Bedford Hills' Sunshine CrossFit Turns Sweat Into Cash For ALS

BEDFORD HILLS, NY — Sunshine CrossFit went to the mat for ALS research and the special workout session benefited more than just those who were putting their all into staying fit.

This past Saturday, fitness enthusiasts around the U.S. worked out together to support individuals and families affected by ALS.

In its inaugural year, the nationwide event raised tremendous awareness across eight fitness facilities, 140 athletes, and their wider communities. Sunshine Fitness raised $6,000 for the Live Like Lou Foundation.

Sunshine owner Deb Austin created the workout, which could be adapted to accommodate athletes of all abilities. Named "The Lou" and honoring Lou Gehrig's #4, the challenge consisted of 44 rounds of four movements split between two athletes: four dumbbell snatches, four burpees, four wallballs and four pull-ups.

"CrossFit facilitates a unique environment in which members come together to support each other, whether it’s helping someone get through a workout or tackling some of life’s biggest challenges," Austin said. "We were honored to lead this year’s fundraiser and we’re grateful for the support of the larger CrossFit community."

The event was inspired by Fred Reimer, of Bedford. Reimer is a member of Sunshine, a Live Like Lou Board member, and a long-time advocate and supporter of the ALS community, in honor of a friend and mentor who lost his battle with the disease in 2019. In Reimer’s opening remarks, he encouraged participants to remember the courage and humility of Lou Gehrig, the mantra of the Live Like Lou Foundation, "onwards," and the ultimate goal — a future without ALS.

Participating gyms:

• Sunshine CrossFit, Bedford Hills, NY
• Bear Mountain Strength & Fitness, Cortlandt, NY
• Movement Fitness & Training, Wingdale, NY
• Stateline Fitness, Greenwich, CT
• Stamford CrossFit, Stamford, CT
• Affinity Athletics, Stamford, CT
• CrossFit Danbury, Danbury, CT
• CrossFit Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH

The Live Like Lou Foundation is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to create and connect communities to stimulate emerging research and uniquely support families affected by Lou Gehrig’s disease. The organization’s work is in honor of its namesake, Lou Gehrig, and the more than 20,000 people living with the 100 percent fatal disease of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) each day across North America. Its vision is to provide meaningful support to people living with ALS and their families, to invest in ALS research to find treatments or cures, and to amplify Lou Gehrig’s story, his legacy, and what it means to Live Like Lou. For more information, visit their website.

Sunshine CrossFit offers personal training, weightlifting courses, functional strength / bodyweight only sessions, and rehabilitation. The facility also provides signature CrossFit workouts, each thoughtfully programmed to support full body conditioning; these can be modified to accomplish any objective, from improved health to weight loss to better performance. Owner Deb Austin has created a community atmosphere that fosters teamwork and a deep sense of belonging. Sunshine CrossFit is located at 56 Babbitt Road in Bedford Hills. For more information, visit their website.