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Good morning and welcome to the Morning Chalk Up.
Fractured fibula to keep Gazan out of the 2025 Games.
That banana smoothie still slaps — why nutrient density matters more than food variety.
Personalized programming = untapped revenue for affiliates.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
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I definitely have days and moments where I’m sad and disappointed… But for the most part, I am in good spirits. I am trying to find all the silver linings that I can.”
Alex Gazan in an interview with The Morning Chalk Up.
CROSSFIT GAMES
Alex Gazan Withdraws From the 2025 CrossFit Games
Alex Gazan, a top contender for a 2025 podium finish, is withdrawing from next month’s CrossFit Games in Albany, NY.
“While my recovery is making great progress, it’s just not enough to get me to and through the Games in a safe manner. Justin [Cotler] and I agreed that for my health and longevity, withdrawing is what makes the most sense,” Gazan posted on Instagram Sunday.
Remind me: Two days after winning the Northern California Classic In-Person Qualifying Event in June, Gazan was involved in a car accident while on a road trip with her husband in California and sustained a fractured fibula.
At the time, it looked as though there still might be a glimmer of hope that she would recover in time to compete at the Games, but her injury is taking longer than expected to heal, she told The Morning Chalk Up.
Gazan is still hopeful she might be able to compete at the World Fitness Project’s Tour Event II at the end of August in Phoenix, AZ.
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SPEED READS
👟🤝 Velites x CrossFit Hybrid 1.0 Trainer: Check out the new limited edition training shoe from the “Official Apparel and Footwear Partner” of the CrossFit Games, Velites. And sign up for their mailing list to access the presale with a unique discount.
🌎🥇 WFP Challenger Online Qualifier II Scores Due: The second Challenger Qualifier for the World Fitness Project Tour ends tomorrow. Remember to submit your results before Tuesday, July 8 at 8 p.m. CDT (UTC-5).
🏴🏋️ 2025 Rogue Invitational “Q”: Announced recently, the Rogue Invitational qualifier will run September 5-7. Earn a spot to compete in the individual division in Aberdeen, Scotland. More details soon.
🧪✅ Informed Sport Badge: FITAID now carries the Informed Sport and Informed Choice badges. That means every can of FITAID is tested for banned substances, heavy metals, and other harmful contaminants, so you can sip with confidence.
🏋️♂️🎯 Bolder Athlete Title Sponsorship: Jason Grubb’s Bolder Athlete is the new Title Sponsor and Programming Partner for the 2025 Legends Championship. With Grubb’s five Legends titles and five Masters Games wins, the 9th annual event is set to deliver a standout test of fitness. Learn more.
The Truth About Eating the Same Foods Every Day
Credit: @optimizemenutrition / Instagram
She even questioned whether adding a sweet potato to her daily routine was a smart move or if sticking to the same foods for prolonged periods would reduce their effectiveness.
Like Kristen, far too many people torture themselves with this unnecessary food anxiety, convinced they need to eat like an Instagram food blogger to stay healthy.
INDUSTRY
How Personalized Programming Can Boost Your Bottom Line (Without Burning Hours Each Week)
Credit: @welcome_to_the_mill / Instagram
Talk to any gym business mentor, and they’ll emphasize the importance of boosting average revenue per member.
While there’s a limit to what you can charge for group classes, there are several ways to add value for current members and encourage them to pay more (and hopefully stay longer as they see more benefits and better results).
One common approach is nutrition coaching, while a less common method at CrossFit gyms is personalized programming.
Whenever I ask affiliate owners why they don’t offer personalized programming for members who, for example, have specific goals they won’t reach through group classes alone, or for those recovering from injuries, their response is always the same: “Programming is time-consuming. I don’t have the time.”
But does it really have to be this time-consuming? If done efficiently, could more affiliates provide some personalized programming and, as a result, create an easy and substantial new revenue stream?
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HIGHLIGHTS
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