06/08/2025
🚨Programming Survey Feedback:
After reviewing the feedback, it was clear that many said they liked the new programming but that the question wasn’t clear as to which they would prefer to use, Mayhem or the previous programming. Simply asking “How do you feel about the new programming written by Mayhem?” does not ask if you would prefer to have the old programming back. But after reading the feedback, it was clear that some of the people that said they liked Mayhem still wanted the previous programming back. The feedback was still insightful and will help us improve your experience at CrossFit 941.
For the most part, the people that liked Mayhem just stated they liked it. Some provided great feedback as to why they liked it over the previous programming stating that the volume of the previous programming was too much and that Mayhem had more focus on strength and warming up. Some also mentioned that the volume of Mayhem was better for training on consecutive days.
That being said, the comments against Mayhem were very overwhelming in their conviction of discontinuing it in favor of the previous programming.
Here’s a summary of the feedback regarding the programming change from the original in-house CrossFit 941 program to Mayhem Affiliate:
🔥 Themes in Favor of the Original Programming
Higher Intensity & Caloric Output: Many users noted that the old workouts were longer, more intense, and consistently pushed them to their limits—often burning 600+ calories vs. 300–400 now.
Variety & Movement Coverage: The previous programming frequently incorporated gymnastics (pull-ups, toes-to-bar), chippers, and longer Metcons, which members appreciated for balance and challenge.
Flow & Cohesion: Several respondents felt the older programming was better structured, more personalized to the gym, and more logically sequenced day-to-day.
Motivation & Community: The older workouts promoted camaraderie, competitiveness, and left members feeling accomplished—elements some feel are lacking now.
🛠️ Themes in Favor of Mayhem Programming
Structured Strength Progression: Many members appreciated the strength cycles and accessory lifts, feeling stronger and more focused on trackable progress.
Better for Recovery: Some preferred the more balanced approach of Mayhem, which allows for training multiple days per week without feeling overtrained or risking injury.
Professionalism & Resources: Users appreciated the clear intent, warmups, and instructional content that Mayhem provides.
New Movement Exposure: Some felt Mayhem introduced new elements (like sandbags, strict pull-ups, ring work) and was a good educational tool, especially for newer athletes.
🚧 Common Critiques of Mayhem Programming
Too Short & Less Intense: The most frequent complaint was the brevity of workouts (sometimes just 6–8 minutes), leading to lack of intensity or feeling like workouts weren’t “worth the drive.”
Repetitive or Choppy: Some felt programming lacks flow, is repetitive, or is not cohesive week to week.
Limited Gymnastics & Barbell Work: Members reported a decline in technical skills like muscle-ups, TTB, and barbell cycling.
Scaling Issues & Equipment Constraints: Difficulty with appropriate scaling, equipment limitations (e.g., GHD use), and class size logistics were noted.
Reduced Community Feel: Some members feel the vibe is more disconnected and less socially engaging.
✍️ Suggestions & Requests
Hybrid Approach: Many suggest combining the best parts of both programs—Mayhem’s structured strength with the original's longer, intense, varied Metcons.
Bring Back Old Benchmarks: Members want to see some legacy 941-style workouts return periodically.
Programming Adaptation: Adjust Mayhem to better fit the gym’s equipment, class sizes, and community feel.
Clearer Communication & Scalability: More clarity on WOD intent, better scaling, and return of old RX/Train/Comp labels.
✅ Overall Sentiment:
Split but Leaning Critical: While a portion of the membership appreciates Mayhem’s structure and recovery balance, the majority prefer the old in-house programming for its intensity, variety, and personalization to the gym community.
🆕New Programming Direction:📢
Based on your feedback, the direction that we have chosen is to blend what people like about Mayhem and what people like about the previous programming into a new standard of programming.
We are incredibly thankful for your honest feedback, and we truly value every member’s voice. Your input is what drives the future of CrossFit 941. With that in mind, we’re already working on programming updates to reflect the community’s priorities and we’re excited for what’s coming.
Stay tuned. We’re building something even better, together.
For this week, we will use Mayhem as they have a good week of programming on tap and have incorporated the Community Cup in the week. Make sure you let your coaches know if you’re competing in the Community Cup this week.
