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Hey Blue River CrossFit family! As we gear up for another exciting year in CrossFit's fitness scene, it's time to talk about one of the most thrilling events in our world: the CrossFit Open. If you've been on the fence about signing up, this is your nudge to jump in. Drawing from the official CrossFit Games article "What Is the CrossFit Open, and Why Should I Sign Up?", let's break down why the Open is a must-do for everyone at our gym – from beginners to seasoned athletes. We'll focus on how accessible it is, the motivation it provides, and the incredible community vibe that comes with competing alongside the world.
What Exactly Is the CrossFit Open?
The Open is a three-week global competition that kicks off the CrossFit Games season. It started back in 2011 and has grown into a massive event where athletes everywhere complete the same workouts and submit their scores online. Workouts drop every Thursday, and you've got until Monday to get them done – right here at Blue River CrossFit or even from home if needed. As the article explains, it's all about testing your fitness on a level playing field and tracking progress over time, whether that's nailing your first pull-up or crushing heavier loads.
At Blue River, we make it easy: we'll host Open workouts with judges during classes on Friday and at "Friday Night Lights" with a different theme each week, which turns Fridays into fun, high-energy sessions. You don't need to do anything besides show up at the gym– bring your grit and our supportive crew will help you through the workout. If you come to Friday Night Lights then we also do a potluck for anyone who wants to participate. Invite your friends and family--it's a great way for them to see how much fun it all is!
Accessibility for Every Level – No Excuses!
One of the best things about the Open is how inclusive it is. You don't need to be an elite athlete to join; all it takes is a willingness to try. The workouts come in multiple divisions to suit different skill levels:
- RX'd: The full challenge as written – perfect for those pushing their limits. There is a modified RX workout for anyone who is 55 or over.
- Scaled: Modified movements and lighter weights, making it doable if you're still building skills like muscle-ups or heavy snatches.
- Foundations: Ideal for beginners, with even simpler adaptations to ensure everyone can participate safely.
As highlighted in the CrossFit article, "You don’t have to be at a particular fitness level to participate in the Open. All you need is a willingness to try, and the excitement and camaraderie of the Open will take care of the rest." We've seen this firsthand at Blue River – members who started with Scaled versions have progressed to RX'd in just a year or two, thanks to our coaching and programming. Whether you're new to CrossFit or dealing with an injury, there's a level for you. Our trainers are here to help scale workouts personally, so you feel confident and capable.
Motivation: Give Your Training a Purpose
Let's face it – sometimes the daily grind can feel routine. The Open changes that by giving you a concrete goal to train toward. Signing up means you're committing to three weeks of focused effort, which ramps up your consistency and pushes you to tackle those skills you've been eyeing.
The article nails it: "Fully committing to the Open gives you something concrete to train for and a tremendous sense of satisfaction when you’re done." At Blue River, we've watched members amp up their attendance, put in extra skill sessions and celebrate personal bests while preparing and participating. It's that "gut check" moment – a benchmark to measure your growth against last year. Plus, with our group classes tailored around Open prep, you'll have built-in accountability from coaches and fellow members. Imagine finishing those workouts and feeling unstoppable – that's the motivation boost we're talking about!
The Community Aspect: We're All in This Together
CrossFit is about more than individual gains; it's the community that makes it magic. The Open amplifies that by turning workouts into shared experiences. Picture this: cheering each other on during Friday Night Lights at Blue River, high-fives after tough reps, and post-workout hangs recapping the action. It's "shared suffering" that bonds us, as the article puts it: "The shared suffering reminds us we are part of something much bigger than our individual efforts: We are part of a community that believes in the truth that CrossFit makes us — and the world — better."
And it doesn't stop at our gym walls. You'll get ranked on global leaderboards – by age group, division, and worldwide. Compare your scores with thousands doing the exact same workouts, from Wisconsin to across the globe. It's exhilarating to see Blue River CrossFit on those boards, representing our tight-knit crew.
Ready to Join the Fun?
The CrossFit Open isn't just a competition; it's a celebration of what we do every day at Blue River CrossFit. It's accessible, motivating, and all about community – perfect for building connections and pushing boundaries together. Head over to games.crossfit.com to register today (it's quick and affordable at $20).\
If you have questions or need help scaling, swing by the gym or text us. Let's make this Open our best one yet – see you on the floor!
Stay strong,
The Blue River CrossFit Team
