CrossFit Is a Family Affair With Joe DeGain

Joe DeGain, owner of 810 CrossFit in Grand Blanc, Mich., is proud to open his gym to his family.

“This is probably one of my favorite parts of owning a gym,” he says.

He credits his wife for holding the fort while he travels for HQ as a member of the Seminar staff.

“I couldn’t do it without her,” he says.

DeGain also has a group of dedicated coaches, including his wife, so he knows he leaves the gym in capable hands while he’s on the road.

When programming CrossFit workouts for his young children, DeGain often lets them choose the movements they enjoy most.

“Whatever keeps it fun for them,” he says.

The gym owner says he would never take CrossFit away from his kids or use it as punishment.

“CrossFit’s been too big of a blessing. It’s changed my life, and I want them to love it just as much,” he says.

Liz DeGain, Joe’s wife, shares how she became a CrossFitter herself and how it has changed her life as well.

9min 30sec

Additional reading: The Kids Are All Right by Hilary Achauer, published Oct. 17, 2011.