Welcome to Inside The Box! Your go-to update for all things happening at the gym!
Each month, we spotlight our Athlete of the Month, share upcoming events, and keep you informed with important updates, reminders, and community highlights.
In Loving Memory of Lori
It is with a very heavy heart that I share the passing of a dear friend and long-time personal training client Lori. She was 78 years young.
Lori and I worked together for nearly 20 years, and over that time she became so much more than a client. She was a constant presence, a source of strength, humor, determination, and kindness. Her commitment to showing up for herself and for others was inspiring, and her spirit filled every room she walked into.
I am incredibly grateful for the years we shared, the conversations, the laughter, and the trust she placed in me. She will be deeply missed and always remembered.
CrossFit Fareham, its team and members were a beacon of light and hope for Lori during some otherwise troubled times. It is a great example of how much impact we can all have on someone’s life ❤️
Our thoughts are with all who loved her.
Rest easy, Loz. There’s no burpees in heaven 🥰
Athlete of the Month – Rowan Barnes
It’s been a long time coming for Rowan. After narrowly missing out on Athlete of the Year for 2025 and being a runner-up for months, he’s finally taken the top spot.
Rowan is the definition of a quiet achiever. Despite moving like silk and having some of the best standards in the gym, he stays completely humble. He’s arguably the most coachable person in the room — he takes a cue, applies it, and the results speak for themselves.
Over the last six months, his progress has been massive. He doesn’t do things by halves; he consistently empties the tank and ends every workout completely spent.
A massive well done, Rowan!
🔥 The CrossFit Open Is Almost Here! 🔥
The CrossFit Open kicks off at the end of this month, and we’re buzzing to get started at CrossFit Fareham. This is one of the biggest events in the CrossFit calendar and an awesome chance to test yourself, support your mates, and get fully involved in the community.
This year, the gym will be split into four teams, each named after CrossFit legends:
- Kelly Friel
- Mat Fraser
- Rich Froning
- Tia-Clair Toomey
Each team will have an even split of Foundation, Scaled, and RX athletes.This is about teamwork, effort, and showing up for each other — not just scores on the board.
We’re also bringing the energy with our Beat Beard Open Event. Expect fun challenges, team points, and plenty of laughs.
📆 Open Workout Schedule
The Open workout will be programmed into every class on Friday and Monday.
🌟 Friday Night Lights
Friday Night Lights are back! Join us each Friday evening as we light up the box, cheer each other on, and take on the Open workout together.
The final Friday Night Lights will be our Open finale — bigger energy, bigger cheers, and a proper celebration.
Heat times will be released in KILO closer to the time.
Even if you’re not competing, we’d love everyone there. Bring the noise and support your teammates — it matters more than you think.
🧔🔥 Beat Beard
This year marks the very first Beat Beard, kicking off during the CrossFit Open.
Each week, shortly after the Open workout is announced, Matt will go head-to-head with one member.
- Week 1: Chris Carr
- Week 2: Grahame Mowatt (Beef)
- Week 3: Rohana
If a challenger beats Matt, they’ll win a $50 LSKD voucher plus bragging rights.
The event will be streamed live on Instagram.
✅ Ready to Sign Up?
Signing up for the Open is about more than workouts — it’s about committing to yourself, backing your team, and being part of something bigger.
You do not need to be “fit enough” or “experienced enough”. Every workout is fully scalable and supported by our coaching team.
Click here to sign up for the CrossFit Open
Upcoming Events
🧔🔥 Beat Beard
Thursday 26th February, 5th March & 12th March
CrossFit Fareham — 20:30
Streamed live on Instagram.
🌟 Friday Night Lights
Friday 27th February, 6th March & 13th March
From 17:00 (heat times on KILO)
The 13th March finale will be a Grande Finale.
❤️ 2025 Charity Initiative ❤️
Our 2025 charity initiative raised £1,180,split equally between Solent Mind and Andy’s Man Club.
Thank you to everyone who donated, supported, or got involved.
Special thanks to Coach Alex Burton for the work behind the scenes.
🦋✨ Butterfly Effect
There’s an exciting all‑female functional fitness competition happening this year that we think you’ll love!
The Butterfly Effect is a day‑long festival of strength, teamwork and empowerment where teams of 3 women work together to take on functional workouts designed for all ability levels, from first‑time competitors to more experienced athletes. It’s all about celebrating what our bodies can do, supporting each other and having fun on the competition floor.
📍 Event Details
- Where: Newwave CrossFit, Cobham, Surrey, UK
- When: August 2nd (full day of competition, start times are usually early morning through afternoon)
- Format: Teams of 3 women tackling 4 workouts together
- Divisions: Hybrid, Intermediate and Advanced, so there’s a place for everyone, no matter your experience level.
- Team Entry: ~£173 per team (~£58 per person)
Whether you’ve never competed before or love the competition atmosphere, this is a great opportunity to train with purpose, push yourself, and cheer on your teammates. Expect an uplifting environment that focuses on effort, community and personal achievement, not comparison.
💪 Why You Should Enter
- Great first‑time comp experience for all levels.
- Team‑based format means you’re always in it together.
- Fun, supportive and empowering atmosphere.
📲 How to Get Involved
We already have a few teams forming from the gym, and we’d love to see more of you join in! If you’re thinking about putting a team together, or want to find out more, jump into the Butterfly Effect WhatsApp sub‑group in the gym’s WhatsApp community group. It’s the place to ask questions, find potential teammates, share training tips and sort details. 💬
https://www.butterflyeffectcomp.com
Let’s build some strong teams, support each other, and make this an unforgettable experience 💥👯♀️
And finally…
Our next PT course starts 7th June.
More details coming soon.
🧹 House Keeping Update 🧹
Meet Busta Grimes, our new robot hoover 🤖
Please continue wiping down equipment, returning kit, and keeping the gym tidy.
Little things make a big difference — thank you for helping keep CrossFit Fareham clean and ready to train.