Miracle on the Hill

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ByCrossFit July 4, 2020

Every morning, a small group of men 58 and older heads to a gym at the top of a hill in Bonsall, California, to see what the coach has written on the board for the day’s workout. That coach is Mike Burgener of CrossFit Weightlifting, a man whose contributions to the Sport of Fitness are legion.

A casual observer might assume the athletes at Burgener’s gym don’t like each other much because they rib and hurl insults for the duration of their workout. But that, “Coach B.” assures, would be a mistake.

“It’s out of love,” Burgener explains. “We give each other crap all the time … but at the same time, if somebody needs something, we’ll be right there for them. If somebody doesn’t show up, we’ll text and call them.”

Burgener models the camaraderie in his class on the spirit of fitness he knows CrossFit Founder Greg Glassman sought to create with his program. The workouts allow Burgener’s athletes to age well, and the camaraderie keeps them coming back for more.

For Burgener’s crew, fitness begins after 55. With “Geezers Rule” proudly emblazoned on their T-shirts, they see firsthand the effect fitness can have on the aging process.

While the official name of Burgener’s space is “Mike’s Gym,” his athletes call it the “Miracle on the Hill.”

Comments on Miracle on the Hill

11 Comments

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Bruce Warren
July 6th, 2020 at 2:16 pm
Commented on: Miracle on the Hill

I'm in the Super Geezer age group and would love to have a group like this. IOn my current box, there ar eonyl one or two geezers of which I am the geezerest.

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Bruce Warren
November 15th, 2023 at 8:06 pm

Been 3+ years since I first watched this and I have watched it periodically since.


Still badly needing one of the tee shirts. Please make these available CF Geezers everywhere.

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Tim Loeser
July 5th, 2020 at 10:36 pm
Commented on: Miracle on the Hill

The video was great it. I started 3 years ago at 61 with my son to get him ready for his wedding. i'm still going he stopped does that qualify me for a geezer shirt?

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Marcel Cucielo
July 5th, 2020 at 9:39 pm
Commented on: Miracle on the Hill

Yes, this is wonderful. Congratulation Coach B, you is our inspiration! Thanks

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Jobst Olschewski
July 5th, 2020 at 8:09 pm
Commented on: Miracle on the Hill

Awesome, Coach B. I hope you are keeping well.

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Blas Raventos
July 5th, 2020 at 5:19 pm
Commented on: Miracle on the Hill

Best thing I have seen in a long time.

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Nathan Goisnard
July 5th, 2020 at 5:11 pm
Commented on: Miracle on the Hill

Nice!

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Grant Shymske
July 5th, 2020 at 4:09 pm
Commented on: Miracle on the Hill

This is truly what it is all about.

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Diane Garner
July 5th, 2020 at 3:26 pm
Commented on: Miracle on the Hill

I am of the age group and workout in a community of women and men who are in this group. I aspire to have a garage gym too where friends and neighbors can come to workout and hangout. You have something very special, Mike. Enjoy every moment!

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Richard Edwards
July 5th, 2020 at 1:18 pm
Commented on: Miracle on the Hill

Hey Coach,

I need one of those shirts!

In 8 months I'll be hitting Geezer status!

Thanks!

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Michael Suhadolnik
July 5th, 2020 at 8:04 am
Commented on: Miracle on the Hill

This video is priceless. You have the right person with Mike. Those in their second half of life need all the motivation they can get. Thank you.

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