At Double Edge Fitness, we don’t just come together to work out—we come together to honor the strength, resilience, and sacrifice of true heroes. One of the most powerful ways we do this is through the Hero workout “Chad 1000x,” a challenging event that serves as a tribute to Navy SEAL Chad Wilkinson and, more broadly, to veterans and service members everywhere.
What is Chad 1000x?
The workout is deceptively simple: 1,000 box step-ups with a weighted ruck. The “1000x” in the name refers to the number of step-ups, which sounds straightforward but quickly reveals itself as an intense test of endurance and grit. For those wanting to complete it as prescribed, this means donning a 45-pound ruck (or weighted backpack) for men or a 35-pound ruck for women, but there’s also flexibility in scaling based on individual fitness levels.
Why Do We Do Chad 1000x?
Chad 1000x serves as a solemn reminder of Chad Wilkinson’s dedication, strength, and sacrifice. Chad, a Navy SEAL with 21 years of service, tragically took his own life after struggling with PTSD and the challenges many service members face during and after their time in the military. Chad’s wife, Sara Wilkinson, designed the workout as a tribute to Chad’s legacy and to bring awareness to the mental health struggles so many veterans experience.
At Double Edge Fitness, participating in Chad 1000x is about more than just stepping up to a physical challenge; it’s a time to honor Chad’s life and to support the veteran community. This workout encourages us to confront a brutal challenge, much like the endurance and resilience Chad exemplified during his years of service.
The Deeper Purpose: Supporting Veterans’ Mental Health
Alongside paying tribute, we recognize that Chad 1000x is an opportunity to shed light on the mental health issues affecting our service members. It’s estimated that 22 veterans lose their lives to suicide each day—a heartbreaking reality that underscores the importance of addressing mental health care and support for our veterans. By participating in this Hero workout, we aim to raise awareness and contribute to a larger conversation about mental health support for our military community.
How We Tackle Chad 1000x Together
At Double Edge, we encourage participants to approach this workout with a strong sense of purpose and mindfulness. Some may carry the prescribed weight, others may scale the weight or reps to meet their current fitness level. It’s a workout that challenges each individual while also uniting us as a community, as we all share the same mission of honoring Chad and supporting our veterans.
Why We Choose Hero Workouts Like Chad 1000x
Hero workouts are a staple in CrossFit culture, created to commemorate fallen heroes and to challenge athletes with workouts that require not just physical strength but also mental endurance. Chad 1000x is a powerful example because it focuses not on speed or competition, but on enduring through a challenging task—just as Chad did in his daily life and career.
In the end, Chad 1000x at Double Edge Fitness is more than just a workout. It’s a call to remember, respect, and support our veterans, to honor their service, and to stand by those facing challenges beyond the physical. For those of us who take on Chad 1000x, it’s a chance to dig deep and reflect on the resilience and sacrifice that so many in our armed forces embody every day.