#BoycottCrossfit

Crossfit sucks.

I’ve never tried it… I’ve considered trying it but their recent attack at diabetics has me feeling complete disgust. Here is how my fire has been fueled:

Post #1:

This post caused an immediate outburst from type one diabetics. Many people don’t know the difference between type one and type two diabetes. Here’s a quickie on the difference:

Differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes	Type 2 diabetes
Symptoms usually start in childhood or young adulthood. People often seek medical help, because they are seriously ill from sudden symptoms of high blood sugar.	The person may not have symptoms before diagnosis. Usually the disease is discovered in adulthood, but an increasing number of children are being diagnosed with the disease.
Episodes of low blood sugar level (hypoglycemia) are common.	There are no episodes of low blood sugar level, unless the person is taking insulin or certain diabetes medicines.
It cannot be prevented.	It can be prevented or delayed with a healthy lifestyle, including maintaining a healthy weight, eating sensibly, and exercising regularly.

Source: WebMD

As a type one diabetic, I spend so much time explaining to people the difference, “No. It’s not the same kind your grandma has. No. Exercising won’t make it go away. No. I did not eat too much sugar as a child. No. Eating vegetables won’t get rid of it.” Blah blah blah….

So thank you Crossfit for placing ALL diabetics into ONE category with your initial ignorant post. I can’t wait until the next time my blood sugar is low and I reach for a Coca-Cola and get to explain why it’s OK that I drink that Coke.

A couple weeks ago my blood sugar was 42. (It should be around 100) I was sweating, dizzy, and close to face-planting. I went to purchase jelly beans at the gift shop at work and the sales clerk said, “Should you be eating those with your diabetes.”

So again, thank you Crossfit for adding to the confusion.

Post #2:

So now Crossfit (after the extreme backlash they received from the public and celebrities like Nick Jonas) decides to re-direct their insult directly to type two diabetics.

First of all, this meme is just stupid.

Second, as a type one diabetic, I do struggle with understanding how someone could let themselves get type two diabetes. I certainly don’t eat the best all the time, but I do work out a lot; and, if I could get rid of my diabetes or prevent it, I certainly would. I would give up sugar for the rest of my life if I didn’t have to take one more shot or have to think twice about high or low blood sugar. I would never wish this disease on anyone; and, if someone has a choice, to change their lifestyle to avoid getting it, I cannot understand why they wouldn’t. That said, for a gym or fitness program to take direct, insulting stabs at people is just wrong.

In my eyes, being healthy is so much more than how many deadlifts you can do or how big your muscles are. It’s about being well-rounded in life. It’s about staying positive and having a good self-esteem in addition to the physical fitness.

The Webster Dictionary defines health as this:

“ the condition of being sound in body, mind, or spirit; especially :  freedom from physical disease or pain”

Yes, obesity can cause health issues, a lot of health issues…more than just diabetes; but, why wouldn’t a gym that is promoting health and wellness want to promote in a positive way? Crossfit missed out on the health of the mind and spirit when they chose to insult people. Why not post genuine facts about the health risks associated with diabetes and ways to avoid them instead of posting satirical memes? Leave that for the trolls.

Post #3

Ok, really? Just shut the F*$# up already.

They just won’t drop it.

I know fellow T1Ds that are embarrassed to tell people about their disease and it’s because of the picture painted by companies like this.

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Three weeks ago I was considering trying Crossfit but here are the facts (that may or may not be true but to play fair I’m just going to throw it out there and not do any research):

1. The company is pathetic and places themselves on a pedestal above others.
2. They’d rather argue with the public than promote their company in a positive light.
3. Doing Crossfit causes injuries because people push themselves too hard, too fast.
4. Only people who don’t eat sugar are allowed to do Crossfit.
5. The Crossfit phase will pass. 

There are so many amazing fitness programs out there that make people feel welcome and can help people change their lives through positive health promotion. Friends, why settle for a company like this? #boycottcrossfit