to “sweat together in a safe, inclusive group fitness environment.” Promoting active and fit lifestyles for the LGBT community is key to ensuring diversity within the sport of fitness, the group says. This goal is what inspired Filipino Chris Garcia to become a CrossFit coach.
The 34-year old competed against younger men at the 2017 Affiliate Alliance and finished 9th overall in the RX’d division This is why in CrossFit Cabalen in San Fernando, Pampanga where Garcia teaches, “nobody gets left behind. It’s one of the very few places where they can work out in peace. Here, they do not get awkward glances from other people. One of the hardest parts of being an LGBT is the struggle to be accepted. In our box, acceptance and respect towards others are key parts of our house rules.”
A diverse group of people attend Garcia’s classes regularly, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, housewives, young professionals, doctors, businessmen, nurses, and students