Locals complete 'The Murph' on Memorial Day
For most people, Memorial Day is a chance to slow down and relax. But at Highland Rim Complete Fitness, the holiday once again became a test of endurance, community and remembrance.
Almost two dozen athletes packed the gym Monday morning to take part in the annual “Murph” challenge, a workout performed across the country in honor of Lt. Michael P. Murphy, the Navy SEAL who was killed in Afghanistan in 2005.
The workout is one of the most grueling in fitness circles: a one-mile run, followed by 100 pull-ups, 200 pushups and 300 squats before finishing with another mile run. Some participants add a 20-pound weighted vest to increase the difficulty.
“We do it every year - it’s our standard event on Memorial Day like it’s done across the country in gyms like this,” said Highland Rim Complete Fitness owner Linsey Youngblood.
Youngblood emphasized that the event is designed to be accessible for everybody, not just elite athletes. Some participants completed modified versions of the workout, including high school athletes Ella Wells and Sloan Youngblood, who split the challenge into alternating rounds while still completing the mile runs together.
“We have some athletes who will do a half Murph and even sometimes we can modify the workout. It didn’t have to be a pull-up, it can be a ring row. It’s all about different movements and modifications all ending in the same thing, but meeting you where you are athletically and physically,” Youngblood said.
The atmosphere inside the gym reflected much more than a workout. While some would think it would be a dread to spend a holiday weekend working out, the participants Monday - like on many other holidays throughout the year - were more than willing to be there and be supportive of their fellow athletes.
"We do one on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas - the more people I can cram in this gym, the greater time we have doing it. The energy was tremendous - everybody was cheering everybody on. Some will go do a second extra mile just to go support somebody who isn’t done yet. I love it,” Youngblood said.
The bond - almost immediately unbreakable once you walk through the doors - is one of the many reasons why many who spend their time at Highland Rim keep coming back.
“I think all of my members would tell you they don’t come here to work out, they come in here because their friends are here. The workout is secondary, the fitness is secondary - it’s about having a group of likeminded people in here . . . suffering with you,” Youngblood said with a laugh.
And now, another generation is starting to plant its roots at Highland Rim Complete Fitness. Youngblood said the most enjoyable thing was seeing so many parent-kid combos at the event, like her and Sloan, completing the workout.
If you are interested in joining in next time, Youngblood assures everybody the door is going to be open.
"The Murph is a hard, grueling workout. We train every Monday - we call it ‘Murph-prep’ Monday - for about six weeks leading up to the event. But anybody can do it and I’d say to anybody ‘come try it.’ Maybe it’s a half or a quarter, but there’s something for everybody in doing it. We can modify anything," said Youngblood.
Highland Rim Complete Fitness is located at 1113 Faulkner Springs Road.
