New to the sport of CrossFit? Still trying to figure out what all the movements are, and what all those wacky words mean? Think your CrossFit competition days are still far in the future?
You’re likely more prepared to throw your hat in the ring than you think. Here’s why you should sign up for the next upcoming competition now:
- There’s no environment like competition… except competition.
- Fear is the greatest barrier to achievement.
- Competition is just another form of benchmark.
- Consider it CrossFit networking.
- The food, the friends, the fun!
1. There’s no environment like competition… except competition.
First of all, something really special and magical happens in a CrossFit competition setting, and you may not believe it until you really experience it. The vibe is just… different from a normal class. It’s different from the CrossFit Open. It’s just…. different. You work harder, you push yourself to a place you never thought possible, and you feel the type of love and support that you can only get in that one, specific environment. Furthermore, there’s a reason competitions seem to be breeding grounds for PR’s and firsts. Something just… happens when you push yourself beyond your normal limits! You may very well end up surprising yourself in that kind of environment. Yes, it’s a lot of pressure. And yes, you may still be new at this. But if a competition has a scaled or newbie division – chances are they’re prepared to help usher you through this new, exciting, and sometimes nerve-wracking experience.
Finally, the people who cheer you on and support you during competition will mean something to you as you conquer this milestone in your fitness journey. Similarly, you can then turn around and cheer them on and mean something to them. Competition is the culmination of what we call “community” in CrossFit. It’s worth the nerves you may feel while the clock counts down that 3-2-1.
2. Fear is the greatest barrier to achievement.
I don’t know if that’s a famous saying, or if I made it up… but I believe it wholeheartedly. If you’re not signing up for a CrossFit competition because you’re afraid that you’re not strong/fast/lean/experienced/insert-silly-reason-here enough, then you’re only stopping yourself from actually getting to the next level of your fitness journey. Furthermore, if you don’t take a risk and push yourself out of your comfort zone, you’ll be stuck with the same mental and physical roadblocks you’ve always had. And why do we do this fitness stuff anyway? It’s to become better. To live better, healthier, more fulfilled lives. So we can be around longer to enjoy everything this world has to offer. If entering yourself into a competition is a way to further that process, what are you waiting for? You can’t let any kind of fear stand in the way of that.
3. Competition is just another form of benchmark.
We test stuff ALL THE TIME in CrossFit. We re-do workouts, check on our 5, 3, and 1 rep maxes, run time trials, and try to beat previous records. Everything we do is measurable, and we test every aspect of fitness constantly. CrossFit competitions run by the same standards as benchmarks. We give it our all every time we do Fran because we want to see how fast we are, how our muscular and aerobic capacities hold up, and how strong we can stay under mental and physical pressure. The principles of competition are the same! And yet for some reason, people feel much more intimidated when it comes to signing up and trying their hand at a day of competition, than they do coming in for a 5:30pm WOD to do Grace. Why? Consider it a day of pushing your body to its max in order to see where you’re at and how you can improve. You were probably going to workout that day anyway, right?
4. Consider it CrossFit networking.
If you’re newer to the sport – you may only know your gym, your programming, your 400m running loop. When you go to a CrossFit competition – you have the chance to meet other CrossFitters in your area who can introduce you to so much more! You will meet other athletes, similar to you. And you will meet different kinds of athletes, owners, and coaches to follow and learn from. Furthermore, you’ll learn about other gyms you may want to visit someday in the future. You’ll be introduced to new techniques, warm ups, stretches, even types of gear! It will expand your CrossFit network and open up other doors that can only enhance your experience with the sport.
5. The food, the friends, the fun!
All strategy aside – the basis of any and every comp is just to have a good time. Competitions are warm, welcoming environments that promote positivity and strength. There isn’t an athlete out there who doesn’t get the jitters in one way, shape, or form. But we’re all in it together, so it’s achievable and rewarding. Competitions are basically days full of yummy snacks (some healthy, some not so much…), friends (old and new), and having fun. Don’t overthink it, just sign up and let the good times roll.
If you’re looking for a competition to sign up for, ask around your box, check social media, or peep some sites that pull resources together like these ones:
And once you make the decision to sign up, be sure to check out our Top 10 CrossFit Competition Essentials To Pack so you’re prepared on the big day!
