Why I’m Not Registering For the Crossfit Open

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…in the world of Crossfit that is. Open week has arrived, and for the next 5 consecutive Fridays, athletes will be anxiously awaiting that Thursday evening WOD announcement so they can tackle the workout at their box the next day. All it costs is a mere $20 on the Reebok website and you can track your scores against some of the fittest people in the world (Rich Froning anyone?). But here’s why I’m NOT registering for the Crossfit Open, but am still going to do the workouts anyway.

Less Pressure: I started crossfit 2 ½ years ago because I wanted to build strength and push myself in ways I never thought possible. And I’ve done that, and then some! After 2 years, I finally RX’d the weight on FRAN, can string together a few double unders and nailed toes to bar. So why not register for the open? I’m already planning on doing a lot of the workouts scaled, and that’s what works for me. I’d rather challenge myself during one of the open WODs at a challenging weight for ME, not what the “rules” say.

Smells Like Team Spirit: One of the things that’s awesome about the Crossfit Open is how your entire box will rally together and cheer each other on. Many boxes do a “Friday Night Lights” event where everyone does the open WOD at the same time so people can officially judge and record your score. By not registering for the open, I don’t have to worry about being asked to “judge” them or even worse, give them a no-rep.

It’s OK if I Miss A WOD: Life happens. I’m a marketing consultantand that often means late nights, early mornings and client calls, What if I can’t get to the box on one of the 5 Fridays and have to try and find time to make it up on the weekend or the following Monday? I do crossfit for FUN and because it’s a great workout. If I happen to miss an open workout I can always make it up again during a time that works best for me and my schedule.

I’m Thrifty: Ok, ok I know the Crossfit Open is only a mere $20 and is significantly less than what I pay at my box, but if that $20 can be applied to a new pair of nanos or a cute tank top, let’s be honest, I’d rather spend my $$ there.

So all you crossfitters out there let’s hear it: are you ready for the open? Registered or not, I think we can all agree that the next 5 weeks are going to be a whirlwind of challenging WODs!