It was a day full of PR’s.

This my first YouTube video. And it’s only fitting that it documents the sights and sounds from Silk City Fit‘s first ever comp.

Because it all began at SCF.

In 2018, I had the realization that if I wanted to live an amazing life, I should be physically prepared for it. There probably isn’t any better workout regimen than CrossFit and there probably isn’t any better community to do it in than Silk City Fit. And you’re talking to the guy who gets his kicks doing physical activities around the world and meandering into unsuspecting CrossFit affiliates.

Fast forward a few years…

In 2021, I had the realization that if I wanted to live an amazing life, I should bring a camera. And there was no better place to practice in than SCF – an endless supply of cool people, fun events, and special moments. And my goodness have I gotten my reps in (I’d estimate somewhere between 100 appearances with my camera and 50,000 – 100,000 shutter clicks).

And you’d think I’d get bored by now.

How many pictures can one take? How many reps can one do? MORE pictures. MORE reps. It’s the same process as learning anything. How do you take a picture? Hold the camera here and press the button. How do you snatch? Hold the bar there and lift it overhead. Now do it a million times.

It’s a pattern

Take what I’ve practiced at SCF and bring it with me wherever I go, whether photography of physical fitness related (amongst the myriad of other lessons learned within those four walls). Life becomes a lot more fun when you can just show up and do it, whether running a marathon, backpacking 600 miles, or documenting things with a camera.

Is the goal to be functional or beautiful?

When you’re functional, you move the most weight but sacrifice your form. When you’re beautiful, you don’t move as much weight but have perfect form. This is the yin and yang of CrossFit, photography, even humanity. Maybe this is why I love CrossFit photography (and humans).

I wasn’t even supposed to be here

Fun fact: I was living in Las Vegas at the time that the competition was coming to fruition with no plans on coming back to Connecticut for December 2nd. Somehow I ended up back here December 1st. The video wasn’t even supposed to happen either, but sometimes the camera has a mind of its own.

PR’s don’t look perfect

If your PR looks pretty, you probably have more in you. Because there is a level of ugliness to any PR. But what’s lost in form is made up in heart. The package I put together recapping this event is no exception. I could tell you exactly where I’ve fell short, didn’t get it just right, or could’ve improved. Can you find them? I’ve got at least a dozen things.

But at the end of the day…

I’ve PR’d my camera. The proverbial barbell is locked out overhead. I get to slam it down. I get to double-arm flex and yell “LET’S GOOOOOOOO.”

And now you get to enjoy the flex, buy me a coffee, and check out the entire photo album.

A big thank you and congrats to Silk City Fit for putting on a heck of an event.

To many more PR’s,

Eric