Memorial Day ‘Murph’ workout honors those who paid the ultimate sacrifice
Wilmington, NC (WECT) -- The way people around the country honor America's fallen heroes is the hero workout called 'Murph'.
Dozens of people gathered at CrossFit on Memorial Day to honor and remember those who made their last sacrifices in the service of our country by participating in the Murph Workout.
Some chalked up and strapped on a weighted vest for a workout that included 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, and 300 air squats. It also starts and ends with a one mile run.
Greg Carnazza is a captain in the United States Marine Corps and has 'Murph' several times.
"We do these Hero WODs [workout of the day] or tribute WODs to make sure we can honor those who have not returned," Carnazza said.
Jim, active-duty military members, veterans and countless others "murf" each year over the holiday weekend to honor and remember the lives lost.
The workout is named after Lieutenant Michael Murphy, a Navy SEAL who lost his life in Afghanistan in 2005.
"Their position was compromised and they sacrificed themselves to give radio signals to the Americans that they were in trouble, they needed support," Carnazza said of Lt. Murphy's sacrifice. "While he was making the radio call I must say, enemy fire came down on him and unfortunately he did not survive. However, even though he was being shot down when he was called into the helicopter, he still tried to put it back down. Before said thank you on the radio."
The workout is what Lt. Murphy will do all the time.
"It's in his memory, so Lieutenant Michael Murphy it's his workout — he'll do it all the time," Carnazza said of the meaning behind the workout.
A weighted vest also has a deeper meaning and is not just used to make a workout more challenging - it represents a protective vest worn when deployed.
"When you are stationed you have to wear it all the time, when you are in Iraq and Afghanistan, so when you workout outside, if you are outside you should wear it, so she did a full workout in it." Carnazza added.
Paul Kim is an active-duty United States Marine Corps officer and says the workout is more than just 45 minutes of hard work.
"The whole time I was working out, I know a few other people - brothers here working with me who have served the country - we've been missing out the whole time that it's a workout, and In memory, they are the ultimate warriors, ”Kim said.
They say that even when there is pain or breathlessness, you keep trying for those who do not have such an opportunity now.
Both Carnazza and Kim said that seeing such a large community turnout for the workout and feeling the support from fellow members who rule CrossFit also means a lot.
"Not everyone needs to serve in the military to show their service and show their support for this country - it's not for everyone," Carnazza said. "But the fact that they're here, they're trying to better themselves, they're trying to stay physically fit by not only making sure they're taking care of their bodies, but also They are going through a painful workout 'Day of Murph'. It's great to know that a lot of people want to come out and support, you know, whatever the armed forces do. "