In our recent episode of The Whiteboard Brief, we were thrilled to welcome back Jason, an advocate for men’s health and a passionate supporter of Movember. For those who may not be familiar, Movember is an international charity focused on raising awareness and funds for men's health issues, particularly mental health, physical health, prostate cancer, and the social isolation that often accompanies these struggles.
Why Men’s Health Needs a Spotlight
Jason’s involvement with Movember began as a personal mission to address the silent suffering many men endure. Too often, men are reluctant to talk about their struggles, be it mental health, physical health, or emotional well-being. Many internalize their problems, feeling they need to fix things on their own. As Jason put it, "Men feel like they're burdening other people when they're feeling something." This leads to a tendency for men to isolate themselves, ignoring or downplaying serious issues that could be alleviated through conversation and support.
The stigma surrounding men’s mental health and the pressures of "masculinity" contribute to the reluctance to seek help. Whether it's societal expectations of strength or the "hustle culture" that glorifies overworking, men often feel like they can’t take time for themselves. This constant push to excel in one lane—usually work—can lead to burnout, depression, and strained relationships.
How CrossFit Helps Break Barriers
One of the key messages from our discussion was how CrossFit communities, like ours at CrossFit Ares, can play a critical role in supporting men’s health. Jason and I talked about how the gym becomes more than a place for exercise; it becomes a space where real connections are made. The accountability, camaraderie, and trust built within a CrossFit box can help men feel less alone in their struggles.
Jason shared his experience of the powerful effect CrossFit had on him, not just in terms of fitness but in building a sense of community. "For an hour, you come in here, you see the people you spend time with, and that becomes your family. It’s not just exercise; it’s the relationships you build that help break down barriers," he explained. This is why initiatives like Movember are so important—they create opportunities for men to connect and have conversations that might not otherwise happen.
Seeking Help is a Strength, Not a Weakness
A major takeaway from our conversation is that seeking help and being vulnerable isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a strength. Whether it’s reaching out to a coach, a friend, or even participating in group workouts, the support you receive can make all the difference. As Jason said, "Nobody should suffer in silence. People want to help people. It’s upon us to reach out and ask for that help."
Movember’s mission is to make conversations about men’s health normal and accessible. Jason has been an incredible advocate for this cause, and his dedication to the community at CrossFit Ares continues to inspire others to step forward, speak out, and take action for their own well-being.
Movember at CrossFit Ares
This year, Jason has developed a special workout called "Seek Help," which will be run at CrossFit Ares on November 19th in honor of International Men’s Day. This partner workout is designed not only to challenge you physically but also to symbolize the importance of asking for support when needed. We encourage everyone to participate, donate to Movember, and most importantly, start the conversation about men’s health.
By supporting each other, we can break down the barriers that keep men from seeking help, and together, we can create a healthier, more connected community.
Get Involved
If you're interested in learning more about Movember or would like to donate to this important cause, please reach out to us or Jason directly. Every dollar raised goes toward supporting men’s health initiatives and saving lives.
Let’s keep building a community where every member feels supported, connected, and empowered to be the best version of themselves—inside and outside the gym.
