Mike Giardina sits down with Bill Bowen at the 2022 CrossFit Games. Bowen is a six-year CrossFit athlete who started his CrossFit journey after surviving a battle with cancer and prioritizing exercise and nutrition to improve his health. CrossFit has completely changed Bowen’s life, and now he has become a role model for others — both in his age demographic and in younger cohorts.
When Bowen’s primary care doctor retired, a new, younger doctor came in. After an initial examination, the new doctor started asking questions about Bowen’s ability to stay in such great shape. A year and a half later, after continued encouragement from Bowen, the new doctor decided to give CrossFit a try. He later joined an affiliate and committed himself to the 5-a.m. class. Since starting CrossFit, Bowen’s doctor has lost 30 lb, and the doctor’s wife, who is a physical therapist, has received her CF-L1 and is coaching at a local affiliate. The three of them went to the CrossFit Games to watch and celebrate what the highest-level athletes in our community can do. And Bowen feels like he is reciprocating what his doctor is providing him: health.
Currently, Bowen is a CF-L1 and is pursuing a CF-L2. He has started a backyard gym where he is taking on clients who are 50 or older, a demographic he says is often neglected. The goal, Bowen says, is to go after the people who need CrossFit the most. According to the National Institutes of Health, 85% of older adults have at least one chronic health disease, while 60% have at least two. These people are right on the bubble, Bowen says. They can go either way with their health. To help them head in the right direction, Bowen recommends creating an extended onramp to make sure they build a strong foundation. Having a longer foundation period can help with building confidence and competence in CrossFit movements and methodology.
If you’re a coach or affiliate owner, try setting up a 50+ class in off hours between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. This is often dead time at the gym where you can make an impact on a lot of lives and possibly improve the bottom line.
Bill Bowen on Starting a 50+ Class