While running in the parking lot with a few folks last week, someone asked if I was less excited about running The CrossFit Open at Roots now that the structure of the CrossFit Games has changed.
If you closely follow the world of CrossFit, you know that there have been some major changes throughout the company over the past year. One of the main changes was the move away from a focus on The CrossFit Games. While the Games have brought great attention to CrossFit as a method for fitness, it has also muddied the waters for athletes’ understanding of what is the goal of the program, athlete capacities, volume, and the overarching goal of fitness AND health.
I have to say, the restructuring was a breath of fresh air.
The refocus of resources, energy, and messaging away from the CrossFit Games and toward the 99% invigorated me in a way I had not expected. And, when asked in the parking lot about my excitement level for running this year’s Open, I realized that this change refocused The Open back to what it was originally intended – a collection of small community events at affiliates across the world that brought people together to celebrate and test the tenets of our fitness program.
Throughout the past months I’ve felt it in the gym, seen it on the web, and at other affiliates – the removal of The Games as the epicenter of CrossFit brought new life and…has helped everybody RELAX. Whether intentional or a byproduct of what’s seen on social media, .com, and other CrossFit outlets many folks started to well, just worry about the workout too much.
I’m reminded of a quote from my mentor and friend Pat Sherwood:

The goal is to get fit, make it the best hour of your day, stay safe, turn up the music, high five some people, and blow off some steam. So remember that. Relax. Have fun. Work out. – Pat Sherwood

As we approach The Open next week I’m pumped to get back to the gritty and fun nature of simply throwing down on a workout, working hard, and enjoying fitness. Let’s do this.

[button link=”https://games.crossfit.com” type=”big” color=”orange” newwindow=”yes”] Sign Up For The Open[/button]