The CrossFit Open is a 5 week test of fitness. It also marks the start of the competitive season for the top athletes. There are very few sports that allow us all to start out on the same journey as the stars of the sport. For Mat Fraser and Katrin Davidsdottir to retain their titles as the Fittest on the Planet, they first have to compete against you and me for the first 5 workouts. The top 30 males and females will advance to Regionals as will the top 20 teams. Over 500 Teams from across Europe will be entering, It will be great to see where we fare against them.

To help you through the next 5 weeks I have put together a short survival guide.

1. Enter – like I said there are few competitions where we all set out on the same path. Get involved and really feel part of this special competition. You will be doing the workouts anyway so sign up and make yourself accountable to yourself. Next year you will have a record of your workouts which allows you to assess your progress. Finally, be part of an amazing team.
2. Set a goal – whether that is simply to complete the workouts, RX the workouts, set yourself a score to beat next year or make it into the CFM Competition team.
3. Right place, right kit, right time – organising so many people to compete in the open is a huge logistical task. Some have to be videoed and everyone has to be judged. The Coaches will do their best to organise you all but be aware that they too are competing and need to prepare. It is a great chance to see your Coaches throwing down hard against each other. You will receive a time slot for your attempt, make sure you are ready to go, otherwise it will affect everyone else. Most workouts take 20min to warm up and prepare for so work backwards from your allocated time slot to start warming up.
4. Be a team player – Encourage everyone, the atmosphere at the box during the open is pretty special. We are all part of Team CFM and will all contribute to the team effort. We shout for everyone. Make yourself available to help, we need a judge for everyone attempting WODs. Someone will be there to judge you so make yourself available to help out with judging. If you have not yet completed the judges course, go to https://oc.crossfit.com and get the certificate, it is a great way to learn and understand your sport.
5. Attend our Saturday Strategy Session – I will be running my Saturday session as a strategy, advice and tips for the WOD workshop. Knowledge dispels fear
6. Have the right attitude – we are all lucky enough to be in good health and capable of competing. Enjoy the experience.
7. Don’t be a nob – same as 6 but from a different angle 🙂

Gareth Doody