Tag: CrossFit Affiliate

Jocelyn Rylee and Dan Uyemura with Text He's Seen Inside 5,000 CrossFit Gyms and the CrossFit Medical Society Logo

[CFMS SERIES] AI, Community, and the Future of CrossFit Affiliates with Dan Uyemura

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On December 29, 2025

In The CrossFit Podcast

This marks the tenth and final episode of a special CrossFit Podcast collaboration with the CrossFit Medical Society. 

Dan Uyemura, founder and CEO of PushPress, has a rare vantage point: data from thousands of CrossFit affiliates around the world. In this conversation, he breaks down what separates thriving gyms from struggling ones, why engagement matters more than marketing, and how technology can amplify, not replace, the human experience at the heart of CrossFit.

From the “golden rule” for new members to the psychology behind retention, Dan and host Jocelyn Rylee dig into how affiliate owners can build stronger communities, smarter systems, and more sustainable businesses.

TOPICS INCLUDED

  • The data behind retention: what predicts whether members stay
  • The connection between engagement, referrals, and sales
  • How to onboard new members without making them feel stupid
  • Using technology (and AI) to support, not replace, community

Community Highlight

The FDNY Barbell Club doesn’t just fight fires. They train like their lives depend on it.

Founded in 2019 by firefighter Rick Roman, the department’s official CrossFit team blends competition, camaraderie, and accountability inside a firehouse gym outfitted with ropes, rowers, and barbells.

They push through classic CrossFit workouts, monthly throwdowns, and competitions from local events to the World Police and Fire Games, where Roman and his teammates recently landed on the podium.

For them, every rep has a deeper purpose: staying ready. In full gear, firefighters carry 60 to 130 lb into life-or-death situations, and CrossFit builds the strength, stamina, and grit they need when the alarm bell rings.

“You want to do it right, do it hard, and make sure everyone goes home.”

Know someone you think deserves to be highlighted? Nominate them here.

Share Your Thoughts: Email us [podcasts@crossfit.com]

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Thumbnail image of Jocelyn Rylee with Matt Souza and Jason Fernandez and logo of CrossFit Medical Society and text that says "It's not that hard"

[CFMS SERIES] Top Affiliate Owners on the No. 1 Limiter to Growth (EP. 041)

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On October 6, 2025

In The CrossFit Podcast

This marks the third episode of a special CrossFit Podcast collaboration with the CrossFit Medical Society.

In this episode, Jason Fernandez, longtime coach, Seminar Staff member, and co-founder of Best Hour of Their Day, and Matt Souza, 12-year affiliate owner of CrossFit Livermore, join host Jocelyn Rylee to dig into the overlooked fundamentals of hospitality, first impressions, and soft skills in CrossFit gyms.

They share hard-earned lessons on onboarding, reducing friction, building community, and why trust is the ultimate currency. Understand the type of service top CrossFit affiliates provide and how that’s the road to reducing the intimidation factor. 

Topics Covered

  • Why hospitality is as important as coaching skills
  • How first impressions shape member retention
  • Onboarding systems that actually work
  • Reducing friction inside and outside the gym
  • Collaboration between affiliates and local businesses
  • Building trust as the ultimate foundation of community

4. Resources Mentioned

Community Highlight

David Needham seems to do it all: full-time firefighter, owner of two CrossFit affiliates, contributor to WheelWOD and the Adaptive CrossFit Games, and mentor to other affiliate owners on business growth.

One of his biggest passions is serving on the Adaptive Athlete Foundation of Maryland, where he helps athletes secure life-changing prosthetics through insurance. Watching someone regain the ability to move and train is what drives him most.

And when asked what CrossFit means to him, David’s answer is simple … and very firefighter:
“Because of CrossFit, I can save people from burning buildings.”

Know someone you think deserves to be highlighted? Nominate them here.

Share Your Thoughts: Email us [podcasts@crossfit.com] or complete our survey here.

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Podcast thumbnail with the CrossFit Medical Society Logo and text saying What makes a CrossFit affiliate thrive? with images of Daniel Chaffey and Jocelyn Rylee

[CFMS SERIES] Daniel Chaffey: Unpacking CrossFit’s Evolution and Affiliate Success (EP. 039)

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On September 29, 2025

In The CrossFit Podcast

This marks the second episode of a special CrossFit Podcast collaboration with the CrossFit Medical Society.

This week, we welcome Daniel Chaffey, a longtime leader in the CrossFit space. He owns CrossFit Louvre in Paris, one of Europe’s most established affiliates with over 3,100 members across three locations. 

He also founded the major European competition, The French Throwdown, and Operating With Excellence, a workshop platform dedicated to helping affiliate owners build thriving businesses. 

In this conversation, host Jocelyn Rylee dives into the essentials of CrossFit affiliates with Daniel: leadership, hospitality, and community. Chaffey, known for never mincing words, shares point-blank perspectives on everything from the future of CrossFit to the responsibility of affiliates in shaping that future. 

Topics Covered

  • The role of leadership in affiliate success and sustainability
  • The difference between service and hospitality in gyms
  • Building and maintaining community in CrossFit
  • CrossFit’s role in health across generations
  • Optimism, anxiety, and the future direction of CrossFit
  • The importance of education and HQ’s role in supporting affiliates

Resources Mentioned

  • Jordan Peterson/Peterson Academy (leadership courses)
  • Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (applied to member experience)
  • CrossFit Level 1 and Level 2 Courses
  • Affiliate gatherings/events (e.g., Banff, Canadian Affiliate Gathering)

Community Highlight

Saxon Panchik is having a full-circle moment.

With six CrossFit Games appearances, he’s now putting more energy into giving back to the community that built him.

His message:

  1. Get into an affiliate and be active.
  2. Uplift those around you.
  3. Keep each other accountable.

“It is life-changing. We all have things we wish we knew when starting our fitness journey. Take a minute to share that with someone just beginning.”

Know someone you think deserves to be highlighted? Nominate them here.

Share Your Thoughts: Email us [podcasts@crossfit.com] or complete our survey here.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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