As dawn broke on September 11, fitness enthusiasts, local residents, and first responders gathered at Crunch Fitness clubs across Florida, Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. They arrived not only for exercise but also for a symbolic ascent, climbing 110 flights of stairs to honor the 110 floors of the World Trade Center. Each step carried the weight of memory, transforming a workout into a solemn tribute to those who risked and lost their lives on that day in 2001.
The event was led by CR Fitness Holdings, one of the largest Crunch Fitness franchisees in the United States. With 86 locations and plans for further growth, the company has consistently sought to balance fitness with community engagement. Tony Scrimale, CEO of CR Fitness Holdings, set the tone for the occasion. “September 11th is a day our nation will never forget. Through our annual 9/11 Stair Climb, we come together as a Crunch community to pay tribute to the bravery and enduring commitment of all first responders,” he said.
Before participants began their climb, the Crunch Fitness team extended gratitude beyond the gym walls by visiting local fire stations. They offered refreshments, tokens of appreciation, and personal words of thanks to first responders. This outreach reflected the broader mission of CR Fitness Holdings, which has worked to align its business with the values of service, remembrance, and community solidarity.
The stair climb drew a wide spectrum of participants, from newcomers willing to tackle a few flights to seasoned members determined to complete all 2,071 steps. Afterward, each participant signed a commemorative wall, leaving a record of unity and respect. These signatures transformed individual exertion into a collective statement of remembrance.
The leadership team behind CR Fitness Holdings has long emphasized community-driven initiatives. Alongside Scrimale, industry veterans Vince Julien, Geoff Dyer, and Jeff Dotson have been instrumental in expanding the Crunch Fitness footprint across multiple states. Their collective vision has positioned the company not just as a fitness provider but as a connector of people through shared values and experiences.
As the 24th anniversary of September 11 unfolds, CR Fitness Holdings and Crunch Fitness continue to use their platform to honor the past while inspiring strength and resilience for the future. This year’s stair climb stands as both a memorial and a reminder of how the fitness industry can unite communities in meaningful and enduring ways.
