Why YOU should enter The CrossFit Open!

February 3, 2019No Comments

Written by Andrew Carigiet (Head Coach CFHE)

THE OPEN IS FOR ANYONE

As CrossFit say themselves… “The 2019 Reebok CrossFit Games Open is the largest fitness competition on Earth and an exciting showcase of the CrossFit community. Here, athletes like you, from all around the world, show up and push themselves further than they ever thought possible over a five-week period. Challenges, PRs and the unknown await.”

IT IS SUITABLE FOR ALL FITNESS LEVELS

As with our daily workouts, there is always an option to scale; since 2015 there has been a scaled division in the Open. So, no matter what level you are, each workout can be scaled to suit you, yet still lets you compete. This also applies to specific teens and masters categories. The scales might mean lighter bar or dumbbell weights, bear crawls in place of handstand walks, or jumping chest to bar pull ups instead of muscle ups. You will still get the chance to workout, compete, enjoy the community atmosphere and measure your scores against others of your level (if you want).

LEARN ABOUT YOURSELF/FIND NEW WEAKNESSES

It is likely that one, two, or more workouts may include a movement that you consider yourself weaker at, or less confident in. This is true for athletes of all abilities, from CrossFit Games athletes right through to those fresh off our Roots Course. It is these workouts that we should embrace as an opportunity to improve our skills and ability in this area or use it as motivation to work on and develop that skill. The Open has done this for me on numerous occasions, which has allowed me to identify, work on, and improve that skill for the following year. One year I was struggling with 60kg snatches…fast forward 4 years, I was having the same battle with 85kg snatches; it is these moments where you can also realise your own personal growth.

BE PART OF THE COMMUNITY

It is a great chance for us to get together with our friends in a slightly different environment to a regular class, and you may meet others that you may not usually attend classes with. This adds to the fun and exciting atmosphere. The CrossFit Open also gives you the opportunity to share your workouts with the CrossFit community around the world. You may have friends around the country or on the other side of the world doing the same workouts each week! You could even compare your performances against the best in the world as they use The CrossFit Open as a step towards the CrossFit Games.

YOU MIGHT SURPRISE YOURSELF!

It is hard to step out of our comfort zone, but that’s often where we find personal growth. The CrossFit Open provides 5 new workouts to try, and allows you to test yourself against yourself, other members, and also some of the best athletes in the sport.

You will still complete the workout in our gym, but the added atmosphere and support can help to push you beyond your own expectations and achieve something you did not expect.

If you struggle with the prescribed weight of any workouts, you will most likely surprise yourself with what you are able to do. The Open is about simply having a go, and bringing out the best of yourself, regardless of what level you are.

Some workouts are designed in a way that tests skill level; for example, a chipper style workout that increases in technical difficulty: Wall balls, then double unders, then muscle ups…eventually you may not be able to perform the next movement, or maybe you achieve your first ever double under or muscle up!

PUT THAT COMPETITIVE EDGE INTO PRACTICE

Many of us are competitive in a number of ways, whether it’s with yourself, other members, or even someone you’ve never met that you see on the leaderboard. If you consider yourself one of the top athletes in your gym, let it be shown; additionally, the open lets you compete against the best from your area, country and other athletes. If you are very new to Crossfit, the Open will enable you to see how you are doing against many other newcomers from all around the world.

IT’S FUN!

The bottom line is… it is fun! The atmosphere can be electrifying, and you will get a buzz from the environment. It is a major event in our calendar, and a great opportunity for all levels to get together, support each other, and grab a beer and a donut at the end of the night!