Let’s talk about the Open. The one time a year everyone can compete against one another and see exactly where they stand worldwide. 

For many people, this is an exciting time. A chance to show off their hard work and gains from the year. But for many others, it is a time of anxiety and fear and thinking the worst of themselves or their abilities. 

But it doesn’t have to be either of those things. It can just be another three weeks of workouts where you may push yourself a little harder, get 1 or 2 extra reps per round, or you get your first pull-up! 

I used to freak myself out over the Open workouts. I would literally lose sleep over them trying to strategize and figure out how I could do my best. And the truth of the matter is I was never going to go anywhere (aka, the games or even regionals) with it. I was just there to push myself a little harder than I normally would in the daily workouts. 

I am no longer like that, thankfully, but I know just the thought of the Open causes a lot of apprehension with CrossFit members, especially newer members. 

This year, we’re doing things a little differently. We want to include our whole gym, regardless of whether you sign up or not, and make it a huge gym competition based on inclusion and team spirit! 

We have yet to lay out the guidelines of how it’s going to look but the main premise isn’t going to be whether you performed the workout Rx or scaled. It’s simply that you showed up, supported one another, and completed the workout to the best of your ability. 

We’re working on setting up teams and getting shirts prepped but be ready, because the Open will be here before you know it! 

It starts February 16 and will last 3 weeks. Three workouts. That’s it. And anyone – yes, anyone – can do them. Rx or scaled. Or a combination of the two from week to week. That really is the beauty of the Open… and really, CrossFit. 

Show up. Do the work. Reap the benefits. 

I love this time of year. The Open is your chance to see what you’re made of. Not for anyone else or to see where you stand worldwide. It’s to see if you can push just a little harder than normal. It’s to see if all your work and the hype of your community can help you get that PR. 

So what do you say? Are you ready to sign up? Because it’s going to be a heckuva time! 

Have a beautiful week! 

Whitney