group training in crossfit fareham

The 2025 CrossFit Open – (Why you should do it, and why you should sign up too).

On February 27th, the 2025 CrossFit Open, our annual ‘test of fitness’ will be upon the global CrossFit community. For some this is a well-trodden path, I myself will be entering my 9th Open. For others this will be their maiden outing. Lots of attention and even more conversations across the gym and wider community will be dominated by what might come up in the 3 weeks of ‘The Open’.

The CrossFit Open is the largest fitness event in the world. Nearly 350,000 people, aged between 14 and 65+, around the globe registered and attempted (at least one of) the Open workouts last time around.

Ah yes, the Open Workouts; 3 weekly tests devised to be the starting line of the games season, for everyone. Yep, even if you want to be crowned ‘Fittest on Earth’ you have to start with the Open.

I don’t have the skills to do the Open…. Or do you?

But wait, before you begin to think that there is no way you can hang in that kind of company; there is a sweet spot that comes with the Open, that unique design of CrossFit, you don’t have to be a CrossFit Games athlete to enter, attempt and enjoy the Open. Nope, you just have to be in it.

All the workouts have scaled versions and even the scaled version can be adjusted by the Coaches to allow you to compete. Just don’t be so hasty in dismissing your abilities, the Open is renowned for its magic moments.

Those times when athletes like you and I do something they never thought they could do. That is one of the major reasons you should consider signing up. Friday Night/Monday Night lights is where the magic happens. First pull up, barbell PB, first muscle up, record number of double-unders? Who knows when the lighting might strike, and for who?

3 men wallballs

So, don’t go thinking that you don’t have the skills or capacity to be in the Open. I lined up for my first Open Workout after only 3 weeks of Foundations; I had almost no movements down and my ‘capacity’ could be measured in seconds, not minutes. I did all the workouts scaled, didn’t complete a single one, but loved the feeling of ‘being in the Open’ with my friends and gym mates. I was part of the global community.

Signing up, why should I?

Yes, you could do the workouts without signing up. Fridays and Mondays classes over the Open period will be programmed as the Open workout of that week; but you won’t be ‘in the Open’.

One of the best reasons for being in the Open is to measure your improvement or development as a CrossFit Athlete. By entering you are automatically placed onto the global leader board. Here you can filter for your gender, age group, workout standard, gym, country, job, almost anything.

You’ll have access to where you sit in the world and the UK in comparison to your immediate, comparable peers. Not to mention you and your classmates can enjoy some ‘frienemy’ rivalry to fuel the Xmas party banter!

Every year I have improved. From scaled workouts to managing some workouts RX the following year. Then eventually all of them RX; but having some scaled movements when things like ‘bar muscle ups’ or ‘handstand walks’ came out. I mean, really who has all that going on right? (Coaches looking at you…..hmmmm).

In 2017 I finished 11133rd in the world, 445th in the UK (Men’s 45-49 division), 2018: 4693rd/161st, 2019: 3041st/114th. Best score so far, 2023: 1008th/46th (Men’s 50-54). I’ve improved year on year (when fit). If I hadn’t registered, I wouldn’t be able to see this progress and know what areas I’m strong in and which movements I need to focus on.

But being in the Open is more than just the metrics.

If you have ‘a why’, a reason for signing up even better. I’m aiming for UK Top 100 in my age group; it won’t be easy, but it’s great to have a goal. Signing up also keeps you accountable. You have committed to do something (maybe a little scary) and you are more likely to see it through if you have ‘skin in the game’.

If I make my goal or not, I know the Open 3 weeks will be some of the best weeks of the year in the gym. Trust me, if you are outside looking in on Week One, you’ll want to be in it before Week Two starts.

This year, by signing up and attempting all three workouts you will automatically qualify to compete in the Community Cup in June and for those a little more adventurous, you can grab a pal (from anywhere in the world) and chance your arm to qualify for the CF Pairs, in person event later in the year.

It’s for everyone, we Open Together.

The Open really is for everyone and we are all in it together. Rx or scaled, young or (slightly more mature), from 14 to 65+, all athletes, all in. Being part of the Open is signing up to the global community knowing that somewhere in the world someone just like you, is looking at a whiteboard, feeling what you’re feeling, hoping what you are hoping, will work just as much as you will work and will share in that great feeling of knowing that you gave your all and had fun doing in it.

team of 4 mmff

So, when you get asked if ‘you’re doing the Open’ don’t doubt yourself, back yourself. Say yes and sign up for a 3-week carnival of fun, fitness and achievement. I guarantee you’ll love it and you’ll surprise yourself.

The Open is for everyone. Register and come join the fun.

See you on the start line athletes. We Open Together.

Narrator.

More information about the Open and Games season can be found here.

Learn how to register and sign up for the Open here.

Interested, but not a member, try our sweat free intro. Booking form here.

Schedule your free intro

Talk with a coach about your goals, make a plan to achieve them.

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
To learn more about how we use cookies, view our cookie policy

Fill out the form below to get started

Take the first step towards getting the results that you want

By providing your phone number, you agree to receive text messages from CrossFit Fareham

Learn more about our privacy & cookie policy.