We have some pretty edgy tees but we sell a few a day too. We even had an order from Australia. Give the people what they want!

I think there is a time and place for everything. I have to say, I was taken back at my cert. when the "F-bomb" seemed to be used by every instructor. It's almost like they tell them to do it! To me, it's abrasive and not needed to get a point across. You wouldn't hear that at any kind of professional conference, interview, or family dinner. CrossFit involves family, teens, and children. To me it's a no brainer. I would never use that language instructing my clients and I certainly don't need to use it to be "hardcore" or edgy.

i work at more of a personal training facility so we have family and kids around. i don't swear at my clients while coaching. i dont think someone yelling 'f' at me will get me to work any harder. if the 'f' work or any others come out of my mouth, i can assure you it is not forced, it is just part of my everyday language. i dont go out of my way to use it. as far as t-shirts go, i am more likely to wear one that says, "train hard or go home" i dont have much tolerance for whinners.

Profanity is usually a sign of an insufficient vocabulary. However, it is also efficient verbal shorthand when you hit your thumb with a hammer, or stub your toe on the dresser in the morning.

When used sparingly, it can emphasize a point by its shock value to your audience, but overuse is a sign of ignorance and unprofessionalism.

We do not tolerate overt overuse of profanity at Crossfit Coastal - we foster an environment that caters to families, high school students, and professionals.

We don't think it is neccesarry to plaster profanity everywhere to get the point across that we are hardcore.

Great T Shirt! My current favorite is "God made machines to keep wankers of the barbells"

As an ex military man I am no stranger to the f word. It has its place as an expletive and occasionally as punctuation. I do agree with some of the other comments in that it can make you appear unprofessional if used at the wrong time and place.

And yes some people, especially in the US, are too uptight. I have been living in the US for a year now and the difference is noticeable to someone from laid back New Zealand.

We stick to very simple instruction of solid basics, profanity does not seem to make things any clearer to people.

Immature & sophmoric at best. Tired & uncreative at worst. I find fart jokes far more amusing.

We don't have profanity on tees or posted around the gym. The occasional F-bomb gets dropped, but it isn't part and parcel of the average vocabulary around the gym. Innuendo is fine and often funny. Makes those non-CrossFitters wonder about us and ask questions.

Often there are kids around and we have a class with some women who are in their 60's and 70's that wouldn't appreciate explicit language, but by and large we don't have any uptight CrossFitters. It does appear unprofessional if overused, but can be used to make a point when appropriate. I found that my language would have to get toned down after every reserve weekend, not I have to tone it down when I come back from training at certs!! More than anything, it's the music that we have to watch out for. For example, Kid Rock is great, but there are some who get offended by his music. So, we have to balance the play lists with the CrossFitters working out. We need the music rocking to keep people pushing, but explicit versions are rare.

We use expletives and swearing very sparingly in our place. However, sometimes they help get a point across or get peoples' attention. Not part of our normal discourse though, although I have a bad habit of swearing quite frequently in the absence of others.

I am encouraged to read the most of these affiliates that have posted thus far do not feel the need to use profanity. We do not encourage it here and will also not offer any explicit tees...we have had a great response to the shirt that says, 'your gym sucks'...works every time.

Lisbeth - great discussion subject. As a trainee, I respond really well to a coach swearing at me. I'm not one for a "nice try, good effort, way to go" kind of approach. But as a future trainer, I plan to keep profanity officially out of my general program and protocols. It can be shocking enough to detract from your message, it might potentially alienate a new client and it's just as easy to get your point across in a colorful manner without dropping the f-bomb.

Of course, when working one-on-one with a client like me, I'll do whatever works. If yelling, "Push your f***ing KNEES OUT!" (as one GREAT trainer told me just a few weeks ago), gets them where I need them to be, then I'm more than happy to go there.

I think the innuendo on Coach G's shirt is humorous - and "smart." You can use an innocent term with a controversial connotation to get someone's attention. You're challenging a preconceived notion in a humorous way, and people are more likely to remember things that are funny.

However, the heavy use of the "f" bomb and other strong profanity in the CrossFit community is a surprise to me . Maybe some of the people think it makes them seem "edgy," or hip, or maybe they just feel like they are being renegades by saying something they think is outside of the norm. The funny thing is that so many people use profanity now, that is is tired and almost conformist. I think that using profanity is just a bad habit for most people. It's like linguistic fast food. It's not okay to eat french fries every day, but it is okay to have a "drive-thru mouth." Food for thought (hehe).

Crossfitters are all about good habits in eating, exercise, etc. However, individuals who use the "f" bomb and other profanity on a regular basis are basicallly being linguistically lazy.

I-6, that, right there, is exactly why I love you.

Some gyms are for old ladies and kids. Some are for a tougher, wilder breed of man-beast. The language follows accordingly. Profanity isn't necessarily due to a lack of vocabulary, education or social privilege.

The question is: do you want to struggle out a brutal wod with Green Berets, or do you want to spin to Celine and then do lunch with the Junior League? Are you inspired by competing against Rugby players and UFC fighters? Or, do you find that you can clock your fastest Fran when you're challenged by a nursing mother? If you have the stones to play with the GBs, Rugby beasts or UFC monsters, then you probably don't cringe over words.

I go where the tough guys are, and we love a great snatch joke or well delivered F-Bomb. We don't venture into Chuck-e-Cheese, and expect that savvy parents won't bring their kids around our gym.

For the sake of honesty, let's acknowledge that those who can truly forge elite fitness are going to be a rough crowd. Some are born to it, some choose it. Whether or not they use profanity themselves, tough guys don't cover their ears and act mortally wounded when they hear a four letter word.

God love the foul mouthed, snatch-joking, tough guys, and keep them safe from the potty mouth police.

That being said, there may be more money in selling a program that is marketed as "forging elite fitness", and sorta looks like it's a tough guy friendly gym, but in actuality, it's a mommy-and-me-too fitness playground with gluten-free hand chalk, a diaper changing station made of recycled material, and a verbally correct wod that's fun for the whole lactose intolerant, peanut allergic family.

is there more money to be made in a politically, grammatically, mathematically, geographically, theologically, morally correct gym? Is it worth it?

I choose to eat meat, wear fur, workout in a bra, leave sweat angels on the floor, weave a foul mouthed tapestry of lyrical filth, and exercise until I occasionally vomit. And, I'm willing to pay for the privilege of doing so in a place where tough guys roam unfettered by those who sell Avon. If I see Coach Berg around, I hope he's wearing a snatch shirt.

And that, Spider Chick, is why WE love you...

I second that....That is why we love Spider Chick!

I'm in that video!!! Congrats Aaron, CrossFit CLE is really taking off!

I try to watch my language in the gym, but there are times where a good curse is really the only way to adequately describe what you've just put yourself through.

Spider Chick, I want to work out at your gym...I think an important point is being missed here. Coach B's shirt is accurate on many topics. It's really more of a public service message, kind of a helpful little reminder of what's best in life. Conan might have said the same thing if he was an oly lifter as well as barbarian love slave.

LOL -- Bruce, that was good!

Spider Chick -- you're entitled to your opinion and you can certainly express it here. That being said, I prefer to see positions supported without resorting to hyperbole, but that's just me. (And I have a 7-week post-partum nursing mother who is one of my trainers and is tearing up my affiliate in her return to firebreather status. So lump me in with her, if you want -- she's damn good company.)

This is the Affiliate Blog -- we have a diverse community here that is perhaps a bit different than the Main Page. Something to keep in mind.

Spiderchick - possibly the best post I have read anywhere on the CF site. I agree 100%

I'd agree with the comment made earlier. Excessive swearing is linguistically lazy. At our affiliate it's just governed by a degree of respect for other's using the place. If I have a group of off duty Firefighters, or our underpriveleged groups in, the language may be more "colourful" than some of our more "upmarket" visitors.

I'm no vocabulary nazi, but I try not to swear when taking clients unless it is really in context or directly quoting. And I have asked people to modify their conversation (topic more than language) to avoid offending others. Most do so and apologise if they have offended which suggests to me that it has been subconscious rather than choice for "effect".

I have attended a CF class at another venue some time ago with another 4 qualified Strength and Conditioning Coaches- 3 of whom commented on the bad language used. I did not notice on that occasion. But the fact it was commented on in a negative way was noted.

I'm fortunate that our region in the UK has it's own regional "dialect" or language with several good substitutions that are not profane. Worth looking up "Geordie language" on the web for a laugh at some of the words we use, divvint ya knaa!

I'm not so sure that Spider Chick was speaking hyperbolically.

Ok, then give me the name of the CF affiliate that's holding spin classes to music by Celine.

The intent of this discussion, in my opinion, was not CF-against-the-globogym-world, but, instead, an examination into the different opinions perhaps held within our CrossFit community. The latter offers us a chance to share and examine viewpoints, while the former only offers us a chance to beat our chests.

I guess it all depends on where you're aiming when you pull back the arrow.

Personally i find Coach B's shirt to be hilarious.
I have long wanted a shirt that said " Show me your Snatch and i'll show you my Jerk", unfortunately the owner of my affiliate ( I love you Dan ), doesn't think it's quite as funny.

My affiliate generally has kids in and around the gym at the times that the majority of people are working out. Not to mention some of our most amazing athletes are 12-16 years old. We try to keep the music profanity free ( doesnt always happen but we try). And we try not to throw around unneeded f-bombs. Does it happen? Of course. We have seals, rangers, fireman and pretty much people from every walk of life converging and willingly kicking their own asses.

Hell last night i swore multiple times during my wod. Once during ghd situps with body armor and one when doing box jumps with said body armor forced the armor to hit me in the face.

There is a time and place for such language. Overuse is offensive, when used in context i personally do not feel it offensive at all.

At clever tshirts... THEY ROCK.

P.s I was at the rainier cert and i want one of those shirts about doing a new girl each week.

Gabe,

To the contrary I do think it is very funny. In fact I plan on printing it soon. I dont love you by the way but I do like you, a little.

So back to the subject, I am a profanity using former frogman. But in the box I do my best to control my launguage and that of my coaches not becuase I disagree with it but because we are public place that supports a family environment.

My children and there fellow CF Kids are in the gym all hours of the day and I firmly believe that children follow our examples when it comes to both fitness and social skills.

For me, I dont want my children to have the same vocabulary as I have. Although I am educated I still resort back to my sailor mouth when I am frustrated or trying to make a point.

T-shirts are very funny but as a buisness owner I have to play to the crowd. Our crowd averages 40- years of age and most have children. They came to us because of our kids program and if and when I choose to implement good saying on t-shirts I will do so after a close examination of my clients.

Each buisness owner must do the same, If I was back in San Diego believe me I would have a far more open mindset and mouth. But here in the ultra conservative Pacific Northwest I have to keep my laungauge and the marketing material in check.

In then end I do think people are way to uptight and need to lossen up but I still have to respect their beiiefs and personal vertues.

Ok, I'll be honest I toss the F-bomb around. I work in an ER and I'm a CF head Trainer at Potomac Crossfit. I say things like get your A#$ lower, Jerk that MF'er like you mean it and so on.
But I don't swear around kids or people who I know find it offensive.
I don't have a limited vocabulary, I only took the short bus because I was to much of a wise a@# for the big bus!

I want the Chuck-e-Cheese crowd to come to our gym as well as the old ladies and kids.
Then they can enjoy each other as they smack down a WOD with the "tougher, wilder breed of man-beast."
Making sure my language follows accordingly when in mixed company but understanding that
profanity is necessary at times and it is a social privilege!
I would never turn down a spin class with Celine, come on how cool would it be to roll with her? Who wants to bet I could get her to say the F-bomb by the end of class....I bet I could! LOL
Jen
PS
Nursing mother's ROCK!
A time and a a place for everything! Get Some!

I don't have anything against Coach's shirt. I dislike the shirts with curse words on them a LOT. The point of having a CrossFit shirt floating around is so that you can wear it publicly and proudly represent your affiliate. Personally, I would not print offensive shirts like that for my affiliate - but let me explain why. I plan on having a Kids program eventually, and I don't want any confusion from parents about the atmosphere their kids will be exposed to. We're going to put you through a tough workout, but we're not going to be making snatch jokes and cursing at your children.

Additionally, MY 10 YR OLD DAUGHTER is at our gym every single solitary day. She can read your shirt. Do people occasionally swear in front of her? Sure. Even I slip an occasional S-bomb during a WOD. If my daughter hears you swear, you'll owe her a dollar, and she has ears like a hunting cat. The kid has enough dollars saved to buy a Bentley at this point, but people are quickly learning. You can come in and be a hard ass, work out till you sweat profusely and kick the living crap out of your last "Jackie" time without swearing. Swearing for some reason has become synonymous with toughness and "edginess"....but why? Swearing isn't some grand privilege that we "tough" adults are allowed; it's just a word, and it offends little ears.

How about instead of swearing you practice your angry scowl in front of the mirror?? One of our members used to swear profusely, but now he chooses to clap loudly instead of swearing. (There is no $ penalty for clapping)

People are uptight and lame! If you do not like something move on.

For those of you who don't think swearing makes you tough, check out CrossFit Alexandria's video of Jason Khalipa doing King Kong!

But seriously, do you affiliates that frown on cursing and innuendo make your members keep their shirts on during the WODs too?

Don't lie for the internet dan, you love me.

I agree with you Jennie, t-shirts with swearing and crossfit aren't the best idea. But snatch jokes arent swearing.

I LOVE your idea about the 1$ per swear word though. How about ti dan .50$ per kid for swearing in front of them?

Some great points up there.

There's a time & a place.

Sometimes it can be sophomoric and inappropriate. Sometimes, I want to bring my 7yo to the Saturday morning workout or a FGB fund-raiser and, aside from the occasional CF induced case of Teret's, people keep things pretty clean.

I train a 5:45am crowd that has told me they don't like the Kool-Aid reference or Pukie the Clown. So, when training them, I refrain from employing expletives... We do enjoy a good play on words though. So, the occasional twitter and tee-hee is heard when snatching, jerking, and sometimes just getting full hip extension at the top of an air squat.

However, if someone is being a buttercup after finishing the pull-ups of round 1 of Fran and resting their hands on their knees and sucking wind for a good 30 seconds of "Let me catch my breath." I may just yell out, "Get to that bar before it makes you its b!tch! Kick its f-in a$$!"

We're all adults and I want 100% intensity AND perfect technique at every workout, so if occasionally (and I mean purposely making it a rarity) throwing out an F-bomb helps, I'll do it. I'm not trying to be edgy, but sometimes it's the only way to tap the raw aggression an athlete has inside.

Now, where do I get one of those shirts?

Caleb, i don't know about you but mothers dont find me shirtless offensive...

I go to CFSD and I can't think of a time I heard a trainer swear while coaching a group workout. I cannot however count the amount of times I've sweared or have heard it. My kids are regulars at the gym and I would rather have them around hard working, put out people, even if they do cuss.

Joe, for the record I didn't say if I was back at CFSD, I said if I was back in San Diego.

Caleb, yes shirts off for the men are optional for the girls its mandatory.

out

After a WOD my mom saw the look on my face and repeated the phrase I always say, "If it were easy it would be your mom". I say this to everyone, however when my mom repeated it back to me and we realized what she said, I thought maybe I could clean up my language a bit.

End of story, my mom said she was easy!! hahahahahahahahahaha

Hmmm...even here we can't escape the dreaded F-bomb conversation.

Every room has rules. Some times it's necessary to post the rules, but in the vast majority of rooms in the Western World people walk into a room and they instinctively know the rules.

Gyms are no different. Even Crossfit gyms. No two are exactly alike, not even if they are in the same city or in the same neighborhood (wanna hear the F-bomb? Chat with owner #1 when owner # 2 opens up one block down). Crossfit.com is essentially a virtual gym and the assumption there, IMO, is that it's an adult space. Enter at your own risk. (And Lisbeth, 90+% of the people who enter the A-blog do so through a side-door from the Main Site. There is no bright line separating the two, and I would offer to you that anything that creates the impression of a bright line separation is bad. Broad and inclusive doesn't only describe CF fitness, and as far as I know the diverse group of visitors here and there are pretty much the same.)

Some times a room changes when the people occupying the room change. So, too, do the people inside generally understand the rules at that time in that place when occupancy changes.

Language, ALL language, is situational and geographical. I cannot use the same language in my inner city office that I use in my suburban office to explain the same concepts. PC or not, the reality is that my job is to get the information across in a way that it will be absorbed and processed. A gym is no different. I told a fellow Cert participant who I know outside of CF that bingo LOVES the F-bomb, but as he knows, Dr. White doesn't use it.

Really, it's time to move beyond this.

And Gabe, FWIW, a shirtless bingo is WAAYYYY more offensive than the F-bomb.

Dan - I wrote before I read every comment. I was just stating my experience.

No drama brother, I just didnt want CJ, Lisa and the crew to choke me out next time I come down. Have a happy turkey day and be safe.

Spider Chick:

Every time you call me and tell me about one of your brilliant rants, I go to the computer ready to rise up and speak with you. Then, upon reading your post, I realize it would only be less eloquently redundant. Well said.

Gabe-
shoot me an email and I'll get you one of those shirts.

We do have shirts that make people wonder: "I do a different girl each week", "torture for time", "It's like meth but you get to keep your teeth". Thats about as edgy as we get outwardly. Don't really want to scare innocent women and children before they get to know us. Love Coach B's shirt.

We'll drop a well placed, or escaped, expletive here and there but usually with regard to our audience. Theres a time and a place for everything, no need to be overly, crudely, effusive.

Allow me to clarify -- this discussion was meant to happen. That's why I wrote the post. Just because it's been discussed on the main site does not mean that it has been discussed on the affiliate side in the same manner. We are discussing it here as people who are in the business of training, which is not always the focus of the main site, which (it can be argued) is more focused on training -- and not the business and community of training.

Bingo, I'm not arguing for a divisive line between the main site and the A-Blog. Read over my words again: "This is the Affiliate Blog -- we have a diverse community here that is perhaps a bit different than the Main Page. Something to keep in mind."

And I stand by that. We are a diverse group. We are also the same. But I don't need flaming rhetoric here. I need discussion. That is what I'm advocating. Our affiliates encompass a broad range of people and interests. But to paint them all with broad strokes, I think, does them a disservice.

For the record, I'm a proficient user of the F-bomb, in the right company and at the right moment. But I'll not throw stones at the nursing mothers and the kids and the seniors. Just as I'll not throw stones at the firebreathers and the he-men and the she-ras. I'll instead do my WOD and curse to myself.

Hey Lis-
I like it too (that f-bomb) but I never once heard you mutter it - did I miss something? :)

Hmmm...I'll swear less if you all just work a little harder ;)

Best,

Jon

I swear, sometimes too much and sometimes when I shouldn't. Its a hang-over from my hospitality/chef training days and Im working on it ;)

When the people/timing/pitch/tone/volume is right, it's a motivator like nothing else!

As a side note;

I get more offended when at a training event or watching a video when the trainer is flexing their vocabulary.

You see it all the time...the point has been made, the crowd/individual gets it, but the trainer just keeps crapping on to try and 'show-off' or 'appear' to be the master of something.

Maybe a discussion on that?

I side with Ezekiel, #4.

Furthermore, when the CF Trainers use the F-Bomb repeatedly at the Cert, they seem to be either: attempting to emulate Coach G., overcoming nervousness, creating levity, or filling in for lack of appropriate vocabulary. All could be overcome with more preparation and discipline.

"Workouts so hard they'll make you clutch your pearls in shock!"

... dunno if it has the same ring ...

Now this is an interesting line of commentary.

I coach pastors who are not reticent about using the F word in their workouts and it affirms to me that they are engaging intensity. On the other hand, that happened in my garage gym when I was working out of that setting - that expletive is now muttered softly in the big box/Globogym where I work now by clients and by me. Not out loud, more to just the person saying it.

It can be overdone. It does communicate an edgy side that this community seems eager to model as part of the brand. Within the big scheme of things, it is not that big a deal to me.

And, while I appreciate Lisbeth's point of view, that was one funny dialogue that Spiderchic posted. Killer one liners.

As for the t-shirts, the Team NoBox folks have some pretty funny ones on par with CF rogue humor. Only problem with Tshirts is that you can't always pick your audience and the message can be received different from the intended send. On the other hand, I can't maintain an unbiased opinion on anything that Coach B models. The man has his sh** together.

I did hear Coach Glassman mention not too long ago that a surprisingly high number of CF barnburners with world class times/performance are devoutly religious folk. Not saying that coarse language is always an oxymoron for those with a well defined faith card, but it often occurs to a lesser degree in that group.

And this topic is missing two worthwhile and entertaining commentators: John B and CCT Joey to the paging phone, please.......

Spider Chick: I just don't know how you do it. Your words always come together so beautifully. I can feel the passion behind them, I laugh out loud at the humor in them and I'm always motivated and excited by them. You're by far my favorite poster and for sure one of my favorite women - so strong and unapologetic. You're so damn smart and funny. You have no competition in my eyes. Thanks for being so you. There are so many qualities that you have that I hope to acquire someday. Your way with words is one of them.

Ezekial - Cursing isn't a sign of low IQ or a weak vocabulary. My father has the most extensive lexicon of any person I've ever met. He's in Mensa and has 3 degrees from Columbia. He's also the reason I have such an impressive arsenal of curse words. Another great example of a cursing genius - our fearless leader, Greg Glassman. He doesn't NEED to use the F word.. I'm fairly certain he knows a few words he could put in it's place. He chooses to use it and he does it so f'ing well.

Sometimes during a brutal WOD, the only thing that gives me the slightest bit of relief is shouting "Fuk". Curse words can be used as exclamation points - "Get on that Fing bar!", "Move your AS.!" and things like that.

It's okay to curse at most adults in a supportive, encouraging way during a WOD. In my experience hey dig it and understand. I doubt the same words would be flying around in a CrossFit Kids program, but that's not what we're talking about here, is it?

I think CrossFit and cursing go very well together.

I like a nice snatch joke and t-shirt too.

:D

Asking the community is great to get a temperature reading however what I have found is that each box has a "hemisphere" all it's own. There is an unwritten agreement between staff and clients that has been negotiated already.

Follow this scenario... a Coach opens a box, drops the F-bomb the first WOD with his first client... the clients thinks nothing of it and recruits his friends, people who are of the same ilk, they join and speak similarly... and so on.

Now the CF community is partially like this because Coach speaks this way and has recruited like minded people. If coach spoke the King's English from upper crust Nottingham I'm sure we would all be using a different vernacular.

It's not right or wrong unless your clients say so IMHO.

Thoughts from a tough guy with a foul mouth that can rival all others(I work in a fire station for crying out loud)...

1. I love cursing and the joke's that come along with it. Strong language belongs in places of strong actions...PERIOD. If you don't like it move on.

2. I don't agree with using language of any kind to disrespect other people or bring them down. No one has mention'd the idea of respecting the people with which you are speaking.

3. A little innuendo every now and then is a good thing...sometimes it might even get ya' a little end...OH. (bad joke)

Bottom line, I try and use the appropriate language for the situation. I am not going to talk to my mother the same way I talk with my friends at the fire station...RESPECT. We are all very passionate people in this business and sometimes that passion expresses it's self in the form of "word vomit". Not a big deal. PEACE, B

Allison, there is a big difference between cursing in the middle of a WOD and cursing while you are being paid to instruct someone.

I feel like I would be stealing from my members if all they heard from my mouth was "grab that f-ing bar", "don't f-ing arch your back", etc.

As a trainer, people pay for my time - I respect them by not wasting the time they paid for with mindless chatter and nonsense.

“Profanity is the common crutch of the conversational cripple.”
~David Keuck

I do my best to respect others' opinions on the matter, especially when they are athletes in our gym. But I gotta admit - I feel waaaaaaaay more comfortable around people who drop the f-bomb than people who don't.

Ezekiel:

Mindless chatter and nonsense?

If that's how you feel then make sure to pick up a copy of The Elements of Style. William Strunk will teach you how to "Omit Needless Words".

If your issue is really being concise in order to save your clients time, then the F bomb is going to have lots of company in the pile of needless fluff.

I doubt that's what it's really about. Certain words offend you and that's ok. You're entitled to your opinion and I respect it. But try to avoid putting other people down by insulting their intelligence for their choice of words. You're suggesting people like me NEED it because of an inadequate vocabulary. You don't see me insulting you because of your choice to use someone else's quote instead of coming up with your own, do you?

If some of your clients don't appreciate it's use, then don't use it with them. But understand that lots of people enjoy the words. I'm one of them and the gym seems like the most appropriate place to use them.. in the most respectful way possible of course ;)

Can't you at the very least tolerate it's use when it's meant to be a positive thing?

One of the greatest compliments I've ever received was "Great F'in job on that workout". For some reason that F word really made it special.

:D

One of our most popular shirts at BTB says "My Jerk is better than your snatch" We are all about the innuendos.

It's not that important, but the old English professor in me feels the need to point out this distinction:

It's = It is

Its = a possessive pronoun, without the need for an apostrophe

Whew, now I can go to sleep. (No innuendo intended, no divisive lines, no arguing, just sleep. Ahhhh.)

I know that. I don't know why or how I made that mistake. "Thanks" for bringing it to my attention... and everyone else's. I'm happy you feel better after pointing out my grammatical error. I can't imagine the weight that's been lifted off of your shoulders. It was obviously important enough for you to write 4 lines about it (yes, I'm the one who counted this time).

It doesn't make me feel better to try to make other people insecure about their writing, especially in a public place, but to each is own.

Allison -- I'm joking!

It's the end of a long day and I was making fun of MY obsession with the English language.

Man, I really am going to bed now. Well, that is after I write tomorrow's blog.

Oh Sh!t. I'm sorry. Now I feel like an ahole.

hahah.

I think I have to go to bed too :/

GNight Lisbeth :D

I don't teach any of the adult classes at my local affiliate but I do run the kid's classes, so no cursing there. I do my best to refrain from the cursing during a WOD, but it doesn't always work.
What we have found to work with the kids to get them more motivated is to constantly be calling them "little maggots" while standing face-to-face with them ;-}

Maybe it's just an East Coast/West Coast thing. I'd hate to hear instructors in New York or New Jersey! Us midwest folk are just too proper.

AMAZING Shirt

I was a crossfitter that is now really only Olympic lifts on my university's. Its just language and wording if you have a problem don't listen or buy the shirt. Let people say what they want.

Is anyone going to stop crossfitting for the language or the sayings on the T-shirts...i surely would hope no. But if they do then "peace out bra" they must have to be to uptight anyway. Who wants that in a workout atmosphere?

By the way...where do you get that shirt i want one??

If anyone has information on that email me please.

Oh, and dan its good to see you on hear and be back on here.

Long time no see.

We actually penalize swearing with push ups in our box. We have a lot of kids around and it's just not ok, and it's not necessary IMHO.

mattpalazola, if you're talking about Coach B's shirt, just go to his website: www.mikesgym.org

"Some gyms are for old ladies and kids. Some are for a tougher, wilder breed of man-beast. The language follows accordingly. Profanity isn't necessarily due to a lack of vocabulary, education or social privilege."

This seems antithetical to a central thesis of CF, which is that it is functional fitness appropriate and scalable for everyone, at every age and stage of life. I certainly disagree with it. Although the point about profanity not being correlated with the level of ones vocabulary, level of education or social class is certainly valid.

"The question is: do you want to struggle out a brutal wod with Green Berets, or do you want to spin to Celine and then do lunch with the Junior League? Are you inspired by competing against Rugby players and UFC fighters? Or, do you find that you can clock your fastest Fran when you're challenged by a nursing mother? If you have the stones to play with the GBs, Rugby beasts or UFC monsters, then you probably don't cringe over words."

No, that is not the question at all. You are setting up a strawman argument and trying to make the issue an either/or, strictly black or white. It is not a question of working out like a military person, a fighter or the Junior League. These are not the only options. You are trying to make CF exclusive rather than inclusive. This position makes no sense to me. Yes, there are many elite (is that contradictory?) athletes, Spec Ops, LEO/First Responders and fighters who train CF, but most folks, ime, are everyday people. And nursing mothers who train CF are just as badass, imo, as anyone else who does CF so I don't know why you're trying to put them down.

"For the sake of honesty, let's acknowledge that those who can truly forge elite fitness are going to be a rough crowd. Some are born to it, some choose it. Whether or not they use profanity themselves, tough guys don't cover their ears and act mortally wounded when they hear a four letter word."

Again I am calling BS. No, honestly those who train CF and are pushing towards very high levels of fitness are certainly tough and mentally strong, but that is not the same as being "rough," crude or coarse. And I have to agree with Lisbeth that your hyperbole (tough guys don't cover their ears and act mortally wounded when they hear a four letter word) is not convincing in the least. If one chooses to avoid using profanity when coaching or working out, it does not follow that they would act highly offended should someone else choose to do so, nor have I noticed anyone expressing that point of view in the discussion (although I will admit to not having read every word of every response so maybe I missed it).

"God love the foul mouthed, snatch-joking, tough guys, and keep them safe from the potty mouth police.

That being said, there may be more money in selling a program that is marketed as "forging elite fitness", and sorta looks like it's a tough guy friendly gym, but in actuality, it's a mommy-and-me-too fitness playground with gluten-free hand chalk, a diaper changing station made of recycled material, and a verbally correct wod that's fun for the whole lactose intolerant, peanut allergic family.

is there more money to be made in a politically, grammatically, mathematically, geographically, theologically, morally correct gym? Is it worth it?

I choose to eat meat, wear fur, workout in a bra, leave sweat angels on the floor, weave a foul mouthed tapestry of lyrical filth, and exercise until I occasionally vomit. And, I'm willing to pay for the privilege of doing so in a place where tough guys roam unfettered by those who sell Avon. If I see Coach Berg around, I hope he's wearing a snatch shirt."

Honestly don't see anything substantive here. I really don't think anyone is any tougher or more capable of "forging elite fitness" because of the tough exterior they may choose to express. I really don't think excessive profanity is any more effective than using it sparingly. Coaching is all about communicating effectively. Choose your words for your audience. If using profanity will be appropriate and effective, bombs away; if the point can be made more effectively without, then don't bother. Neither should be condemned nor advocated as the sole methodology. And if you see Coach B around, he will almost certainly be wearing a snatch shrit. And please ask him how often he dropped told his students at RBV to get their f'g knees out. I'd honestly like to know. In fact, I think I'll ask him. Stay tuned.

Love the shirt Coach B!

I more than likely will keep it pretty clean at my affiliate, it's still early and people have to get to know me and what kind of business I intend to run. Then hopefully the atmosphere will be that of open expression, people being able to be themselves, say what they like without offending anyone because we are pretty close knit. That's my hope at least, and since it's my business that's the way I'm gonna do it dammit!

You and your damn 30 pushup rule, Rog. I hate that rule. Hate like mushrooms and olives. Coming from male only sports and activities, we ended up swearing a lot.

However, in a gym with the kiddies around, I'm a nice talker except when I'm cursing under my breath because of a reflexive action. Still, I get it but when I can slip a curse word here or there with the right crowd, I will.

#49 Anthony, I totally agree.

#51 Awesome shirt.

I for one loved Coach B's shirt at the games. Thanks as I didn't know where to get one.

Ezekial Martinez x 2:

Dude...really? Again with the inadequate vocabulary thing?

I'll paraphrase from the last time this came up on the Main Page: with absolutely no effort at any type of modesty, false or otherwise, I will posit that I have a working vocabulary that is far greater than you or for all intents and purposes anyone else you have ever met. Anyone with whom you have ever had a conversation. I have been (rightly) accused of willfully using a .50 word when a .05 word would do just as nicely, just to show off said vocabulary. And yet, I LOVE the F-bomb. Dearly love it. I CHOOSE to use it on occasion, and I have the particular conceit that I can determine the appropriate time and place to do so. (Yeah, I used the word 'conceit'. Have at it).

To opine on the relative merit of the F-bomb in general, or on the specifice merit or appropriateness of its usage (note "its" Lisbeth) is reasonable, IMO. To extend that liberty so far as to propose a general indictment of the relative intelligence and verbal facility of a speaker who has the audacity to use the F-bomb bespeaks a certain moral arrogance that is much more dangerous and intrusive than even the most casually dropped F-bomb. In other words, using the language that you would assume to be the pinnacle of my linguistic range given my usage of the F-bomb:

It just ain't so, and Keuck is fukkin' wrong.

It's really funny how protective people are of their F bombs. My guess is that most of the frequent fliers in the F Bomb club would rather give up their sub 3:00 Fran than to have to give up their F Bomb.

The running argument is that it's "just a word"....ok....then ditch your completely non-important "word" and let's workout without swearing? Ok?

Thoughts added around 67...

I am known among friends to use the "f" word excessivley, along with every other expletive you can think of. Does that make me ignorant? If you say so. I really don't care what someone thinks. That's just me. That being said, I tend to curb my language when appropriate. I'm a banker by day and trainier by early mornings and nights. Those words don't get used around the bank, or around folks that I feel may take it as offensive. It's just part of my language and I don't plan on fixing that any time soon, but I respect everyone's feeling on the subject. Great topic by the way!

I curse when I feel like it will help my athletes perform. My self made guidelines are:

1) Don't do it for the entire classes' consumption, this is showboating/center of attention seeking - watch a standup comic that uses a lot of profanity v. one that doesn't - the latter will hold your attention longer.

So #2 is...

2) Use it directed at an individual.

3) Use it on ME or Oly days, especially for women - rarely on METCON days - and for women much more then men. My hypotheses on this one is:

3a. People are barely listening to you during a METCON, and they probably hate you for what you are putting them through. If all they here is "blah blah f-bomb blah", they will teeter into actually hating you. If they here "blah blah AWESOME INTENSITY DEREK blah", they will love you.

3b. Use it on women vice men. Most guys that I've trained want to go too heavy too fast, they need to be talked down. Most women want to go too light too long - they need to be looked in the eye, told to put MUCH more weight on the bar, and then told "I want you to jump this barbell into the f-bomb ceiling".

I've had good results with these.

69 posts and counting - strong response.

We are having shirts printed now that say "ask you doctor if getting of your ass is good for you" is that offensive?

When we worked out in my driveway, we tried our best to watch our language out of respect for the neighbors. Now in a facility, I do my best to come up with a more creative or humorous way of getting my point across. However, I am also the first to let loose an ear blistering string of expletives (especially when I am working out).

I like Coach's shirt.
I don't find it offensive - however, I probably wouldn't wear it myself.
I don't use the f-word when working with others (training them) - I don't feel it's appropriate for me to charge what I charge and then use the f-word.
It's my value system that prohibits it, not theirs.
And, please re-consider wearing fur. Fur clothing is produced by an industry that breeds, holds captive, and kills creatures so that humans can make a fashion statement. There are plenty of ways to stay warm, and to look good, without wearing fur.

Personally, cursing every once in a while in situations that call for it seems more expressive to me than refraining from doing so or even subsitituting a "richer" vocalbulary word. When things go really really awry I feel a little more satisfied saying "S#it" than saying "crap", or "rats" or "dog-gone-it, that sucked", but that's just me personally. Nevertheless, when people cuss excessively it's not only annoying, but it's low class as well. Also in a gym setting where family and kids are present, I do think it is inappropriate. It seems that Spider Chick thinks that you have to be able to cuss up a storm to be a real tough guy. I think that's laughable because there are plenty of hard core guys that don't curse, and there are pleny of whimps that spread four-letter exclamation points in every sentence they utter. Maybe working harder and being more disciplined has more to do with being hard-core than cussing. I guess I second post #4,8, & 12. For those crossfit coaches that would like some more creative alternatives to cussing with which to motivate their clients:

1. It's a SPRINT, not a JOG!
2. Are you going to clean that barbell, or are you just going to let it sit there!?
3. Are you actually going to do this workout, or do you just watch videos of OTHER people exercising?
4. DRIVE!
5. DIG IN!!
6. THIS IS THE STRAIGHT AWAY. PICK IT UP!
7. MY GRANDMOTHER HAS A BETTER FRAN TIME THAN THIS!
8. QUICK, let's finish before the next class starts!
9. PICK UP THE CYCLE TIME!
10. C'mon, you're 30 seconds behind your last time!
11. Freddy Camacho has a better time than this!
12. Hurry, you'r friend is beating you!

Use some of these at your own risk.

In the case that someone drops a 2 pood kettle bell on your toe, I'd suggest just yelling "SH*T" really, really loud so that everyone in the gym can empathize with your pain and if you're at CrossFit Marin, just suck it up and do your 30 pushups.

Tried to post twice.

Why are we discussing the f-bomb, if even this site won't let you write it. I do agree with Spider Chick. But somebody somewhere must think there's a problem with that little f-word.

To illustrate my point.

Fu&%. Post #79

To illustrate my point.

F^&k. Post #80

Well if this is post #82, my point is moot.

So my point is -- this is a waste of time. One speaks as he/she speaks. Deal with it. But this is a pretty pointy headed discussion on a board where you can't even write the word you are talking about. Post #82.

"...the difference is noticeable to someone from laid back New Zealand." - #5, Matt

I have to say I didn't really think about this much until I saw the guys from CrossFit Brisbane (Australia) on an HQ video describe coming to Santa Cruz as "When you come here, it's just like: farrrrrck." Which is not an uncommon expression here, but it just seemed so out of place over there that I had to smile.

Coach B's reply to me was he did use profanity, as he felt appropriate, with his high school athletes, but never the f word. This has been my experience when getting to work with him at clinics, too. I think this is right. Use it when appropriate and effective, but it is certainly not a requisite to CF, nor to effective coaching.

In my opinion, CrossFit does not “overexert itself on sexual innuendo” or profanity. CrossFit simply does not censor or inhibit those who are prone to sexual innuendo or profanity.

As a society, we’ve grown use to accommodating the most sensitive among us. CrossFit is an exception; it refuses to base any part of its business model on minimizing offence to people. (Individual affiliates are of course free to take a different stand.)

Spider Chick recognizes and relishes the options she has within the CrossFit community--the option for men to go shirtless or not; for people to curse or not; for people to be crude or not.

Of course, these options are neither necessary nor sufficient for elite fitness. But for many (I’m one of them) having these choices makes the hard work involved a bit more bearable.

Finally, I have rarely met a true CrossFitter who was not able to do an appropriate amount of self-monitoring when the situation calls for it. I have zero doubt that if you put Spider Chick in front of a room full of children, they would fall for her in an instant.