More Than a Workout: Help Fight ALS by Hosting “The Lou” this January

In 2022, Rainer Hartman was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS), and passed away just two short years later. Hartman was a CrossFit Games Masters athlete and gym owner who became an ALS advocate.

After hearing of his diagnosis, Kelli Szluka (Sunshine Athletics coach) and Fred Reimer (Live Like Lou trustee) reached out to Rainer to collaborate on the idea of “The Lou” workout. The concept was brought to life by Deb Austin (owner of Sunshine Athletics) who programmed the workout. During the first two years, we were inspired as Rainer completed an adaptive version of The Lou. In 2026, gyms around the world will mark the fourth year of the workout on Saturday, January 31.

​The Lou has four goals:

• Honor baseball Hall of Famer Lou Gehrig’s legacy
• Support individuals living with ALS, and their families
• Increase awareness and funding for research
• Work out with a bigger purpose: “To leave ALS better than we found it”

Over the past three years, The Lou has raised more than $162,000. In the United States, over 100 gyms participated, with several international gyms in Brazil and Canada taking part as well. Now in its fourth year, the Live Like Lou Foundation aims to eclipse that number, with a goal of $100,000. This would double Live Like Lou’s Quality-of-Life grants and scholarships for financial dependents of individuals living with or who have passed from ALS.

​Hosting The Lou Workout at Your Gym

Rooted in Lou Gehrig and his iconic Yankees jersey number 4, The Lou workout challenges participants to complete 44 rounds of 4 reps each of wallballs (20/14), pull-ups, burpees, and dumbbell snatches (50/35).

Partners split the work, encourage one another, and persevere together, mirroring the resilience of the 30,000 individuals in North America living with Lou Gehrig’s disease. Modifications are welcome, ensuring that anyone can participate in the effort to fight against ALS.

To make hosting an event on January 31st even simpler for gym owners, ​The Lou workout has been added to Wodify as a global component, which means it will be automatically uploaded into the programming section as an option that day. Wodify gym owners simply need to search for “The Lou” in the component library that day, to add the workout to that day’s programming.

About the Live Like Lou Foundation

The Lou Workout directly benefits the Live Like Lou Foundation, whose mission is to create and connect communities to uniquely support families affected by Lou Gehrig’s disease and stimulate ALS research.. Every rep completed and every dollar raised helps to advance this mission by:

• Supporting ALS Families: Through hands-on support by volunteers in and around the home, grants for respite care and essential home improvement projects, and scholarship support for children in ALS families, we are meaningfully supporting families affected by Lou Gehrig’s disease.
• Funding ALS Research: By supporting early-career scientists dedicated to studying ALS, we aim to foster innovative research and uncover critical discoveries that can pave the way for tomorrow’s clinical trials, effective treatments, and, ultimately, a cure for Lou Gehrig’s disease.
• Raising ALS Awareness: By amplifying Lou Gehrig’s story, his legacy, and what it means to live like Lou in the face of a 100% fatal ALS diagnosis. We create impact moments for ALS families and the ALS community through events, strategic partnerships, and raising critical funds to power our mission.

Why Participate in The Lou?

The Lou Workout isn’t just about doing another workout—it’s about moving your body for those who can no longer do it, challenging yourself, and helping others. When you participate in The Lou, you make a lasting impact in the lives of thousands of people affected by Lou Gehrig’s disease and leave ALS better than you found it.

How to Join The Lou Workout

Whether you’re an athlete, a gym owner, or someone simply inspired to leave ALS better than you found it, there’s a way to be part of The Lou:

• Host The Lou: Gyms and fitness communities can register their gym for The Lou Workout.
• Participate: Register as an individual at your gym, grab a partner, and take on the 44 rounds together. Modifications make it accessible to all.
• Support the purpose: Even if you can’t join the workout, you can still make a lasting impact by donating to the Live Like Lou Foundation at thelouworkout.com or spreading the word.

Lou Gehrig faced ALS with courage, humility, and gratitude. The Lou Workout is your chance to honor his legacy, strengthen your community, and contribute to the fight against this devastating disease.

Visit thelouworkout.com for more information and register today!

FAQs About The Lou Workout

How can I register my gym for The Lou?

To register for The Lou, go to thelouworkout.com, where you will see “Participate.” Click that button and select “start a team,” “join a team,” or “join as an individual.” Upon registration, each participant is given a fundraising page to utilize if he/she wants to raise funds surrounding the workout.

Bonus! When a new gym registers, they have a chance to win a FitAid prize pack.

Can I join as an individual if I am not a member of a gym?

Yes! Anyone can join The Lou, even without a partner or gym. We welcome everyone to participate as we work together to leave ALS better than we found it. 

Do individuals need to contribute to the Live Like Lou Foundation to participate?

A $20 donation to the Live Like Lou Foundation is required upon registration.

Are there fundraising incentives?

Yes. Individuals who raise $144 or more receive The Lou hat and gyms whose members collectively raise $1,444 or more receive a Lou pennant to display with pride.

How does fundraising work for The Lou Workout?

We use CrowdChange, a trusted online fundraising platform. When you either create a team, join a team, or join as an individual it automatically creates a fundraising page.

How do I create a personal fundraising page?

Upon registering for The Lou, you’ll be prompted to either join an existing team or start your own. Each registrant can set up a unique fundraising page with a custom story, photos, and a personal fundraising goal. This page generates a direct link that can be shared to encourage donations from your network.

How is my page connected to my gym’s fundraising?

When you join your gym/team during the registration, your personal page becomes part of the gym’s team fundraising tally. Donations to your page are credited to your gym’s collective fundraising total, adding to your gym’s progress and helping reach both individual and gym incentives.

What are the benefits of sharing my fundraising page?

Sharing your custom fundraising link helps to increase awareness about ALS and The Lou Workout. Every donation, large or small, adds up to help Live Like Lou support ALS families and fund ALS research.

How do I maximize my fundraising success?

Set a realistic goal, personalize your page with a story or a photo, provide updates throughout your fundraising journey, and use social media or email to share your link often. These steps help engage more potential donors and boost your impact.

How can I donate if I don’t want to participate?

You can visit thelouworkout.com and select Support an Athlete. If you know someone or a gym participating, you can search for them directly. If not, you can choose any athlete or gym; your gift will still support Live Like Lou.