May 26, 2026 – Town of West Bend, Wi –Â Members of A1 Health and Fitness in the Town of West Bend, Wi, gathered on Memorial Day morning to take part in the annual Murph Challenge, a demanding workout performed across the country in honor of fallen military personnel, particularly Navy SEAL Lt. Michael Murphy, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2005.
Before participants began the grueling test of endurance, A1 owner Alex Kain reminded the crowd that the workout carries a purpose far greater than physical fitness.
“Murph is named after a fallen soldier. His name is Lieutenant Michael Murphy,” Kain said. “Remember it is about obviously you getting a good workout, but remember that it’s also about showing representation and showing appreciation to everybody that has gone before us and given us this great country that we are allowed to live in.”
Kain explained that the traditional workout consists of a one-mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 air squats and a final one-mile run.
“It seems a lot,” he said. “Remember that this is a marathon. This workout is meant to be a long haul. It is not meant to be something that you get through really quickly.”
Later, Kain reflected on why the gym continues the tradition each Memorial Day.
“We do Murph every day on Memorial Day as a tribute to Lieutenant Michael Murphy who paid the ultimate sacrifice overseas fighting for our freedom,” he said. “We do it not only in his honor but in every man and woman’s honor who has given that ultimate sacrifice for us.”
Kain noted that while the workout is physically challenging, it serves as a reminder of sacrifices made by military members.
“It’s a good reminder that the pain that we’re dealing with while doing this workout is nothing compared to the pain that they’ve encountered,” he said.
Among those participating was veteran and A1 member and Marine Corps veteran BJ Sauer, who served from 2000 – 2004. Sauer said the workout holds deep personal meaning.
“I participate in Murph because it’s a good reminder of all of the brothers that I’ve lost during and since I served,” he said.
Sauer spoke candidly about fellow service members who struggled after returning home.
“A lot of the people I served with, it affected a lot of them. PTSD and physical injuries and mental stuff led to some of them having addiction problems,” he said. “I’ve lost people to suicide and overdoses.”
For Sauer, the annual challenge provides an opportunity for reflection and healing.
“This helps to remember them, helps to kind of exercise some demons,” he said.
Jen Kain added the emotional weight of the workout often hits hardest during the final mile.
“Every single year on that second mile, I get emotional because it is something we do in honor of all of America’s heroes,” she said.
Alex Kain joined dozens of others who spent part of their Memorial Day honoring the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice through sweat, determination and remembrance. “The fact that we are able to do a workout to celebrate those who have gone before us and given their lives to give us the rights and freedoms that we have here is important.”
“The fact that our community is equally as supportive is amazing,” he said.
Across the nation, Murph workouts continue to serve as a powerful Memorial Day tradition, blending physical challenge with reflection and gratitude. At A1 Health and Fitness, participants embraced both aspects, remembering that every pull-up, push-up, squat and mile carried a meaning far beyond the gym walls.
