CrossFit—ever heard of it? Of course, you have. It’s that intense, sweat-dripping, heart-pumping workout everyone’s talking about.

You’ve probably heard about it at your local gym or from that friend who can’t stop saying “WOD” like it’s everyday slang.

But where did it all begin?

Let’s rewind to the 1990s and explore CrossFit’s journey from a small garage in Santa Cruz to a full-on worldwide movement—a community, a lifestyle, and, for many, a passion.

How It All Started: One Man, One Vision, One Garage

In the 1990s, Greg Glassman, a former gymnast, looked at the fitness world and thought, “There’s gotta be a better way.”

Glassman wasn’t interested in traditional fitness programs that focused on one thing at a time, such as weightlifting for strength or cardio for endurance.

He wanted a workout to prepare people for anything life throws at them.

By 1996, Glassman had a game plan: functional, high-intensity movements that mimicked everyday actions.

You know, like squatting to pick something up or jumping up on a curb. It wasn’t about looking good in the mirror (though that could be a bonus) but about building real-world fitness.

The first CrossFit gym—or as insiders call it, a “box”—opened in Santa Cruz in 2000.

And no, it wasn’t some fancy gym with machines everywhere. Instead, it was a bare-bones space where people pushed their limits with a mix of bodyweight exercises and minimal equipment.

However, what made CrossFit stand out was the community. People pushed, supported, and encouraged each other like a family.

CrossFit’s Early Growth: From Law Enforcement to the Global Stage

At first, CrossFit was a hidden gem. But that didn’t last long. It quickly caught on, especially with the military and law enforcement, who loved its focus on functional fitness.

Essentially, CrossFit prepares you for anything. And people in tough, unpredictable jobs needed that.

Then, in 2007, CrossFit had a game-changing idea—literally. They created the CrossFit Games, a competition to determine who was the “Fittest on Earth.”

This wasn’t your typical fitness contest. Athletes had to show they could do it all—run, lift, climb, swim—you name it. It was exciting and unpredictable, and it got a LOT of attention.

In just a few years, CrossFit exploded in popularity. By 2009, there were over 1,000 CrossFit affiliates (gyms) worldwide, and the prize money for the Games went from $500 to $250,000.

Not bad, right?

CrossFit’s Expansion and Cultural Influence

One of the coolest things about CrossFit is that it’s more than a workout. Sure, the workouts are tough, but the community spirit really sets it apart.

You don’t just show up at a CrossFit box, do your thing, and leave. You connect with people, cheer each other on, and build authentic relationships. It’s like joining a fitness family where everyone’s rooting for your success.

The magic lies in the fact these bonds don’t stay at the gym. CrossFitters often hang out outside the box, participating in everything from nutrition challenges to social events.

And because of social media and documentaries like Fittest on Earth, that sense of community went global.

Suddenly, you could see people from all corners of the world sharing their workouts, their progress, and their stories online.

With that surge, CrossFit became a worldwide fitness culture. Words like “WOD” (Workout of the Day) and “AMRAP” (As Many Reps As Possible) became common lingo in gyms everywhere.

Wherever you were in New York or New Zealand, CrossFitters spoke the same language.

The CrossFit Games: From Local Event to Worldwide Phenomenon

Speaking of community and competition, the CrossFit Games quickly became the year’s event for athletes and fans.

These Games were no joke—each year, the workouts got harder, the stakes increased, and the prize money grew.

By 2023, athletes like Jeffrey Adler and Laura Horvath were crowned the “Fittest on Earth.”

What’s amazing is that the Games aren’t only about elite athletes. In fact, they’ve inspired everyday people to push themselves beyond their limits.

It’s not uncommon to walk into a CrossFit box and see people competing against themselves, striving to beat their previous scores or lift just a little heavier than last time.

That’s the magic of CrossFit—you’re always aiming for progress.

CrossFit’s Challenges and Criticism

Of course, no success story is without a few bumps in the road. CrossFit has had its fair share of controversy—and not only because of its tough workouts.

In 2020, Greg Glassman stepped down after making some very controversial comments, which led to a massive shakeup in the company.

It was a tough moment for the community, but Eric Roza took over and brought in fresh ideas.

Under Roza’s leadership, CrossFit has worked to regain trust and keep pushing forward.

And there’s also been safety concerns.

CrossFit’s high-intensity nature means that injuries could happen without proper form or guidance.

In response, CrossFit has prioritized proper coaching and scaling workouts, ensuring that beginners and advanced athletes alike can train safely and effectively.

How CrossFit Changed Fitness Forever

CrossFit didn’t only change the lives of people who stepped into its gyms—it changed the fitness world.

Before CrossFit, functional fitness and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) were relatively unknown.

Now? Those are buzzwords in every gym and fitness app.

CrossFit introduced the idea that working out should make you strong for real life, not just to look good in a mirror.

Where CrossFit Stands Today

Even after all these years, CrossFit is still going strong. There are more than 13,000 affiliates worldwide, and it keeps growing.

CrossFit’s influence is everywhere, from mainstream fitness classes to how people think about overall health.

Sure, there have been controversies and criticisms, but CrossFit has weathered them all, evolving and staying true to its mission—making people fitter, healthier, and more capable.

Join the CrossFit Movement

CrossFit’s journey from a single garage in Santa Cruz to a worldwide phenomenon is nothing short of inspiring.

What started as a different approach to fitness has turned into a global movement that has redefined how we think about strength, endurance, and community.

As we can see, CrossFit is a way of life. It’s about pushing your limits, lifting each other up, and constantly striving to be better, faster, and stronger.

Whether you’re a beginner or an elite athlete, you have a place in the CrossFit community.

So, if you’re ready to take on a new challenge and experience something bigger than just a workout, it’s time to step into a CrossFit box.

You’ll leave stronger, both physically and mentally, and gain a community that’s got your back every step of the way.

With Isaiah Hartenstein gone, the New York Knicks urgently need a reliable center to anchor their defense.

Tom Thibodeau’s defense relies heavily on rebounding and protecting the rim, and with Hartenstein gone, the team is exploring options for a replacement.

One of the top names being mentioned is Deandre Ayton from the Portland Trail Blazers, and he could be just what the Knicks need to fill that gap.

Let’s discover why Ayton could be a good fit for New York.

Deandre Ayton’s Stats Make Him a Strong Candidate

Ayton’s potential lies in his strong rebounding and defensive skills, which align well with the Knicks’ needs.

According to Stefan Bondy of the New York Post, the Knicks might target Ayton, the former No. 1 pick.

While his career hasn’t quite met the expectations of being picked ahead of stars like Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Ayton’s physical skills make him a strong candidate.

Plus, Portland might consider trading him if their season doesn’t go well.

Last season, Ayton averaged 3.2 offensive rebounds per game, close to Hartenstein’s 3.3, and he finished eighth in the league in total rebounding with 10.9 per game.

Impressively, no Knicks center has averaged double-digit rebounds under Thibodeau, making Ayton’s numbers a potential game-changer.

On defense, Ayton’s ability as a rim protector is evident in his 47.0% defensive field goal percentage, almost identical to Hartenstein’s 47.1%.

Looking at the numbers, it’s clear that Ayton could seamlessly fit into the Knicks’ defensive schemes, helping to maintain the team’s identity of dominating the boards and controlling the paint.

One thing to keep in mind, though, is Ayton’s contract. He’s in the second year of a four-year, $133 million deal, so trading for him wouldn’t be cheap.

Thibodeau’s Backup Plan: Use Multiple Players to Fill the Role

If the Knicks don’t land a player like Ayton, Coach Thibodeau has said he’ll rely on a mix of players to handle the center position.

In an interview with NBA.com, he mentioned the possibility of using Julius Randle as a temporary center for short stretches.

“We have versatility,” Thibodeau said.

“Julius [Randle] could play at the 5 for 10 or 15 minutes. I don’t want him there for long stretches, but he can do it well and create offensive advantages.”

Though the team’s defense is centered on solid rim protection, Thibodeau has had to adjust to injuries over the years.

Mitchell Robinson has been the Knicks’ only consistent center, but his injury history makes it difficult to rely on him alone.

In previous seasons, the Knicks have rotated various centers, including Jericho Sims and Precious Achiuwa, with mixed results.

Thibodeau Now More Open to Small-Ball Lineups

Thibodeau hasn’t always been a fan of small-ball lineups, especially when it came to pairing Randle with his former backup, Obi Toppin.

However, things have changed, and because of some new roster additions, he’s now more willing to experiment with smaller lineups.

In a recent interview, Thibodeau pointed to the defensive versatility of players like OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges as the reason for his new approach.

“OG’s ability to guard big is huge for us. Julius and [Josh] Hart can guard big as well,” Thibodeau explained.

Because of that, the Knicks can cope without a traditional center in certain situations, though it’s clear that they would still prefer a strong rebounder like Ayton.

What It Would Take to Get Ayton: The Cost for the Knicks

With a hefty contract and his role as Portland’s starting center, the Knicks must assess whether Ayton’s performance and fit justify the financial and trade assets required to bring him in.

Portland, which has a surplus of centers, including Robert Williams III and Duop Reath, may be willing to part with Ayton if the right offer comes along.

Their early draft pick of center Donovan Clingan adds to the possibility of an “interior fire sale” by the trade deadline.

That move could present an opportunity for the Knicks if they still seek help in the paint later in the season.

Knicks Must Weigh Their Options

As we can see, the Knicks are in a tough spot at center, and Deandre Ayton could be just the player they need to fill that gap.

His rebounding and defense would fit perfectly with Thibodeau’s system, and his presence could help keep the team competitive in a stacked Eastern Conference.

But Ayton doesn’t come cheap, and the Knicks need to weigh whether giving up assets for him makes sense.

If the Knicks decide to pursue Ayton, it could solve one of their biggest issues as they look to make a deep playoff run.

On the other hand, sticking with their current roster and using multiple players at center might be the safer and more affordable route.

Whatever the choice, the Knicks have some important decisions ahead as they gear up for the new season.

Trades in baseball can be wild, but for Pete Crow-Armstrong, his trade from the New York Mets to the Chicago Cubs in 2021 took him completely by surprise.

Imagine getting traded while recovering from an injury and finding out not from the team but from a FaceTime call with a teammate.

That’s exactly what happened to Pete, and his story is as unexpected as it gets.

Now, a couple of years later, Pete is a rising star with the Cubs, showing off his skills and proving that sometimes a shocking trade can lead to something great.

Let’s dive into how it all went down and what he’s been up to since.

The Unexpected News: “I Thought It Was a Joke”

In a recent interview with Chris Rose on the Rose Rotation, Pete Crow-Armstrong opened up about the moment he learned of his trade.

He revealed that, at the time, he had been recovering from a shoulder injury, not expecting to be part of any trade talks.

“I didn’t feel like I was a part of any trade talks that I had seen on TV or anything like that. Because I was hurt during that time. I had a sling on my shoulder. … I thought it was a joke,” Crow-Armstrong recalled.

Pete Crow-Armstrong thought it was a joke when he was first told that the Mets traded him pic.twitter.com/W68OZCiUjA

— Chris Rose Sports (@ChrisRoseSports) September 16, 2024

Funnily enough, he found out the news from a Mets teammate, Mark Vientos, during a FaceTime call.

Pete and Mark had thought Vientos might be traded, so they agreed to call each other if anything major happened.

But during the call, things got awkward when someone in the background of the Mets clubhouse said, “Pete Crow just got traded?”

That’s when Pete realized the news was about him. He started getting notifications on his phone, confirming he was headed to the Cubs.

Reflecting on that day, Pete made it clear that he had no hard feelings toward the Mets: “I don’t want to put the Mets on blast because I loved my time there.”

The Trade That Redefined the Cubs’ Rebuild

The trade that brought Pete Crow-Armstrong to the Cubs was part of a major shakeup for Chicago in 2021.

In that pivotal move, the Cubs traded beloved star Javier Báez and pitcher Trevor Williams to the Mets in exchange for Crow-Armstrong.

According to MLB.com, Crow-Armstrong was the Mets’ fifth-best prospect at the time and was highly regarded for his defensive abilities and future potential.

That summer, the Cubs made several major moves, including trading key players like Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant.

In a clear turning point, the team was moving away from the core group that led them to their first World Series win 108 years back in 2016.

Javier Báez, in particular, had been a fan favorite with an impressive resume that included a World Series title, a National League Championship Series MVP, and two All-Star selections.

Despite this, he only played 47 games for the Mets before moving on to the Detroit Tigers, where he has struggled in recent seasons, batting just .184 in 2023.

For Pete, though, the trade gave him a fresh start, and he quickly showed the Cubs they made the right choice.

Pete Crow-Armstrong’s Growth with the Cubs

Since joining the Cubs, Pete Crow-Armstrong has become a key team player.

In the 2023 season, the 22-year-old outfielder put up impressive numbers, batting .239/.290/.404 with 10 home runs, 46 RBIs, and 27 stolen bases.

His speed, defensive skills, and improving hitting made him a valuable part of the team’s lineup.

But Pete’s progress was especially noticeable in August and September of 2023, where he hit .314 and .289, respectively.

By the end of the season, Pete had become the only rookie in the league to hit 10 home runs and steal 25 bases.

While Crow-Armstrong is still developing, particularly in terms of his offensive consistency—he often bats eighth in the Cubs’ lineup—his potential is clear.

At this stage, his exceptional defense and growing prowess at the plate make him a valuable part of the Cubs’ future plans.

Despite the Mets’ high hopes for him as part of their future, Crow-Armstrong has found his stride in Chicago, proving that the Cubs made a wise investment.

Today, Crow-Armstrong is a rising star for the Chicago Cubs and an important building block for their future.

Interestingly, his unexpected trade story and development show just how unpredictable Major League Baseball trades can be. It also highlights the importance of perseverance when dealing with uncertainty.

As Crow-Armstrong continues refining his skills, Cubs fans have plenty of reason to be excited about the future.