27th October 2015
Competitons
With the upcoming CrossFit open around the corner (yes it really is that close), preparation starts now. I cannot emphasise enough the benefits of competition, for absolutely everyone. Even if its a qualifier for a local competition, it will focus your training like never before, you will get more than one PB and it will give you a great direction of how to plan your open sessions after its done. If that isn’t enough, here are some other reasons.
- Yes, you are good enough.
Even if you cannot do the exact prescribed weight of any or most of the Open workouts, you will most likely surprise yourself with what you are able to pull off. So many members break through barriers with the added motivation. The rule of thumb is, no matter how good you are, you are always capable of more. It is said that with a lifetime of training, ones potential will never be realised. It personally gives me hope of ever improving. The Open is about calling on the best in yourself no matter your current level. Most likely you are physically stronger than your mind lets you believe. Last year, I lost count of the amount of Facebook status updates announcing their first handstand press-up, first muscleup or first TTB. It was epic to see so much positivity.
2. It gets you competitive again.
Yes, competition is always a good thing. The greater your competition the greater you become. You’ve seen it over the history of sports. The players today are infinitely better than those of the 70’s. As the level of your competitors rises, so do you. When we become adults, we often feel like we need to retire that side of us. Sure, we compete for jobs and accounts and other “grown up” things, but more often than not, we have forgotten the thrill of physical competition. We may not be a win-at-all cost type – and this certainly is not the only kind of competitor – but there is something about putting yourself in the lions mouth that sparks inspiration.
3. It gives you an appreciation for the best of the best.
During the Open workouts, you get a rare opportunity to do the same exact workouts during the same week as the best CrossFitters in the world. If you are a fan of the top CrossFit athletes, it’s exciting to match your stats to theirs – until the stats start rolling in. It’s one thing to be stoked you finally hit fifty double unders in a row and quite another to find out that not only can the top athletes do way more, they have figured out ways to do it faster and more efficiently. Yay, we personally smashed a prescribed workout, until you see the times or the number of rounds at the top of the leader board. The progression of the sport of fitness has grown to superhuman levels. Seeing their scores miles above mine only deepens my appreciation for their dedication, skill, and strength. I humbly bow down to their greatness. As they are human, just the same as us, there is absolutely no reason we cannot achieve the same.
4. Its fun!
Yes it really is. We set up the times for members to come down and complete the open workout and everyone is behind you. The camaraderie the is forged at this time is second to none. It makes us feel like we are going into battle together in a light hearted way, its a big deal and it bonds us. You may be nervous, but nothing has ever been achieved by staying in your comfort zone. As soon as you start the workout, you will never give less than 110%.
Take a leap and jump into a qualifier, sign up to the open. Peel off the duvet and get out of your cave, you’ll be amazed at what you’re actually capable of.
Ben Stroud
