If you’re new to CrossFit, or if this is the first you’ve heard of “The CrossFit Open”, you’re probably pretty confused by all the hype. Maybe you’ve found yourself cluelessly nodding along to chit-chat about “15.5”; forcing a LOL! when someone reminisced about how it “used to be” before dumbbells were introduced in Open workouts, agreeing that yes, Dave Castro is a Prick… without really knowing why.
Don’t worry! You can familiarise yourself with what on earth is going on with the CFDW Open Cheat Sheet below. With these quick-fire Q&As, we’ll have you chatting like an Open-Veteran in no time.
What is The CrossFit Open?
In a nutshell, it’s an online competition in which any athlete from around the world can enter and complete a series of workouts in their own city or town, submitting their scores to the CrossFit Games website to be displayed on the worldwide leaderboard.
Wait… The CrossFit Games??
The CrossFit Games exists to find and crown the Fittest on Earth, with The Open being the first stage in the competition. The Quarterfinals for the top 25% in each region (North America East, North America West, Europe (that’s us), Oceania, Asia, South America, Africa) is next, then Semifinals, then The Games. Being worldwide, The Open attracts a large number of people to participate first off.
And we’re submitting scores for display?
Yep. It’s a worldwide leaderboard. But sharing our scores is part of the CrossFit culture, and why we’ll sometimes write them on the whiteboard. You’ll be part of the over-all online leaderboard, plus there’s a CFDW leaderboard so you can see how the whole gym’s doing.
How does The Open actually work?
This year, the Open is a series of three workouts spaced across three weeks. Starting next week, each workout is announced online on a Thursday at 12noon Pacific Time (8pm our time), and individuals have until the following Monday at 5pm Pacific Time (1am Tuesday our time) to complete the workout.
How does The Open work at CFDW?
Coach Sam’ll program the workouts into class on a Friday, you just book on and get the work done. You’ll be assigned a judge to keep score for you, which is what you submit for validation.
Wait… I have to be validated?
Yep. You’ll submit your score at the CrossFit Games website. You’ll be asked if you have a video of your workout, or if you completed it at a “validly licensed” CrossFit affiliate “in good standing”, which CrossFit DireWolf very much is, so the Affiliate Manager (Coach Sam), and registered judges at said affiliate (including Coach Mark) will validate your score.
Who is the CrossFit Open for?
You. Anybody. Every workout will have scales and movement options for “divisions” of athletes. So you can pick one that challenges you and then just take part.
I can’t do a double under. What should I do?
Singles. The scaled and foundation version of the workout will take care of you, don’t worry.
I’m not competitive. Should I bother signing up at all?
Did you enter the ballot for the London Marathon because you thought you’d win? C’mon. There’s loads of reasons to complete an event that have nothing to do with where you finish. The Open’s no different. It’ll help you check in on your fitness, hold you accountable, keep you motivated, give you reason to celebrate personal goals, and be witness to others’ accomplishments.
What is “the magic of The Open”?
The Open doesn’t ask for a specific fitness level to participate. You just have to be willing. And sometimes that’s all it takes to catapult you to progress. Maybe you’ll get your first pull-ups, or increase your max lifts? Even if you doubt how fit you are, you might surprise yourself at 3-2-1-GO!, or be inspired to start working harder toward getting fitter for 2025… But that starts with taking part, and it won’t happen if you’re standing on the sidelines. Magic.
What are the workouts like?
For years, Dave Castro was the General Manager of Sport for CrossFit, and programmed all of the Open’s workouts.
Although he’s not doing it alone this year, he is involved, and as such he is known by the community as somewhat of a villain. After all, he pushes us all to work hard! The fact of the matter is, the workouts programmed during The Open are no different than the Main WOD, so you’re well-equipped and ready to take on whatever is thrown our way.
What is “24.1”?
Well, we don’t know yet. But the three workouts will be named/numbered according to the year they’re released (2024) and the order in which they’ve appeared (so the first one’s .1) – geddit? On Thursday, the 5th- and 6th-fittest women in 2023, and the 4th-fittest and Fittest man will be the first to throw down in the live announcement.
How do I sign up?
It costs $20 to sign up (oh, stop moaning. Paying to play is just an additional layer of commitment) and you register here: www.games..crossfit.com
Bottom Line: Friday Night Lights is always fun with CrossFit DireWolf
You know those Main WODs that everyone talks about in the group chat afterwards? Sometimes for days? Even WEEKS? Well imagine that with all the CFDW lot. What a buzz.
You’ve diligently been weightlifting with Coach Harry at his platforms, pushing your endurance with Coach Jodie in Sweat, getting strong on a Sunday with Coach Rob, or gymnasty with Coach Mahlon on a Saturday. You didn’t splash out on Victory Grips or treat yourself to a weightlifting belt for nothing. Let’s put it all to the test, with some loud music, high-energy vibes, and a supportive, motivated community.