“At the end of the day, it’s about being able to respect and value each other as humans…”
What is your name and how long have you been at Immersion Fitness?
Adam Slaton – 8 months
What is a fun fact about yourself that people may not know?
I tried out for the movie Free Willy when I was in the 7th grade.
What is your favorite CrossFit workout/movement and why?
Back squat because it is the area where I’ve been able to see the most personal gain.
What is your go-to workout song?
Anything with a beat that keeps me motivated!
What does Pride mean to you personally, and how do you celebrate it?
Pride, to me, is all about celebrating representation. We all come from different walks of life and paths that have brought us to where we are today. Celebrating representation, in all of its many forms, brings us together in community to celebrate who we are and our shared humanity. It is important to create communities of representation where everyone feels seen and valued, which is one of the things that drew me to Immersion.
How do you feel allies and gym members can best support and show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, not just during Pride Month, but year-round?
It all comes down to respect – respecting that we all have different beliefs, upbringings, experiences, and perspectives on love and life. At the end of the day, it’s about being able to respect and value each other as humans, even if we can’t fully relate, understand, or agree.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about the importance of Pride and creating an inclusive environment at Immersion Fitness?
Showing empathy is a huge part of respect. Even if we might not have shared the same experience, we have all felt unseen or unheard at some point in our lives. We know how that makes us feel. Sharing our stories with each other inside and outside of the gym is an important way we can learn about one another and see each other for who they are. When people feel seen and heard, they feel safe — and safety brings a heightened sense of community. At the end of the day, we may not see eye to eye, but we all lift the same weights, get the same calluses on our hands from kipping pull-ups, wipe the sweat away from our eyes after a good workout, and despise doing more than 50 burpee box jump overs. We’re in this community together working on finding common ground in order to build it up.
What’s your favorite thing about Immersion Fitness?
I love that people called me by my first name from the very first time I stepped foot in the door. I love that it pushes me to become tougher, both physically and mentally. I love that I learn something new in every CrossFit class I attend.
What advice would you give to a newbie thinking about starting their fitness journey?
Don’t think. Do it. Making the decision to start is the hardest, but it’s the best decision you can make. It’s a focus on wellness that spreads to all other areas of your life. In today’s world finding time to focus on individual and collective wellness is tough, but it is so important. Immersion is a great community to help support your wellness journey.
Who is the hero in your life and why?
I have lots of people in my life who have hit rock bottom, yet kept on fighting the fight. Here’s to all of you in my life who never gave up against all odds — and to those who keep fighting through the struggle. I see you!