Why We’re Disaffiliating from CrossFit: A Clearer Path Forward

From the moment we opened our doors, Rare Breed was built to be different.

We weren’t just starting another gym—we were creating a space where all bodies, all genders, all fitness levels, and all walks of life could feel seen, supported, and celebrated. A space where the LGBTQ+ community and those often excluded from traditional fitness spaces could move safely, get strong, and find belonging.

For the last year and a half, we’ve operated under the CrossFit name. And while the methodology has served as a helpful foundation, we’ve outgrown the affiliation—and it no longer aligns with our values.

So as of this fall, we are officially disaffiliating from CrossFit and moving forward as Rare Breed Athletics.

Why Now?

This decision didn’t come lightly. But we’ve watched as CrossFit HQ has repeatedly made choices that we believe cause harm, exclude marginalized communities, and fail to uphold the very values we hold sacred: inclusion, responsibility, and integrity.

From the racist statements of past leadership, to the inexcusable handling of the tragic incident at the 2023 Games, to policies that directly endanger and erase our trans and non-binary community members—our line has been drawn. We cannot attach our mission to a brand that does not actively reflect the world we’re trying to build.

We want to be loud and clear:

We are a space that celebrates and protects queer athletes.

We are a space that honors lived experience and community care.

We are a space that refuses to compromise our values for tradition.

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So What’s Changing?

Short answer: Nothing… except the name and logo.

Here’s what’s staying the same:

• Our programming: Functional, fun, and scalable for every body.
• Our coaching: Certified, inclusive, and always focused on helping you thrive.
• Our community: Rooted in support, encouragement, and belonging.
• Our mission: To make fitness more accessible, more joyful, and more you.

We’ll still be squatting, pressing, pulling, pushing, jumping, cheering, and sweating together. We’ll still have PRs to celebrate, first pull-ups to chase, and community events that fill the calendar and the heart.

But now, we’re doing it under a name that reflects who we are and where we’re going.

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Introducing: Rare Breed Athletics

This new name isn’t just a rebrand. It’s a recommitment.

Rare Breed Athletics stands for something. It’s not about a label, or a trend, or a fitness fad. It’s about moving with purpose, training with pride, and building something real—for everyone who never thought a gym like this could exist.

We are, and always have been, rare.

Now we’re just owning it even louder.

Thank you for growing with us.

Thank you for trusting us.

Thank you for showing up—fully as you are.

Here’s to the next chapter. Same mission. Same community. New name. Let’s go. Stay connected. Stay rare.

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Follow us on Instagram @RareBreedAthletics and subscribe to our podcast Fitness Beyond the Binary for more stories, updates, and ways we’re building a more inclusive fitness future—together.