The CrossFit Open

The CrossFit Open kicks off next weekend, and for those who haven’t experienced it yet or have been sitting on the sidelines for the past few years, I wanted to share my thoughts and experiences about taking part in the Open.

CrossFit is, by far, the most effective training style out there. If you ask most people what they love about it, they’ll inevitably say the community. Yes, this plays a massive role—enjoying what you do with a great support network in a fun environment is a key part of CrossFit’s success—but it’s not the core of what makes it so effective.

To me, CrossFit works because it’s fundamentally about improving performance to achieve results. There’s no guesswork involved. You don’t need to check the scale daily or compare yourself in the mirror constantly. It’s simple: if you can squat more weight, run faster, do more push-ups, or improve any other aspect of your performance, your body has undeniably changed. Muscle mass increases, cardiovascular health improves, bone density and joint strength get better, and thanks to the higher metabolic output from more muscle, your body burns more fat. Best of all, you just feel better!

Over time, your body transforms, you feel great, and it becomes addictive in the best possible way. Seeing your performance improve lights a fire inside you—that reward of progress keeps you motivated to push harder.

So, Where Does the Open Fit In?

The Open is your one primary chance each year to set a baseline for your fitness and work to improve it year after year. You don’t have to be naturally competitive to take part. Taking this small step annually to solidify your training with a tangible result—something you can aim to beat in the fun and safe environment of your own CrossFit box—gives you focus and a goal to keep progressing.

Each year, I aim to move up the leaderboard in my age group. Because it’s a worldwide leaderboard, I can track my improvement—maybe I’ve gone from the 70th percentile to the 75th, for example. I’m not here to win; I’m already winning just by seeing improvements.

The Open is also an awesome time to connect with members at the gym, feel the support and energy of fellow athletes pushing each other, and enjoy a fun evening of fitness.

Do I Need to Pay $20 USD to Take Part?

The short answer is no—you don’t have to. We’ll run it in-club regardless, and everyone is welcome to join. However, I’ll definitely be paying to participate, and here’s why. First, when you register with CrossFit HQ, your scores go onto the official worldwide leaderboard. I’ve got results dating back to 2012 that I can compare to see how far I’ve come! The second reason—which, honestly, is enough on its own—is accountability. When you part with a few dollars, it signals your commitment to completing the entire three-week Open and holds you to that decision. Lastly, CrossFit has given me so much over the past 12 years. Before CrossFit, I couldn’t maintain a gym program or the motivation to train. I want to see CrossFit thrive for years to come so others can experience the benefits I have. Another bonus? The pro athletes who inspire me—and whom I love to watch—get paid for placing at the CrossFit Games, and that prize pool comes from Open fees.

It’s ultimately up to you whether you want to part with the $20, but I’m registering and paying mine. I hope to see many of you commit to the Open and lock in your name on the worldwide leaderboard!

Register Here