Cody Hajek’s journey from the depths of the ocean to the heart of Oklahoma’s fitness scene is anything but ordinary. A U.S. Navy veteran with a background in the nuclear field, a passion for elite training, and a relentless entrepreneurial spirit, Cody now owns and operates CrossFit Never Broken in Edmond, Oklahoma.
I had the privilege of sitting down with Cody to talk about his military service, the challenges of opening a gym, and why he believes in training people to be their best—whether they’re special warfare candidates or everyday people looking to improve their health.
The Navy Years: From Submarines to Special Warfare Recruiting
Cody’s military story starts with an unexpected twist. Originally, he set his sights on becoming a Navy SEAL, but a recruiter’s lack of transparency locked him into the nuclear field instead. While he spent a decade in the high-stakes world of submarine operations, working as a machinist mate and a nuclear water chemist, his desire for special warfare never faded. He tried to screen for SEAL training multiple times but was met with bureaucratic roadblocks at every turn.
Eventually, irony had its way—after spending years trying to enter special warfare, he ended up recruiting for it instead. As a special warfare recruiter in Oklahoma, Cody was responsible for assessing and preparing the next generation of Navy SEALs, divers, and other elite operators. Through this role, he was introduced to an entirely different side of training—one that prioritized elite fitness, mental resilience, and mentorship.
Diving into CrossFit (yes, I'm hysterical haha)
While still in the Navy, Cody was introduced to CrossFit by a friend. Like many first-timers, he was skeptical. “That just sounds really stupid and expensive,” he initially thought. One class later, he was hooked. The intensity, the challenge, and the sense of community resonated with him immediately. He quickly pursued coaching certifications, gaining experience in gyms across different duty stations before eventually settling in Oklahoma.
Starting a Gym: A Battle on Land
Opening CrossFit Never Broken was a labor of love—and a fight. When Cody and his former business partner decided to launch their own gym, they faced immediate pushback from an existing gym owner in the area. From cyberattacks that triggered an FBI investigation to financial sabotage attempts, their competition didn’t exactly play fair. But Cody and his team pressed on, building a gym from the ground up that put athletes and everyday fitness enthusiasts first.
Four years later, he is the sole owner of CrossFit Never Broken, a gym focused on general physical preparedness (GPP). While elite athletes are always welcome, his passion lies in helping regular people build confidence, resilience, and strength—whether they’re former athletes looking to reignite their fitness or beginners taking their first steps into the gym.
Demystifying CrossFit
If you’ve ever watched the CrossFit Games and thought, “There’s no way I could do that,” Cody would be the first to tell you otherwise. CrossFit, at its core, is scalable. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced athlete, every workout can be adjusted to your fitness level.
Cody also addressed a common CrossFit criticism: kipping pull-ups. Contrary to internet myths, kipping isn’t a way to “cheat” your pull-ups—it’s a strategic movement used to improve endurance and work capacity. But before any athlete starts kipping, Cody ensures they’ve mastered strict pull-ups first. Mechanics, consistency, and intensity—those are the priorities.
Building a Stronger Community
Beyond the workouts, what sets CrossFit Never Broken apart is its sense of community. Cody and his team take time to learn every new member’s “why”—not just their fitness goals, but the deeper reasons behind them. Whether it’s a new parent wanting to stay active for their kids or someone with a family history of heart disease looking to change their trajectory, the gym creates an environment where personal goals aren’t just supported—they’re celebrated.
Cody’s leadership extends beyond the gym floor. He credits his staff for making CrossFit Never Broken what it is today, publicly thanking his team members who handle coaching, client retention, and operations. It’s rare to hear a business owner place so much emphasis on his staff’s contributions, but it speaks to the culture he’s built—one rooted in respect, teamwork, and unwavering support.
Final Thoughts: Never Broken, Always Growing
Cody’s story is one of resilience. From overcoming setbacks in his military career to facing challenges in business, he’s proof that setbacks don’t define you—how you respond to them does. His gym’s motto, Never Broken, is more than just a slogan; it’s a philosophy that applies both in fitness and in life.
For those in Edmond, Oklahoma, looking for a gym that prioritizes strength—both mental and physical—CrossFit Never Broken is a place where you’re not just another membership number. And for those outside of Oklahoma? Cody’s story is a reminder that no matter what challenges come your way, you may bend, but you are never broken.
Check out CrossFit Never Broken on Instagram at @neverbrokenok or visit their website to grab some gym merch and support a veteran-owned business that’s making an impact, one workout at a time.
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