Built for Summer: Why We Do Murph — Honoring Sacrifice Through Fitness

Every year, on Memorial Day, gyms across the country come together for a workout known as Murph.

At first glance, it looks like a challenge—a long, demanding workout designed to test your endurance, strength, and grit. And while that’s true, it’s only part of the story.

Because Murph isn’t just about fitness.

It’s about remembrance.

The Story Behind Murph

Murph is named in honor of Lt. Michael P. Murphy, a U.S. Navy SEAL who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2005. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his courage, leadership, and sacrifice.

The workout itself was one of his favorites. Originally called “Body Armor,” it was something he did regularly as part of his training.

After his death, the workout was renamed “Murph” in his honor—and over time, it became a Memorial Day tradition in gyms across the country.

When we take on this workout, we’re not just pushing ourselves physically.
We’re choosing to remember.

More Than a Workout

It’s easy to get caught up in the numbers—the reps, the time, the difficulty.

But Murph was never meant to be about performance alone.

It’s about stepping into discomfort, even briefly, and recognizing that it represents something far greater than a workout on a whiteboard.

For most of us, Murph will be one of the hardest workouts we do all year.
But it’s still something we choose to do.

That choice is what makes it meaningful.

A Community That Shows Up Together

One of the most powerful parts of Murph isn’t the workout itself—it’s the people around you.

On this day, the gym feels different.

There’s a shared understanding. A sense of purpose. A collective willingness to take on something hard, not just for ourselves, but for something bigger.

You’ll see people at all different levels:

• First-timers taking it one step at a time
• Experienced athletes pushing their limits
• Members encouraging each other through every round

And no matter how each person scales or approaches it, everyone is part of the same experience.

That’s what makes it powerful.

Reflection in the Effort

There will be moments during Murph when you want to stop. When your body feels tired and your mind starts to question whether you can keep going.

Those moments matter.

They create space to reflect—not just on your own effort, but on the reason behind it.

Murph gives us a way to pause, to remember, and to honor through action.

It reminds us that fitness can be about more than personal goals. It can be about respect, gratitude, and perspective.

Why We Continue to Show Up

Every year, we come back to this workout.

Not because it’s easy. Not because it’s comfortable.

But because it means something.

We show up to challenge ourselves.
We show up to support each other.
And we show up to honor those who gave everything.

Join Us This Memorial Day

Whether this is your first Murph or one of many, there is a place for you here.

You don’t have to be the fastest.
You don’t have to do it unscaled.
You just have to be willing to take part.

Because at the end of the day, Murph isn’t about how you finish.

It’s about why you start.

And we would be honored to have you be part of it. 🇺🇸💪

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