CrossFit: Mat Fraser and Josh Bridges talk spitting rules for CrossFit gyms – ‘it’s my gym, I’ll do whatever I want’
- Five-time CrossFit champion Mat Fraser continues to give more insight into his life and thoughts post-retirement on a regular podcast, this time: to spit or not to spit
- His regular podcast appearance on “Josh Mat Sevan” has offered CrossFit fans the first real glimpse into his stance on a number of subjects
“Out of necessity, rarely,” said Fraser when asked if he spits during a workout. “Like, if I’m doing rowing intervals and you feel like your airway isn’t clear, I’ll spit on the floor. But if I’m doing anything else and I can do it into my shirt, if I have a free hand, I’ll do that. It’s purely out of necessity and this is when I’m doing competition training.”
Fraser retired in February after eight years in the sport which saw him win five straight CrossFit Games titles. He also finished runner-up twice, and is widely regarded as the greatest CrossFit athlete of all-time.
Bridges, who is a six-time CrossFit Games veteran, had his best finish in 2014 when he came fourth. A former US Navy Seal who has a successful YouTube channel with 152,000 subscribers, Bridges said he also rarely spits while working out at his home gym, which is in his garage.
“I think I’ve spit on my floor in my garage maybe twice,” said Bridges. “And it was just out of complete necessity, because I’m going to die right now because there’s something in my throat or because of the workout. But also, three feet to my right or left is outside.”
Gym etiquette and spitting is a hot topic among the workout crowd, as many gyms have become even more stringent during the coronavirus. Fraser said spitting etiquette at CrossFit gyms comes down to where you are and the situation you are in.
“If I was training at Josh’s house the week before the games or something, I would try to do it next to me so I’m not spraying anywhere. And then as soon as the workout’s done, I’m cleaning it up with a spray bottle and disinfectant because people do burpees here.”
However if he is at his own gym, things are different.
“My home gym, it’s my gym, I’ll do whatever I want.”
