The CrossFit Open is great for many different reasons: it’s the start of the CrossFit season, we get to see how the pros are stacking up, and compare ourselves to other athletes in our box. 

But my three favorite things about The Open are as follows:

1. It reveals weakness-The Open always has a way of revealing weaknesses whether it’s double unders, toes to bar, hand stand push ups, or whatever crazy movement Dave Castro comes up with. This revelation of weakness is always hard to swallow at first. It brings out frustration and sometimes anger, but then develops into an unyielding perseverance to mastery. I’ve seen it over and over again. One year, an athlete will complete 5 double unders in 20 minutes and by the next, they are spinning through them like they’ve done them since birth. If it weren’t for The Open we would settle for less than our best. 
2. It provides an an honest evaluation of your current fitness level. Again, another hard pill to swallow. This one cuts me deep this year. I’m still trying to lose the same 20lbs that I’ve been trying to lose for the last 3 years, my eating habits aren’t good, and leading up to The Open I’ve been inconsistent in the gym for a variety of great reasons: snowpacalvpse, busy work schedule, vacation, etc., and it shows. I’m no where near where I want to be. The Open is simply revealing to me that my habits aren’t good and it’s bringing my fitness level down. But now I have motivation to change, to be healthier and more consistent!
3. Community-On a lighter note, The Open provides us a chance to get out of our routine, meet people from other classes, and grow relationships deeper. People who barely know each other are encouraging one another and bringing out the best in their fellow athletes. Beyond that, it’s so much fun to see people hanging out 2 hours after the last heat still talking, laughing, and carrying on ridiculous conversations. Spouses who don’t normally attend classes get to come and kids take over the gym swinging on the rings and hanging from pull-up bars. It’s great fun and by far the best part of The Open.

So, if you missed this year’s Open, don’t miss next years. It’s hard, makes you want to puke, but it’s always worth it!