October 2026 Newsletter
Hey JH Athletes,
Three months left in 2026 (~90 days). October is here. We’re not slowing down. We’ve got a full month ahead.
New 8-week strength cycle
SEVEN Benchmark workouts
Tons of Box Steps — Monthly Challenge: Chad
Halloween WOD Theme: Heroes vs. Villains
Beach Brawl recap
New: Bring a Friend Relaunch
New Strength Cycle
Our 8-week Fall strength cycle kicks off next Monday.
The first focus centers on Power Clean & Jerk Cycling
We’ll start with a baseline test on Oct. 5. Over two months, we’re aiming to improve efficiency. This means weekly exposure to different movements, grips, loads and rep schemes.
12-Rep Deadlift will be our auxiliary target.
We’ll test our 12 RPM on Thursday, Oct. 8. From there, we’ll follow a traditional strength progression:
Week 1: 3 x 12
Week 2: 3 x 10
Week 3: 3 x 8
Week 4: 3 x 6
Weeks 5–8: Repeat w/ increasing load
The goal is ultimately to build strength, but we also want to get you more comfortable working under heavier loads at various rep schemes.
A month of Benchmarks
October is loaded with hero and classic Crossfit benchmark WODS
Here’s what to expect on the whiteboard.
Oct. 6: Jason
Oct. 9: Kelly
Oct. 13: Heavy Grace
Oct. 17: Big Steve Memorial Workout
Oct. 23: Jack
Oct. 26: Death Race
Oct. 28: Helen
These WODs are designed to push you and give you a chance to measure progress and gauge fitness levels. Make sure to log them on your BTWB app.
Monthly Challenge: Stepping Up for Chad
This month’s challenge is prepping us for our hero workout on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, where we will again be honoring Navy SEAL Chad Wilkinson. Learn more at this video
Starting Oct. 5, we’ll begin with a 15-minute AMRAP of box step-ups. Each week, we’ll add 5 minutes, building from:
Week 1: 15 minutes
Week 2: 20 minutes
Week 3: 25 minutes
Week 4: 30 minutes
For athletes planning to complete Chad with weight, the RX load is typically 35 lb. for women and 45 lb. for men. If you plan to use weight on Nov. 11, use these October sessions to gradually build with the same load or a smart progression toward it.
We’ll de-load on Week 5 and give everyone time to recover before taking on Chad on Veterans Day.
Halloween Heroes vs. Villains WOD
For the first time, our Halloween workout (Saturday, Oct. 31 at 8:30 a.m.) will be themed!
This year’s we’re doing “Heroes vs. Villains,” so come dressed as your favorite hero, super villain, antihero, sidekick or anything in between.
We’ll have a costume contest, so bring the energy, commit to the theme and be ready for a fun Saturday morning workout.
Beach Brawl Recap
JH had several athletes compete at Beach Brawl, and we want to recognize everyone who represented the gym.
Phillips Law & Associates
10th place, Rx Coed
Micah Clark, Liv Phillips, Kelly Law and Max Story
JH Spice Girls — Intermediate FFFF
Laura Bianchin, Cherise McDole, Brittany Clark and Hannah Dunn
JH Junkies — Rx MMMM
Will Beech, Christian Mays, Sam Lambert and Caleb Despres
Dylan Kokoskie competed alongside Trey, Monika and Skylar.
A special congratulations to Rene Brechtel, who earned silver in the 50+ Masters Female division.
Bring a Friend Relaunch
We’re bringing back the spirit of Bring a Friend Week, but more consistently.
Starting in November, on the first Saturday of every month, friends can be your +1 with no strings attached.
Here’s how it works:
- Have your friend sign up for a free trial through the JH website
- Bring them to the first Saturday class of the month
- If they sign up for a paid membership, submit the referral form
- Once their membership is active, both you and your friend receive 50% off the following month
Thanks for showing up, staying consistent and continuing to make JH what it is.
See you in the gym,
Will