As the dust settles on another exhilarating CrossFit Games Open season, athletes around the world find themselves at a familiar juncture – the return to the essence of CrossFit. With the Open behind us, it’s time to refocus our energy on the fundamental principles that define this fitness phenomenon: CrossFit which is constantly varied functional movements executed at high intensities.
The CrossFit Open serves as an annual benchmark, a test of our progress, grit, determination, and community. Yet, it’s crucial to recognize that the essence of CrossFit extends far beyond this three-week competition. It’s about embracing the daily grind, viewing each workout as an opportunity for self-improvement, and nurturing a mindset of continuous growth.
In reality, the skills and movements tested in the Open – pull-ups, double unders, bar muscle ups, deadlifts and more – are integral components of CrossFit year-round. Rather than viewing the Open as the pinnacle of our training, we must understand that the journey to peak fitness is a year-long endeavor.
The post-Open period presents an opportunity to reflect, recalibrate, and set our sights on new challenges. It’s a time to identify our strengths and weaknesses, to address limiting factors such as mobility, nutrition, strength, endurance, balance, and so on.. Each athlete possesses a unique set of attributes, and the path to improvement is personalized yet shared.
While we engage in daily workouts together, the responsibility for progress ultimately falls on the individual. Sleep, nutrition, and adherence to programming are not merely suggestions but essential components of success. The coaches are guides on this journey, offering support, expertise, and encouragement, but the commitment to improvement lies squarely with the athlete.
As we resume our regularly scheduled program, let’s harness the momentum generated by the CrossFit Games Open and channel it into our daily pursuits. Success in CrossFit and our fitness journey isn’t about grand gestures or momentary triumphs; it’s about the consistent execution of the little things, day in and day out.
So, let’s embrace the return to pure CrossFit with renewed enthusiasm and dedication. Let’s commit to improving movement quality, refining execution, and pushing our limits each day. Together, let’s embark on this journey of growth, knowing that while the path may be challenging, we have each other for support every step of the way.
The CrossFit Games Open may be over, but our journey towards becoming the best versions of ourselves has only just begun. Here’s to another year of relentless pursuit, unwavering commitment, and boundless growth in the pursuit of fitness excellence.
-Nick Carignan
CrossFit 8 Mile
Photos Credit: Anna Gatt- Grabs by Gatt
