ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Fitness enthusiasts at a St. Petersburg gym spent their Memorial Day taking on a serious challenge to honor our heroes and benefit wounded warriors.
- Members at Burg CrossFit undertook Memorial Day Murph WOD Challenge
- 1-hour workout includes 1-mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 air squats, another 1-mile run
- Proceeds went to the Brian Bill Foundation
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Guests at Burg CrossFit in St. Petersburg feeling the burn and feeling patriotic this Memorial Day.
"You're doing it for the people who couldn't be here today," said Army veteran James Berlin.
Gym members like Berlin and other participants took part in the Memorial Day Murph WOD (workout of the day) Challenge.
"Memorial Day Murph, it's a big one," said owner Tony Vouis. "It starts with a mile run, and then it's 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 air squats, you finish with a mile run."
The "Murph" in the name is inspired by Navy Lt. Michael Murphy, who died in Afghanistan in 2005.
Some participants added to the challenge with a weighted vest.
Proceeds from the one-hour workout go to the Brian Bill Foundation. From PTSD to chronic pain, the organization aims to heal invisible wounds of war for active duty, veterans and their families.
"A lot of people don't realize how many veterans suffer from PTSD and TBI and that it's a hidden wound that a lot of veterans don't get help for,” said Berlin. “And having organizations like that allow veterans to relax and unwind and get the counseling they need."
And this Memorial Day the community is coming together, trying to get wounded warriors that help.
"Just shows a lot of support for our country as a whole," said Vouis. "It's an amazing time to take the time to reflect what Memorial Day is really about, our fallen brothers and sisters that fell in combat."
To learn more about Burg CrossFit and the Memorial Day Murph WOD, visit https://www.burgcrossfit.com. To learn more about the Brian Bill Foundation, visit https://www.brianbillfoundation.org.