Heavy drops of sweat rained down on the black rubber floor as a large group of individuals from all types of physical backgrounds and fitness levels participated in the Fourth of July community workout at CrossFit Longma. Owner and coach Michael Moh and his wife and co-owner Rachel called out encouragements and offered tips to improve techniques while playful techno remixes of pop songs kept a steady pace. Over 30 people gathered at the gym at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, July 4th, to work out before kicking off their holiday celebrations. That commitment to show up and do the work is a key component of CrossFit and just one of the many elements of success celebrated at CrossFit Longma.
CrossFit is described as a lifestyle characterized by safe, effective exercise and sound nutrition. The program works for everyone due to its adaptable workouts that change daily in order to offer full body movements and exercise to build functional strength. Participants often enjoy the community feel of the group workouts and the encouragement that comes from their fellow gym-goers. While CrossFit is certainly not new, CrossFit Longma itself is for Brownwood. CrossFit Longma opened officially in June in their new location next door to the historic Depot Civic Center. Michael and Rachel both appreciate the new location’s ample space with the ability to conduct workouts inside the gym or around the surrounding area as well as the scenery provided by the Depot and Coleman Plaza.
The gym’s name itself is a nod to Michael and Rachel’s heritages with a combination of their birth orders on the lunar calendar being a dragon (long) and horse (ma). The dragon horse, or longma, is a mystical and majestic creature that was highly respected and revered as the omen of good luck. Longma remains the symbol of power, strength and freedom.
Coach Michael has been involved with CrossFit for a decade after being introduced to the sport/fitness lifestyle in 2013 when he was stationed in Florida as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer in the United States Army. A little over a year later, when he moved to Georgia, Michael began coaching. It was the adaptability of the sport for all fitness levels and the ability to inspire people to embrace a healthy lifestyle that sparked Michael’s interest in being a coach. CrossFit’s ethos of virtuosity and doing the common uncommonly well drove Michael to become a Registered Dietitian and a Level 3 CrossFit Trainer, a credential held by less than 1% of all CrossFit trainers.
“I love that CrossFit brings together people of all ages, backgrounds, and ability levels around the same shared purpose of getting better every day. The methodology has reshaped the fitness industry and has helped people discover a passion for health and wellness,” Michael said.
“But CrossFit is more than just a fitness routine. It is also an outlet to have the best hour of your day, a classroom to learn, and a community to create lifelong friendships. That’s a big reason I became a coach. I believe in the power of this community and most importantly, I became a CrossFit coach to help people see that fitness and nutrition don’t have to be complicated. I want to provide people with the tools to move well and eat healthfully so those actions can become habits.”
To anyone considering changing up their fitness routine, Michael invites them to give CrossFit a try.
“Everyone has to start somewhere. You don’t need to be 100% motivated to take action; action also creates the motivation to keep going,” he said. “Author of Atomic Habits, James Clear says, ‘Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.’ The program is designed to help you succeed, improve your fitness, and move you toward your goals – one action at a time.”
CrossFit Longma offers several group class times to fit anyone’s schedule: 5:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., noon, and 5:30 p.m. Personal training sessions and nutrition coaching options are also available.
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