What is CrossFit?

CrossFit is a core strength and conditioning program

Simply put - we workout.  We workout hard and we workout fast. We constantly vary our workouts using functional movements at high intensity. We vary our workouts to force our bodies to adapt new situations and avoid monotony in the gym. We workout using functional movements because they provide a high power output and prepare your body for movements that are necessary in every day life (moving furniture, picking up your child from the ground, jumping). We workout at high intensity using functional movements to increase endurance, stamina, and strength. However, simply put - we workout.

CrossFit is a sport

Greg Glassman (the founder of CrossFit) writes: In implementation, CrossFit is, quite simply, a sport—the “sport of fitness.” We’ve learned that harnessing the natural camaraderie, competition, and fun of sport or game yields an intensity that cannot be matched by other means... ...Using whiteboards as scoreboards, keeping accurate scores and records, running a clock, and precisely defining the rules and standards for performance, we not only motivate unprecedented output but derive both relative and absolute metrics at every workout....

CrossFit is a community

CrossFit is a fitness program based around meeting others, sharing experiences, and individuals seeking to reach their maximum fitness potential. It doesn't matter whether you finish first or last, because everyone involved wants each person to have their own victories and to reach their personal potential. When a CrossFitter sets a new personal record it provides energy, excitement, and a new experience that is invaluable to the rest of the community. Some of the most inspiring PRs (personal records) are some of the most basic movements: pushups, sit-ups, pull-ups. When a CrossFitter that wasn't able to do a pushup three months ago - but now can - that gets me pumped. CrossFit is a community full of unique, fun, and encouraging people looking to connect and support those who are looking to challenge themselves and improve their fitness.

CrossFit is all of the above

CrossFit is many things to many people. Everyone has their own goals. What are you looking for? Are you looking to compete? Begin a healthy lifestyle? Deadlift twice your bodyweight? Do a pushup? Whatever your goals are we believe CrossFit is the most effective way to see your fitness goals happen.

The 2014 Open Prep Guide

With the 2014 CrossFit Open just weeks away, many of you are likely in one of two situations:

1. Deciding whether or not to enter the Open
2. Wondering how to best prepare for the five unknown WODs

Either way, we've got your back. If you are looking for some quick tips to work off check out the infographic below. If you want to study a bit further, check out the complete history of the Opens at the bottom of the page.

In order to determine if it's in your best interest to register for this Open, take some time and study the past 16 WODs featured in the last three Open's. If you feel confident than you can complete at least 80% of these, you are good to go! If you're trying to prepare, spend some time familiarizing yourself with the types of WODs you are likely to encounter at the end of February. Below are some general observations:

• Your normal pull-ups are no good here. In the Opens chest to bar (C2B) is the standard
• There has been a Thruster/C2B Pull-up WOD in all three opens
• Each Open has repeated a WOD from the previous Open (which of the 4 from 2013 might we see?)
• Ascending rounds (3,6,9,12...) have been featured in every Open
• Practice your Karen...150 wall balls have been in the last two Opens