In 2006, a unique charity fundraising event was created to benefit prostate cancer research. Crossfit gyms across the country and around the world were asked to hold a one-day, one workout event, to draw participants and donations for a great cause. Using the “Fight Gone Bad” (FGB) benchmark workout, the Crossfit community, and those who joined ranks in support, have raised a combined total of more than $2 million for charity within the first four editions of FGB.
It can be so easy to get caught up in the importance of our own lives and successes that we forget about those less fortunate than us. At FIT we strive to have a positive impact on our clients’ lives, both physically and mentally. We also want to affect more than just our client base by reaching out and creating a difference in our community and our world. FGB has been a great way for us to give back. FIT and CrossFIT Los Altos have been involved with the FGB charity event since its inception. In 2006, at FGB 1, we were excited to have 26 participants. Last year at FGB 4 we had a robust 78 participants and raised over $25,000! That year CrossFIT Los Altos was the highest fundraising team in the Northern California 26> division, winning the honor of hosting the NorCal Regional Champion Traveling Trophy until FGB 5, this September 25th.
The FGB workout was originally designed over a decade ago for Lightweight UFC Champion BJ Penn. It was intended to match or exceed the domain of a UFC fight in terms of the metabolic demand, force, range of motion, and speed. After BJ Penn finished the workout for the first time, he was put flat on his back. When asked to compare the workout to a fight, he said it was like a “fight gone bad,” thus putting a name to the cause of his pain and this amazing worldwide charity event. Today FGB is one of the most famous benchmark workouts in the Crossfit program.
In 2010, FGB 5 opens its arms to benefit three charities: LIVESTRONG, Wounded Warrior Project and the Crossfit Foundation. For more information on the actual workout, the charities, how to make a donation, or to join Team CrossFIT Los Altos, please visit the FGB 5 website at www.fgb5.org.
