Coronavirus has closed gyms all around the world – not to mention all of the countless other businesses that have told their employees not to come back to work until further notice.

HQ has really come through, doing what they can to work with their affiliates. On the website, they wrote, “… CrossFit is halting or reducing fees from our affiliates wherever their governments have mandated closures. We cannot ask our affiliates to pay fees when they are prohibited from keeping their doors open, regardless of the steps they are taking to continue to serve their local communities.

“In addition, CrossFit Headquarters is working to provide immediate support to CrossFit affiliates by hosting an online competition with all registration proceeds going to affiliates in need.” (Stay tuned for more on this.)

The financial uncertainty will keep you up at night, but CrossFit has always been about so much more… It’s been about community, family, the journey you take to become the best version of yourself. Many of us can confirm that our local affiliate has always been there for us. So now, it’s time to ask ourselves: What can we do for them?

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Here are just a few suggestions for how you can stand behind your local gym during this challenging and concerning time.

How to Support Your Local CrossFit Affiliate During Coronavirus Closures

1. Ask for Online/Remote Coaching

Many gyms are offering this already, and it’s a win-win. You help you affiliate stay afloat while the physical location is closed, and you also get to stay healthy at home, under the guidance of your coach.

Your affiliate might already be offering these services at a cost lower than your regular membership. If they’re not and you still want to work with them, suggest doing something on a sliding scale, based on what you can afford and what they’re able to offer in return.

2. Buy Gift Certificates

Yes, gift certificates!

Your gym will get through this, and once they’re able to open their doors again, it’s go time. Get them through the nightmare that is this pandemic and pay for future services now.

Consider purchasing for yourself or a loved one something like a one-on-one training session or nutrition coaching. Pay now and redeem your “gift card” once your affiliate is back in business.

3. Rent Out Some of Their Equipment

You can’t go to the gym… but you can train at home. Talk to your affiliate owner about renting out some of their equipment for a weekly fee. You get to bring some of that fitness back with you, and you make a financial contribution to your gym — which they really need right now.

If you’re tight on space, stick to dumbbells and kettlebells. If you have a little more room and the proper flooring (this is important!), you can get away with barbells and plates.

4. If You Have the Means…

We understand that the ground is shaky right now, and many people are left wondering how to pay their own bills. If you’re in a place where you have some cash to spare, considering covering (or contributing in part to) a fellow athlete’s membership.

Stay strong, friends. Now more than ever, our community needs to stick together.

Main Image: CrossFit Kova/Instagram