The Proper Way to Do a Hero WOD and Honor the Fallen

Veteran’s Day was a little over a week ago and CrossFit websites were rife with Hero WODs. What’s the purpose of a Hero WOD? And as people are readying themselves to complete what are now often known as “long, grueling” workouts, do they truly honor the person (s) they are named for?  We are so grateful to the men and women who served, and continue to serve, to protect our freedom. It is for this reason that, at Modig Fitness, we feel the article “The Proper Way  to Do a Hero WOD and Honor the Fallen,” written by Patrick McCarty for Breaking Muscle  rings so true.

You read that right, folks. Progenex, the preeminent provider of CrossFitter supplements and major sponsor of the CrossFit Games, is once again using tragedy to sell product. In a blog post entitled 5 Hero Wods You Must Try, the reader is initially greeted with an email opt-in pop-up, and once you click your way through, you are treated to a poorly-written, hastily assembled excuse to sell.

              RELATED: The Meaning of a Hero WOD and Those Who Must Not Be Forgotten

At that point, what you quickly realize is that, first, this is not a well-researched or thoughtful list of hero WODs as promised in the title, but rather, merely a sample list. “Here are just a few examples of hero Wods.” Moreover, the writer goes on to explain how these grueling, 45 to sixty minute WODs require much more endurance than most CrossFit workouts – as well as the right Progenex products to survive them. It then goes on to mention “Randy,” which is, for many, a sub-five-minute workout.

So much for honoring the fallen.

The Mystery to the History Behind the Hero WOD

There is a certain mystery to the history behind the hero WOD. The CrossFit websiteis surprisingly devoid of explanation as to their genesis, the intent, and any protocols surrounding how to properly honor a fallen serviceman or woman when doing these WODs.

Yes, each hero WOD is accompanied with a brief bio of the fallen soldier, but who came up with this idea? What was the intent? Who decides on new hero WODS? What are the criteria? No one really knows. Read remainder of article…