was raised in the Invictus Members’ Facebook Group over the weekend that really bothered me at first. One of our wonderful members, Michelle Cowan, expressed that when she travels to other gyms and tells them she is from Invictus, it is as if she has a bullseye on her forehead. A few other members reported feeling the same way. (The whole Facebook conversation is below.)
After I cooled down a bit, I realized that this was a great opportunity to discuss what Invictus really means to me, the staff, and hopefully to all of you in our community. It also provides a great opportunity to discuss how we hope and expect members of our community to represent Invictus when they’re outside of the gym.
My response to Michelle’s question was simple…
“I hope all Invicti represent at these gyms through their strength of character and friendliness. Invictus was built on a true love for those in our community, not on the reputation of our competitive athletes. Share with them what you do so well…have fun, don’t take yourself too seriously, and always cheer for others. That’s the best representation I could ever hope for.”
When I think of Invictus, I think about the people. I think about Cynthia, Barry, Larry the Legend, Harvey, etc…. I think about the amazing video put together by one of our very own members, Taylor Filasky, that highlights just a few of the amazing stories that the members of our community have allowed us to be a part of. I think about how Kico, Cassie, Kari, Larry, Harvey, Zach, Ricky, Jojo, Carla and Pete are all so different and yet unified by a common goal to live healthier and happier lives.
The magic of Invictus has nothing to do with the competitive athletes we’ve had the pleasure of coaching; rather, it has everything to do with the community of support and encouragement that has been fostered within our four walls.
The next time you travel to another gym, please be sure to share with them the true Invictus spirit – introduce yourself to their coaches and members, make some new friends, support and encourage the other members of the group, lend a helping hand when it’s time to pick up equipment…in short, treat their members and staff like you would treat those at Invictus. You may have a target on your forehead walking in, but when it’s all said and done you will have met some cool people and hopefully shared with them a little bit of the joy that makes Invictus much more than just another gym.
If you are still not clear on who we are or what is most important to me and the rest of our staff here at Invictus, please take 7 minutes to watch the video below and realize what motivates our staff to come to work every day and give their best effort to continuing the culture of Invictus.
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Well said. You guys are always welcome at CrossFit Marysville...we might judge you but we won't tell you :)
Hello CF Marysville! Give a shout-out to my boy Glenn Grossenbacher. And you've got a great Box, been up there a couple of times now! Should be back again in the Summer.
I always get chills when I see Carla and Pete.
Such a great article! Love the message! Thank you for all you do.
I'm stoked when I see Invictus people. Very classy every single one I've ever met. I just had Chris Pence visit our gym in Tahoe and he was so supportive and helpful. I almost stole him. You should be proud CJ.
Hi CJ! Interesting post...I just wanted to let you know that I've experienced the exact opposite everywhere I've gone. There have been a few places where I've asked about dropping in and encountered some initial hesitation. When I tell them I started at Invictus, it's like a complete 180. They immediately welcome me in because they know that you and all of the great Invictus coaches provided me with a solid CrossFit foundation. It's almost funny sometimes to see the dramatic change in demeanor. It's also great to meet owners and coaches who have worked closely with you in the past, like Azadeh and Siddeeq at CrossFit Las Cruces. I've even gone to a gym in Brazil where they knew you. Keep up the great work because it's gyms like yours that give CrossFit a good reputation!
Great post CJ! You are right, Invictus is about the people. What makes me the most proud of Invictus is the amazing coaches that are supportive of any goals we have, even if we will not likely ever step foot in a competition (except of course to cheer on our friends and coaches.)
I've had the opportunity due to my work travels to experience several Crossfit gyms over the past couple years. In these experiences people always speak very highly of you and Invictus, and also very quickly learn that I don't take myself too seriously! :-)
Any time we visit another gym and we tell them that we're from Invictus, usually the response is, "Damn you're lucky".
CJ,
Great post. In my experience, this is one of the by-products of creating a brand that has passionate followers . . . the same thing happens to me when I share with people that I work for NIKE. I am proud of that fact and I do not run from it. You and the Invictus community should do the same. I could not agree more with the sentiment of your post and I have a few other thoughts.
I think it actually goes even deeper than this. Sometimes when I share with people (even family!) that I do CrossFit--it causes a reaction that is similar to the "bulls-eye on my head" reaction. The "oh, you're one of those" or "how soon until you take your shirt off . . . " gets old quickly. I respond by continuing to be humble and share with people the fact that CrossFit has been part of, if not the cause of, countless positive changes in my life and my friends' lives.
As you know, I travel a lot for work and I book my hotel based off of the CrossFit gym where I will work out. I have experienced this reaction to Invictus in a number of other gyms and my reaction, much as described above, is to "kill 'em with kindness and humility." I do my work and I work as hard as I can. I try to keep every rep honest and to do it in the best form I can. I do not skip reps or cheat on counting. I work my hardest and I genuinely encourage others (without being the annoying guy) and it generally changes minds, especially if I am there for a few days in a row. It causes folks to realize that I am passionate about the programming I follow.
In sum, don't change a thing. Keep on keepin' on. And, don't let this make you mad--turn it around and use it for what it is: acknowledgment that you have built something very, very special. Congratulations.
Best,
Brian
Thanks Brian! Great reminders. I am proud of all of our members, and love it when they take this approach in providing an example of why we think our members are exceptional!
A lot of this stems from jealousy. I know of a gym right smack here in North County that actually told its members NOT TO WEAR INVICTUS GEAR IN THE BOX. It's amazing to see how many affiliates taut their attention to "community" then perpetuate crap like this against other Crossfitters.
I'm up in Ramona at Neighborhood Crossfit CJ and we love you guys. I know I speak on behalf of my Box when I say how much we've appreciated all the help/advice you, Ayo, Nichole and others have provided over the last two years.
Keep up the great work and thanks for the fantastic post.