Jason Smith is South Africa’s Fittest Man – he’s a multiple SA CrossFit champion and a three-time CrossFit Games athlete – the pinnacle of the sport globally.

And with the 2020 Reebok CrossFit Games, which are scheduled to go ahead from 29 July to 2 August, not yet cancelled or postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic (organisers are set to make a decision soon), Jason has every reason to keep training through the lockdown.

Garage sweat sessions

Luckily, as a CrossFit coach and box owner, running CrossFit Kyalami and CrossFit Sunninghill with his brother Richard, Jason has access to a range of equipment.

“Before we closed the gyms, we moved some equipment across to my house, so I’ve set up a workout area in my garage with a barbell and some weight plates, a few kettlebells and sandbags, and various other items,” he explains.

Jason continues to train for 2 hours every morning, following his CrossFit Games training plan as closely as possible.

“There are certain things I can’t do, like gymnastic bar and ring work as I don’t have a rig in my garage, but I’m doing as much as I can with what I’ve got.”

He’s using the time to focus on any weaknesses and has worked hard to maintain his usual daily routine.

His biggest challenge in this regard has been keeping his kids entertained during the lockdown when he’s trying to train.

“Otherwise, it’s business as usual as I prepare for the Games until CrossFit HQ tell us it’s not happening anymore.”

Keeping clients motivated through lockdown

Jason is also doing extra work by following the training programs he plans for his clients.

“We post their workouts every day on our Instagram pages and have WhatsApp groups running to share this and other info, and to encourage clients and keep their motivation levels up.”

Before the lockdown went into effect, Jason and Richard loaned out various pieces of gym equipment to members to ensure they can train against some form of resistance while at home.

“We program WODs according to the items they have available at home and incorporate a lot of bodyweight movements. We’ve also given them ideas for some makeshift training tools which they can make at home, such as medicine balls made using pillowcases stuffed with clothing. Our aim is to make sure they do something every day.”