CrossFit merges elements of cultural Christianity with fitness, promoting a narrative of suffering that echoes religious themes of endurance and redemption.
While fostering community and empowerment for women through strength training, CrossFit also grapples with systemic misogyny that often diminishes female achievements.
Deep dives
The Meaning of 'Cross' in CrossFit
The term 'Cross' in CrossFit is explored as having deeper implications beyond cross training; it embodies elements of cultural Christianity. The creator emphasizes that the workouts can evoke imagery linked to the suffering witnessed in Christianity, such as the Christ-like position of exhausted bodies after intense workouts. This connection is illuminated through the celebration of pain and suffering in CrossFit culture, which resembles narratives of redemption found in religious traditions. These cultural codes suggest that suffering during exercise is not just about physical endurance, but also resonates with a deeper emotional and psychological significance.
Community Dynamics and Gender Issues
The podcast delves into the community aspect of CrossFit, highlighting that many women find empowerment through strength training. Female participants often experience transformative changes in self-esteem as they achieve physical milestones previously thought unattainable. However, underlying misogyny persists in the culture, exemplified by the way achievements are often overshadowed by male competitors. Despite some women excelling in CrossFit, the competitive framework is designed in a way that reinforces male dominance, illustrating a complex relationship between empowerment and systemic gender biases.
The Cult-Like Nature of CrossFit
The discussion touches on the cult-like characteristics within CrossFit, particularly in how communities form strong emotional ties to the practice. While the term 'cult' can carry negative connotations, the passionate dedication among CrossFit members reflects a community bond rather than blind allegiance to a leader. The podcast examines how Greg Glassman, the founder, was viewed variably across different CrossFit boxes, with some seeing him as a cult-like figure while others focused on local community values instead. This distinction highlights the grassroots nature of CrossFit, where local affiliations often overshadow the organization's hierarchical structure.
Capitalism and Class in CrossFit
CrossFit's appeal is significantly linked to economic status, as the majority of participants tend to be affluent and predominantly white. The financial model of CrossFit gyms requires a higher income, contributing to a homogenous demographic within the community. This exclusivity is further emphasized by the emphasis on competition and performance, which often leans towards privilege. The podcast critiques how CrossFit commodifies fitness while presenting itself as an accessible community, pointing out the contradictions inherent in its capitalistic framework.
When cultural and psychological anthropologist Katie Rose Hejtmanek set out to study Crossfit, she knew she had to throw herself into it fully. For seven years, she traveled to “boxes” around the world while committing herself to her local Brooklyn box. What she uncovered was a rabid fan base that deeply values community and a business model that offers a refreshing response to unfettered capitalism—as well as the misogyny, racism, and militarized Christian themes that inform this beloved and despised fitness regimen. She joins Derek to discuss her new book, The Cult of CrossFit: Christianity and the American Exercise Phenomenon.
