Popular branded strength and conditioning regimen CrossFit has tapped Washington, D.C.-based political affairs powerhouse Podesta Group for help with government issues on Capitol Hill.



CrossFit, which was developed in 2000 by Greg Glassman and Lauren Jenai in Santa Cruz, CA, is primarily a mix of aerobic exercise, calisthenics and Olympic weightlifting. Owned by company CrossFit Inc., the fitness program, which is promoted as both a physical exercise philosophy and a competitive fitness sport, currently licenses its name to approximately 13,000 CrossFit affiliated gyms, and is now practiced by enthusiasts, professional athletes, martial artists and military special operations units worldwide.

CrossFit has hired Podesta for help with federal oversight regarding “conflict of interest rules and regulations related to academic research funded by government agencies,” according to lobbying registration documents filed in November.

The account signals CrossFit’s first use of a lobbying firm.

The account will be led by Podesta managing principal David Marin, who was formerly staff director for the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, as well as chief aide, legislative director, press secretary and speechwriter for Rep. Tom Davis (R-VA).

Podesta, which was founded in 1987, accounted for more than $9 million in net fees last year.