Every now and again I feel a little beat up, bottle it up, and let loose on a rant that may or may not come out the way I really want it to. Below is one of those rants, as received from one of your fellow athletes...
So I wanted to take a brief moment and say something that I think everyone should hear from time to time. I'm sure all of us have heard it at least once in our lives. Some of us more than others.
Your Mommy don't work here!
In other words if you use a piece of equipment whether it's a bar, a weight, a towel, a mobility tool (foam roller, blue balls, calf stretcher) put it away when you're done with it. That means where you originally got it from. Some lazy bastards (not any of you of course) put things away in any old place they want to. No... that's not how it's done. Put the 5# weights where the 5# weights go. Not where it's easiest and most convenient for you. Also, the bars in the 'gunracks'. The lightest ones go on top and the heaviest ones go on the bottom. Take a moment to think and you may be able to see some logic in this. A 15# bar would most likely go on top and a 45# on the bottom. So... the 25# & 35# bars most likely go in the middle. Just saying.
Yes, I know one can be pretty beat after a WOD. Guess what... you're supposed to be. If this shit were easy everyone would be doing it. Still, it's no excuse to be lazy. Put things away correctly. You're not the only one that works out at CFC. So, act like it. We like to talk about the support and family atmosphere at CFC. That can also be displayed by how much you take care of the place and not only by how loud and enthusiastically you cheer on your fellow athletes. If you're going to say it then act like it too.
Which brings me to my next gripe. None of the equipment, except for the jump ropes and a weight vest or 2, belongs to you. Don't treat it like it's your own. Treat it as if it were someone else's property, expensive property and its being loaned to you. You know why? Because it is, in both regards.
Hell, if it belongs to you, treat it however you like. You can do that and nobody can say shit. Just keep in mind nothing at CFC is yours. Therefor, treat the equipment well and it will be around for many to use for a long time.
As for cups and bottles of water or the use of towels. Dude, clean up after yourself. Last time I checked Courtney doesn't employ a full time maid. Anything you leave behind he has to clean up. Frankly this is highly disrespectful in my opinion. Kind of like a big FU buddy. The guy has enough on his plate keeping us fit and healthy designing enjoyably kick ass workouts. Not to mention the trouble he sometimes has to go through getting us all on board with the days assigned WOD.
Which brings me to my final bitch (I think). Coming from a background in the martial arts there was one master. One. He or she had tons of knowledge and years of experience in the art. Showing up to class and training was like saying "please teach me what you know". Of course if I had problems with technique or understanding application I asked questions to make sure I was on the right path. I did so with a great deal of respect though. Respect for the time and dedication this person had put into the art to reach their level of experience. Respect for the love of the art this person must have to want to give his or her knowledge of it to others. Respect for the amount of time and patience it takes to teach others. It isn't always easy. Also, I was raised to treat everyone with respect simply because it's the right thing to do. How about you?
And when they spoke I actually listened. Try it you might be surprised by how much information you actually pick up. Usually things being discussed were somewhat important. When it came to training and technique the Masters usually weren't talking just to hear themselves talk. I imagine the same goes for Courtney when he is trying to explain the days workout.
Now some of you may be thinking, while reading this, "Well, I pay good, hard earned money to be here" and you're right. Make no mistake though. That gives you no right to be an asshole to anyone and certainly not Courtney. If that's how you feel, and this is just my opinion, you can go pound sand.
If you have questions about technique or a WOD.... Hell yes, ask them. No one want's you performing bad lifts and getting hurt. If you have a personal gripe or complaint about something take it to the side to voice it and deal with it privately. I guess what I am getting at here, is not to treat anyone, specially Courtney poorly just because you feel your monthly fees reserve you some kind of right to be a dick.
Bottom line is that there is one person in charge. One Master, if you like, at CFC. His name Courtney Maxwell. If you hadn't noticed it's on the freaking building. Take note and check your ego coming through the door.
There are many places to workout at. I workout at CFC because I like the atmosphere (you won't find one like it in any big box gym), I like Courtney, I believe in his knowledge and experience. Beyond that he is my friend. Just as many of you are. Notice I didn't say all of you. Just kidding (kinda). We have it really, really good at CFC. I think that we can all agree on that. So, let's all act like we do and take care of the place as well as each other.
And if I offended anyone...good. You're exactly who this message was written for.
Jason
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