Strong Pack Crossfit- Panama City

Strong Pack Crossfit was actually Panama City’s first crossfit gym (if the rumor is true!). It’s ran by a guy named Chino, and, like most of the crossfits around here, it was also hard to find (so email/call for directions before venturing out!)

Chino has been doing crossfit for years and doesn’t necessarily believe in “hard start times” for wods. He encouraged me to come around 8am for the wod, but not to worry if I was late. (This is Panama, after all… Kinda like the Italians, they run on their own time.)

I showed up at 8:15 and the 2 other people there had already done the warm-up and were stretching. They waited for me to do the warmup and then we all decided to start together.

“3, 2, 1 go” was yelled and we were off. I felt like I was doing a really good pace, even though I was gasping in between every set of situps. Chino would come over to me, ask/yell how many more I had to do, I would reply and he would say “OK! GOGOGO!” and persuade/encourage/PHYSICALLY SHOVE ME to continue! Shocking at first, but I ended up really loving the encouragement! It was reminiscent of high-school where you want to rest, but if you do, the coach will see and yell at you– so you’re better off dealing with the suck/pain and pushing through until you yell “time.”

To be honest, I’m pretty sure I kicked ass on my time because of this strategy.  So thanks, Chino!

Also, It was nice to meet the man who started all the crossfits in Panama City. (All of the other coaches I have met have trained with/under Chino at some point). Go visit him and see his winning smile, then get your ass kicked. 🙂