The Birth of CrossFit Green Leaf: A Journey of Passion and Purpose
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The adventure begins… I'm feeling a mix of happiness, excitement, and a touch of nervousness as my two passions, Environmental Science and CrossFit, come together. It’s a journey led by something greater than myself. 💓💓
A Vision Takes Root
The name CrossFit Green Leaf sprouted from a simple yet powerful vision: to create a space where fitness and sustainability coexist harmoniously. As a Ph.D. holder in Earth and Environmental Science and a dedicated CrossFit enthusiast, I’ve always been passionate about both fields. Over the years, I’ve seen the profound impact that CrossFit can have on individuals, transforming their lives through fitness and community. At the same time, I’ve been deeply committed to all things environmental ranging from remediation to sustainability.
Merging these two loves felt like a natural step. I wanted to create a gym that not only fosters physical health and community but also embodies eco-friendly practices. CrossFit Green Leaf was born from this desire to make a difference, both in people’s lives and in the environment.
Planting the Seeds
The journey to bring CrossFit Green Leaf to life wasn’t without its challenges. Gabi planted the initial seed for this venture, prompting me to run the numbers and create my first budget plan. Securing the perfect location in the Dallas Fort Worth area posed a significant challenge, as the tenant occupying the space did not move out due to permit issues on their side. Our broker worked tirelessly to get a fair deal, and eventually, we were able to secure the space. Once we had the location, the real work began.
Next came the planning & design phase. Prioritizing eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems was the goal. From the flooring made of recycled rubber to the energy-saving lighting, every decision was made with sustainability in mind. We also installed water-saving fixtures and implemented a recycling program. Our goal was to set a standard for eco-friendly practices in the fitness industry.
While the space isn’t completely eco-friendly yet, it’s a work in progress. We started with a recycling program, recycled rubber flooring, an evaporative Big Ass Fan, natural soap for the shower, water and light-saving fixtures, and negotiating electricity costs. We’re not where we should be, but each step brings us closer to a more sustainable gym. One day, we hope to achieve LEED certification.
Building a Community
While the physical space was taking shape, the community that entrusted me with the task was patiently waiting. Some met to workout at Danny's Cholofit, while others used the online platform to get creative with at-home workouts. CrossFit is more than just a workout; it’s about camaraderie and support. I reached out to several CrossFit business owners in the community for advice. One person said I needed more funding and that my meager budget was not enough. However, I also received helpful tips from Marcus Filly and Nick Massie, which was a breath of fresh air. This experience made me realize that most people are willing to help, and the Debbie downers & risk-averse individuals help keep your barometer in check.
The Community's Trust
One of the most humbling aspects of this journey has been the support from our community. They helped raise the funds needed to get CrossFit Green Leaf off the ground. It made me realize that we are small but mighty. The fact that they trusted me to lead them into this new era is still surreal. The pressure is on to make the best of this perfect storm, but with such a dedicated community behind me, I’m confident we can achieve great things.
The Final Push
As we approached the opening day, the pace quickened. Inspections, final touches, and coordination of the grand opening events kept me on my toes, sleep, quickly went out the window. We received conditional passes from the health and building inspectors, which required some quick adjustments. The support and dedication from everyone involved were truly inspiring.
We also faced a few unexpected challenges, like troubleshooting the A/C unit. These moments tested our resolve, but we stayed focused on our mission. With each hurdle, our vision of a sustainable and thriving CrossFit community grew stronger.
The Grand Opening
Finally, the day arrived August 1st to start. Our grand opening, scheduled for August 8-11, 2024, coincides with the excitement of the CrossFit Games. It’s the perfect time to showcase our space and community. The event will feature community workouts, vendor Fair, meet and greet the staff (an excellent batch of people), and streaming of the CrossFit Games.
We are thrilled to open our doors and welcome everyone to CrossFit Green Leaf. This is just the beginning of an incredible journey. We are committed to raising the bar in the fitness industry and making a positive impact on both our members and the environment.
Join Us
Whether you’re a seasoned CrossFit athlete or someone looking to start their fitness journey, we invite you to join us. Together, we can Sweat Green, One WOD at a Time. Let’s make a difference, build a strong community, and take care of our planet.
Thank you for being part of this journey. We look forward to seeing you at CrossFit Green Leaf.
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