Just the other week, I answered the phone here at CrossFit No Boundaries and, before I could even say “hello,” or “this is Preston speaking, how can I help you?” I was abruptly met with a question: “hi, what are your prices?”

This isn’t the first time I’ve had this kind of conversation (if you can call it that), and I doubt it will be the last. While I have no problem with skipping small talk and getting straight down to business, I can’t help but be a bit apprehensive when these are the first words out of someone’s mouth.

Prices for what? Do you know who we are, or what we do? Who are you? What brought you to call this number, and what are you hoping to get out of potentially training here? How do you know we’re a good fit for you? How often are you interested in training? Have you trained before? What are your goals? Limitations? Biggest challenges? Fears? Hopes?

While price is absolutely relevant, there are a hundred questions that I can think of that carry more weight than price.

Consider this: when you’re being wheeled into the emergency room to be stitched up to stop the heavy bleeding from the large gashes you’ve incurred from a car accident, you’re not likely to stop the surgeon and say, “hold up, homie -- what are your prices?” There are far more important things at stake (your life) that you’re concerned about before prices.

Or, when you’re planning a date with your special someone to celebrate 20 years of marriage, you’re going to search Yelp for the restaurant with the best atmosphere, the best cuisine, perhaps your favorite dessert or your favorite wine, not the cheapest prices. We’re not looking to end up at a Del Taco drive-thru.

So when you’re looking to start a new health and fitness practice, or looking to put your training in the hands of a coach, or looking to make a major change in your life, why would you lead with “what are your prices?” - hard stop. We’re not talking about bargain shopping for cans of beans here, we’re talking about your physical wellbeing.

Look, I get frugality. I’m quite frugal myself, but don’t get it twisted: value and price are not the same. When your first priority is number of dollar signs, you’re missing the point.

- PS

7/26/18

• “Nancy”

• 5 rounds for time:

• 400m run

• 15 overhead squats (95/65)