On May 25, 2025, fitness enthusiasts in Austin, Texas, gathered at the West Lake Aquatics Center for a unique Memorial Day tribute—the Hybrid Murph workout. Organized by Deep End Fitness, this event combined traditional CrossFit elements with water-based exercises to honor fallen military heroes, particularly Navy SEAL Lt. Michael P. Murphy, for whom the original “Murph” workout is named.
A Tribute Through Physical Challenge
The Hybrid Murph retained the core components of the traditional workout: a 1-mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 air squats, and another 1-mile run, all performed while wearing a 20-pound weighted vest. However, in a nod to Austin’s reputation for fitness innovation and its emphasis on diverse training modalities, the event introduced aquatic elements that pushed participants to new limits.
Swimming drills and underwater breath-hold exercises were added to the regimen, emphasizing endurance, mental focus, and adaptability. These water-based challenges also served as a symbolic reflection of military training environments, especially those endured by Navy SEALs. The aquatic additions made the workout not only more physically taxing but also a deeper representation of the sacrifices and resilience embodied by military service members.
Community Engagement and Support
Participants came from a wide range of fitness backgrounds, from elite athletes to first-time challengers. Deep End Fitness designed the event to be inclusive and adaptable, offering scaled versions of each component so that everyone could participate meaningfully. The emphasis was on unity, shared purpose, and honoring the fallen through collective effort.
The atmosphere was one of camaraderie and respect. Many participants wore gear emblazoned with the names of military personnel, carried flags, or observed moments of silence before beginning their workouts. In this way, the event transcended mere exercise and became an act of communal remembrance and gratitude.
In addition to the workout, the event partnered with Operation Resilience, a nonprofit that supports veterans through physical and mental wellness initiatives. Donations collected during the event will help fund services for military personnel transitioning to civilian life, aligning with the workout’s broader theme of support and resilience.
A Growing Tradition
The Hybrid Murph has emerged as a model for how fitness events can evolve while still maintaining a strong sense of purpose. By incorporating new elements such as swimming, organizers aim to keep the workout challenging and engaging while attracting a broader, more diverse group of participants. The adaptive format respects the tradition of the original Murph while embracing modern approaches to fitness and community-building.
This evolution is part of a national trend in which Memorial Day workouts serve not only as physical challenges but also as meaningful tributes. Across the country, fitness communities are finding ways to combine exercise with acts of service, reflection, and philanthropy, turning movement into a form of memorial.
Looking Ahead
Events like Austin’s Hybrid Murph illustrate the powerful intersection of fitness, community, and remembrance. As Memorial Day continues to be a day for honoring those who gave their lives in service to the country, the Hybrid Murph provides a tangible and respectful way for people to pay tribute—through sweat, strength, and solidarity.
With strong participation and positive feedback, organizers plan to make the Hybrid Murph an annual fixture in Austin’s Memorial Day calendar. It stands as a testament to the power of physical activity not just to transform bodies, but to build connections and preserve legacies.