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By: Donnamy Steele

One 2 One Elite Fitness, formerly known as CrossFit Andalusia, has announced the renaming of their gym. Owners Karen Pugh and Jason Kelley are excited about the renaming of their gym and for the future of health and fitness in Andalusia. 

After hearing about the controversial comments made by the CEO of the CrossFit organization, Pugh knew she wanted to disconnect and focus on rebranding the business. “It was time for our gym to create a new identity, very different from past identity of the CrossFit organization and especially time to distance ourselves from the recent racist and offensive comments made by the CrossFit CEO,” said Pugh. 

Pugh explained that the comments made by the CrossFit CEO, or by anyone, would not be tolerated or condoned in their gym. 

“The CrossFit community across America and our business were deeply saddened by recent racist comments made on twitter by CrossFit founder and CEO, Greg Glassman. As our country and our community struggles with racial injustices experienced by the death of George Floyd and others, our hearts also go out to each person of color impacted by these acts,” Pugh said. “As owners of a CrossFit affiliate gym, we were offended by the comments made by Greg Glassman and will not condone racism in any form.” 

Pugh explained that the name change fits the business well due to the variety of services they provide to their customers. 

“One 2 One Elite Fitness provides group classes, nutrition consultation, personal training, and weightlifting instruction for people of all ages and experience levels. Our trainers give personal one-to-one attention to each of our clients to build stronger, healthier people in our community.” 

When the virus forced the gym to close, Pugh found alternative ways to keep clients exercising and up-to-date with their fitness. 

“During the virus, when we had to close, we actually loaned out all of our equipment to our clients. We just had a day where they came up here and they took barbells and other equipment home, whatever they wanted,” Pugh said. “They just signed out what they took and we sent them workouts to go by every day. We did this so they could keep going and not lose what they had done because we didn’t know how long we would be closed. 

Above the gym entrance door from the lobby, there is a quote that states “leave the outside outside.” Pugh explains what this means to her and that this is a motto the gym takes very seriously. 

“Leave the outside outside. We really mean that. There may be someone that you don’t like in there, but once you go through that door they become part of your family, so you forget about whatever issues you have and you leave them out there. If people are bullying other people, we will ask them to leave because this is supposed to be a safe place for you to come and be able to be comfortable and workout and enjoy yourself.” 

Pugh hopes that this change will encourage community members to feel safe and comfortable in their gym.

 “It was time for a change and the word CrossFit can be a little intimidating to a lot of people. We also think the colors will be more welcoming and not so timid.” 

One 2 One Elite Fitness is located at 224 E 3 Notch St, Andalusia, AL 36420 and can be reached at (334) 422-9348.