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"CrossFit Is the Cure" — Rallying Cry for Hard Work, No Shortcuts

August 20th, 2025

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Good morning and welcome to the Morning Chalk Up.

In today’s edition:

  • 🔥 “F*ck the quick fix.” CrossFit’s bold new campaign goes back to its roots.

  • 🥩🫛 The protein war rages on — but the science may surprise you.

  • 🔈 New Not For Time episode, featuring Dale Mills from TLC’s “Outdaughtered”!

  • 🏋️‍♀️ The future of CrossFit is here: 60 teens, two divisions, one weekend to crown the fittest.

QUOTE OF THE DAY
❝

‘CrossFit is the Cure’ is a rallying cry to our community and a call to action for the rest of the world.”

Jenna Hauca, Chief Marketing Officer, CrossFit LLC.
INDUSTRY

“Back to Our Roots” – CrossFit Launches New Ad Campaign

Credit: CrossFit

The slogan “F*ck the quick fix” is at the heart of the new campaign from CrossFit HQ. The movement follows the 2025 CrossFit Games as the brand aims to continue building momentum and reignite passion for the sport. 

CrossFit launched its new campaign across social media earlier this month. 

Instagram posts featuring pictures of Tia-Clair Toomey-Orr and Feeroozeh (Fee) Saghafi began appearing with phrases like “CrossFit is the cure” and “There are no shortcuts,” aiming to return the brand to its roots of hard work. 

  • “This one was built for all of us. We’re putting a stake in the ground, reminding people who we are, and that we never left. We’re unapologetic, and we’re here to stay,” Jenna Hauca, CrossFit CMO, said in a social media post.

Tia's Repping the WHOOP 5.0 and So Should You

On the moring of day one of the 2025 CrossFit Games, Tia-Clair Toomey-Orr hit a 202 Max HR, rode it out and never looked back.

That first event wasn't just a strong start, it was a taste of what was coming. Relentless forward progress and grit, all weekend long.

Whether you're first in the world or on day one of your fitness journey, WHOOP helps you optimize your health, fitness, and life.

And the WHOOP 5.0 is the most innovative version yet, with enhanced battery life, new features and advanced health and performance insights.

P.S. WHOOP is HSA/FSA reimbursable.

*This newsletter relies on our sponsors. Please consider supporting them.

SPEED READS

⚡️🏆 United Grid League Showdown: August 23 at the Kissimmee Civic Center — Western and Eastern Conference Finals, a Ringer Point Tournament, and the Championship Match all in one action-packed day. Tickets are still available here, along with livestream information here.

⚠️🎯 Is the Standard the Standard?: The HYROX final station — 100 wall-balls — has drawn criticism for athletes with poor depth and minimal no-rep enforcement. The New York Times (paywall) explores why form could make or break the sport’s credibility, with insights from YouTuber Andrew Hiller and five-time Games champ, Mat Fraser.

💥🏋️‍♂️ High-Rep, High Reward: Is high-rep Olympic lifting dangerous? Coaches Eric O'Connor (CF-L4) and Stephane Rochet (CF-L3) break it down — showing how smart volume under fatigue can build strength, sharpen technique, and ramp up mental toughness.

🔥🏆 Who’s Got Your Vote?: The race for TYR Cup captains is on, and you call the shots. Cast your vote for one male and one female leader before polls close Thursday, August 21, at midnight PT. Results drop the next day — and yes, you can vote once a day.

🦵🔥 Fix Your Form, Feel the Gains: Stop slamming your knees, rounding your torso, or flaring your hips in lunges. This BarBend breakdown exposes the top four mistakes and shows how slowing down, dialing in your setup, and staying squared move you from sloppy reps to real results.

ICYMI: 🏟️ Nineteen years, five cities, endless memories — which one stands above the rest?

MEMBER EXCLUSIVE

The Great Protein Debate – Animal vs. Plant

Credit: Shutterstock

In the world of nutrition, few debates ignite as much passion as the battle between animal and plant protein.

For every steak-loving carnivore, there's a plant-powered advocate swearing by lentils and legumes. 

  • Social media doesn’t help, often turning nuanced science into black-and-white soundbites. 

But when it comes to optimizing our health, performance, and physique, is one source of protein truly better than another? The truth, as it often is in science, isn’t so simple. It’s not just about what you eat, but also why you eat it. 

In this article, we’ll analyze the research, clarify the main differences, and examine how your personal goals could impact which type of protein is best for you.

PODCAST

Not For Time Podcast Episode 6, Live Now!

CROSSFIT GAMES — TEENS

Credit: Pit Media Team

5 Athletes to Watch at the 2025 Teenage CrossFit Games

The 2025 Teenage CrossFit Games by Pit Throwdown kick off this Thursday in Columbus, OH, and by Sunday, the fittest teens in the world will be crowned.

Remind me: Thirty girls and 30 boys in two divisions – 14-15 and 16-17 year-olds – qualified for the Teenage CrossFit Games through an online Age Group Semifinals.

Here’s who we’re focusing on this weekend in Columbus:

Miley Wade: Girls 16-17 Division

Miley Wade finished just off the podium in fourth place at last year’s Teenage CrossFit Games, and she’s back this year at 17.

  • Last year’s three podium finishers – Reese Littlewood, Elsie Larson, and Lucy McGonigle – all moved up to the individual division this season, so we’re considering Wade as the favorite in her division.

This season, Wade, a Mayhem athlete, has already been competing against individuals, finishing eighth at the Syndicate Crown In-Person Qualifying Event and 32nd in the world in the In-Affiliate Semifinals.

HIGHLIGHTS

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