THE GYM IS CLOSING…

This just might be the hardest thing that I’ve ever had to do. I have been putting this whole process off for a very long time. How long, you ask? To tell the truth, I’ve been thinking about this day for the last two years. I’ve drafted 2 separate departure letters during that time. The last one was in November. Each time I’ve changed my mind because business would pick up, or I would somehow be reminded by a member about how important this little hole in the wall was to them. Members would share with me their goals, hopes and dreams, heartaches, and triumphs. Members grew to be more than just that and real meaningful friendships developed. Friendships that I hope will last forever. I began to lean on some of my members just as much as they leaned on me. We grew into a great big functional family and I love every minute of it. Perhaps you assume that I am “burnt out.” Nothing could be further from the truth. I tend to think that those that burn out were never on fire in the first place. The fire still burns. I love coaching and I love people and I love fitness. CrossFit Grove City has some of the best people I have ever encountered. As good as it has been, I haven’t achieved the work/life balance that I hoped for by this time.

I have been off and on job hunting for awhile, but my heart was never in it because I really wanted to make this gym work. At some point, I had to let things go and move on. No matter if I had a job lined up or not. I was never in this for the money. That’s not really the issue. It’s the time commitment, the long hours at the start of the day and at the end of the night that keep me away from the most important times with my family. That is why I have chosen to accept a position at Iron Mountain in Boyers.

So what does this mean for you?

While I will not be taking in any new members, drop-ins are still welcome. The future is a little shaky, but I am working hard to keep the the gym accessible to you all until the end of March and I will work even harder to offer as many of the same class options that I currently have. The uncertainty is because there is a thorough background investigation process that I am subject to and the length of it is unknown. It could take anywhere from 4 weeks to 4 months, so I am attempting to play things safe and push hard to get us all through the 5 workouts of the CrossFit Open. My original plan was to keep the gym open until the end of May, having “Murph” as our final workout. Life however, isn’t always a smooth ride, and I don’t want to pull the rug out from under anybody’s feet. This, I’m sure, probably feels much like that.

I understand if you don’t ride out the next 7 weeks with me. I won’t hold that against you. I’m actually not sure how I would react if I was in your situation. I promise that if you do stay, you will still get the same level of care and attention that I have been giving you since day one. Like I said, my passion has not died out. I still love coaching. I still love people. And I still love fitness. You will be well taken care of.

Whether you decide to stay or decide to part ways with the box, please do me a favor by helping to share some of your (our) memories from the box that I can share on social media. If you have a story (with or without a picture) that you care to share, I would love to hear all about it.

MY OWN SELF, AT MY VERY BEST, ALL THE TIME.

Sincerely,

You coach and your friend, Mario Bernardi