For those of us who have done the CrossFit Open, you KNOW the struggle but also the feeling of accomplishment after. If you haven’t tried the Open or have no idea what it is, it’s basically a three-week competition among CrossFitters all over the world. Each Thursday, a new workout is released, and participants have until Monday to complete and upload their scores. These workouts can range from 10-minute bursts with a set amount of reps and movements to longer 18-20 minute AMRAPs (as many rounds as possible) with assigned sets, reps, and movements

Why Do We Participate in the CrossFit Open?

Each athlete has their own reasons, but for many of us, it’s about being part of something big and having a chance to move on to quarter-finals, regionals, and beyond. It's a fun and challenging way to push yourself alongside your friends at the gym. This year, the CrossFit Open taught me three valuable lessons that apply both in and out of the gym.

Lesson #1: Prioritization

If you tend to bounce around a lot from idea to idea, also known as "shiny object syndrome," it isn’t always the best strategy for life, business, or fitness. To truly excel at something, you have to narrow your focus. At Athletic Edge Physical Therapy, we focus on treating athletes, primarily CrossFitters, runners, and field and court athletes. This year, I struggled with shiny object syndrome personally, making too many plans right during the Open. My priorities were different six to eight months ago than they are now. I promise you that next year I am going to be ON IT for the Open!

Lesson #2: Mental Toughness

There is no way to get through the Open without mental toughness and laser focus. This is not only crucial for workouts but also for life in general. If you let every little negative comment or off-putting action throw your whole day off, or if you hold grudges and don’t forgive, it’s going to be harder to manage life and reach your goals. The Open teaches me every year not to feel sorry for myself, to buckle up, and push through. This applies to both personal and business aspects of life.

Lesson #3: Accountability

Once you sign up for the Open, you’re held accountable to complete it, especially by your coach and friends at the gym. I love this aspect! I was exhausted and not feeling great during the third week, but my coach knew exactly what to say to motivate me to finish the final workout. We need to hold ourselves accountable for the goals we set so we can reach them and aim for new ones. An accountability partner, whether it's your coach, sibling, best friend, or coworker, can help keep you on track.

Conclusion

The Open taught me a lot this year and brought to the surface things I needed to refocus on. My ask of you is to check in on your priorities, mental state, and self-accountability. See where you’re at and reach out if you need someone to help you. Seek out a gym, church, or any hobby to find your community. And don’t catch the "shiny object syndrome."

At Athletic Edge Physical Therapy in San Diego, we are here to support you in your fitness journey. Whether you need help with prioritization, building mental toughness, or finding an accountability partner, our team is dedicated to helping you achieve your goals. Reach out to us today and let’s work together to keep you moving and performing at your best!