Comments on: How to Represent Invictus When On the Road

By: Cj Martin

Cj Martin — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 05:51:00 +0000

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!

By: Casey Markee, MBA

Casey Markee, MBA — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 18:42:00 +0000

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.

By: Casey Markee, MBA

Casey Markee, MBA — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 18:40:00 +0000

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.

By: Brian Fogarty

Brian Fogarty — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 15:50:00 +0000

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

By: Joshua Pester

Joshua Pester — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 15:30:00 +0000

Any time we visit another gym and we tell them that we’re from Invictus, usually the response is, “Damn you’re lucky”.

By: Mindy S

Mindy S — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 05:59:00 +0000

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! 🙂

By: Dan Gerrity

Dan Gerrity — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 04:27:00 +0000

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!

By: Del Lafountain

Del Lafountain — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 03:25:00 +0000

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.

By: Elissa

Elissa — Sun, 26 Jan 2014 23:45:00 +0000

Such a great article! Love the message! Thank you for all you do.

By: Thijs Moonen

Thijs Moonen — Sun, 26 Jan 2014 22:53:00 +0000

I always get chills when I see Carla and Pete.