Who are we?
Iron Major CrossFit (IMCF) is a military affiliate dedicated to bringing constantly varied, functional movements executed at high intensity to the entire Fort Leavenworth community free of charge. We have athletes from all areas of the Fort Leavenworth community (Active Duty, Reserve, Guard, Retirees, Spouses, Dependents, International Officers, Civilians, and Contractors).
Where are we located?
Brandie Wempe
- CrossFit Level 2 Trainer
- USAW Advanced Sports Performance Coach
- CrossFit Weightlifting, CrossFit Kettlebell
- CrossFit Level 2 Trainer
- USA Weightlifting Level One Sports Performance Coach
- Nutrition, Mobility and Recovery, Olympic Lifting, Barbell, and Kettlebell Certified Trainer
- Faculty Point of Contact
How Do I Get Started at IMCF?
Based on your experience level, there are a few ways to get integrated into the Iron Major CrossFit community.
Remember -- the two hardest days in your CrossFit experience are the day you show up, and the day you decide to come back.
A Little More on How IMCF Operates.
Inbound folks often have questions that are shaped by their experiences with other CrossFit affiliates. As a non-profit military affiliate, we operate a little differently from your standard box and it takes a little explanation to understand how IMCF runs and where you fit in.
- Facilities. We use an Army MWR owned/operated facility, which we call "the Bubble." It is open to the Fort Leavenworth community, and not reserved for exclusive use by IMCF or any other group. As such, people can come in at any time during the day (closed weekends) and do whatever type of workout they want. Probably 95% of the people in the Bubble do functional fitness work, but occasionally we get some folks who just want to bench, back squat, etc.
- Workouts. The IMCF Workout of the Day (WOD) is normally posted to our website the day prior to execution. Programming follows a 5-day on, 2-day off-model to align with most M-F work schedules, and typically has a classic, balanced general physical preparedness (GPP) feel to it. Most mornings, the first one in will slap the WOD up on one of the whiteboards for easy reference so you can just show up and get to it.
- Classes. Unlike many boxes, we don't schedule formal classes led by a coach/trainer. What we do have are informal groups that get together regularly to warm up, perform the WOD, and maybe do some extra skill work. These groups almost always include Level 1 (L1) Trainers, and we rely heavily on each other for motivation and coaching. You are welcome to join an existing group, start your own group, or go it alone. In keeping with the CF methodology, we often seek out those that are working alone and invite them into our groups. The best way to get linked up with a group is by either showing up and looking for IMCF trainers or emailing ironmajorcrossfit@gmail.com for help.
- But I'm New. IMCF welcomes motivated athletes of all skill levels. We offer free introductory On-Ramp classes to the Fort Leavenworth community and take pride in introducing newcomers to CrossFit and helping them along. Many of our success stories start with single individuals peeking into the Bubble, feeling a little overwhelmed and intimidated, and retreating back to their comfort zones. Give it a chance -- meet some people, start WODing with us, attend an On-Ramp class -- and you're likely to catch the bug and keep coming back.
- Giving Back. We also seek experienced CrossFitters who are interested in contributing to the IMCF community and can help us bring newcomers into the fold. IMCF is a great forum to move beyond your role as an athlete and develop the skills that make a great trainer and coach. Email ironmajorcrossfit@gmail.com if you are interested in joining the IMCF community in a leadership role.
- One More Note. You will see groups performing WODs in the Bubble besides the workout posted by IMCF. There are for-profit affiliates that operate in the same facility, and we all share space and support each other. Additionally, there are small groups that do their own programming and we co-exist with them as well. These are usually people with some experience and specific training objectives, so they do their own thing.