How I Became a Gym Owner – Part 2

"We need a place for athletes like us."

That is what Big Boss and Dr. T told me.

Already in their 40s, they did not enjoy training in group classes dominated by 20-somethings. They also did not like being coached by folks in their 20s and 30s who did not understand an older athlete's body.

They didn't enjoy being shouted at. They didn't like being told, "If you're not failing, you're not trying."

They didn't care as much about being the fittest they could be, but rather, finding a sustainable fitness practice that supported their lives outside the gym. And they wanted me to create a gym for them and people like them.

Our Merry Band of Misfits

Since Big Boss and Dr. T lived in the Dunbar neighbourhood, that's where we moved to. In addition to those two, a dozen other gym members followed us. Among them: Dr. Mad, Kitty Kat, Wolfman, Mellow, Taskmaster, Trouble, Snake Oil, Whip, Shutterbug, Jock & Music Man.

That was our founding Empower crew on Dunbar Street, our merry band of misfits. Folks looking for a sustainable way to stay fit. Something suited to athletes 40+ with things going on outside the gym. Athletes who understood the efficacy of CrossFit, but whose fitness goals were not being addressed by other gyms in the city.

A Different Way to Do CrossFit

This became our tribe. Many more would follow. We were delighted to discover that we were not alone in our desire to pursue fitness in a rational, sustainable way. An approach to fitness that allows us to continue moving well through our 40s, into our 50s, and toward our 60s.

CrossFit works, and if you focus on moving well instead of moving fast, it can last you a lifetime. We're living proof.