If you would’ve shown me what the CrossFit Open was a year ago and told me I’d be signing up for it, I would’ve laughed.
Not because I couldn’t do it—but because I didn’t know anything about CrossFit.
And now, here I am, coming off my first CrossFit Open 2026, and I can confidently say:
it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for myself.
How I Found CrossFit (And Why I Needed Something New)
I’ve been consistently going to the gym for a few years now, and strength training has always been a big part of my routine.
But last year, I started to feel stuck.
Not just physically—but mentally. My workouts felt repetitive, and I knew I needed something new. Something that would challenge me in a different way.
That’s when I found The Train Station in Boardman, Ohio through social media.
I joined in November 2025, and it completely changed my perspective on fitness.
Since then, I’ve:
- Learned new movements I’d never try on my own
- Pushed my limits in new ways
- Built confidence in my abilities
- Become part of a welcoming, supportive community
It was exactly what I didn’t know I needed.
What Is the CrossFit Open?
If you’re new to CrossFit—or anything like I was and had no idea what this even was—here’s what the Open is:
The CrossFit Open is a worldwide, three-week competition held every year.
Here’s how it works:
- A new workout is released every Thursday for three weeks
- Athletes complete the workout at their gym
- Scores are submitted online
- You’re ranked among hundreds of thousands of people worldwide
The best part?
It’s for everyone.
There are scaled options and modifications, so whether you’re a beginner or experienced, you can participate.
What It’s Like at the Gym During the Open
At the gym level, the Open is something special.
Workouts are run in heats, which means:
- Small groups go at a time
- Others watch, cheer, and support
- Then you rotate
And yes—people are watching you.
That was one of the things that made me the most nervous.
But what I didn’t expect was how encouraging it would feel.
Everyone is:
- Cheering you on
- Counting your reps
- Pushing you to keep going
It’s not intimidating—it’s empowering.
Why I Almost Didn’t Sign Up
I’ll be honest—I wasn’t going to do the Open this year.
I felt:
- Too new
- Not confident in certain movements
- Nervous about people watching me
- Just overall intimidated
It was something completely out of my comfort zone.
And those are usually the exact things we try to avoid.
The Push I Needed
Everyone at the gym kept encouraging me to sign up.
They didn’t let me stay comfortable in saying, “maybe next year.”
So I have to give a huge shoutout to RJ, Mariah, and everyone at The Train Station for pushing me—even when I said no the first time.
That kind of support is something really special.
My First CrossFit Open Experience
I ended up signing up the week it started.
- Week 1: I did it one-on-one with RJ
- Weeks 2 & 3: I joined the full class and completed it in heats
Walking into those group workouts, I was nervous.
But after doing it?
I was hooked.
The Energy Is Addicting
There’s something about the energy during the Open that’s hard to explain unless you experience it.
It’s:
- Loud
- Supportive
- Intense
- Emotional
You see people pushing themselves to their limits.
You see people modifying movements and still giving everything they have.
You see people doing things they didn’t think they were capable of.
And somehow, you feel it too.
Maybe it’s the empath in me—but watching people push through something hard is such a powerful feeling.
Why I’ll Do the CrossFit Open Every Year
Now that the three weeks are over, this is the first week without it.
And honestly—I miss it.
I’m so glad I said yes.
The CrossFit Open is more than just a competition. It’s:
- A challenge
- A community experience
- A test of mental strength
- A reminder of what you’re capable of
It’s something I’ll be doing every year from now on.
How CrossFit Has Changed My Life
Since starting CrossFit, I’ve found a balance that works perfectly for me.
I now do a mix of:
- CrossFit classes
- Traditional strength training
And it’s been the best combination I’ve ever had.
I’ve grown physically—but even more than that, I’ve grown mentally.
What I Hope You Take Away From This
If there’s one thing I hope you take from this, it’s this:
Do the thing that scares you.
You don’t have to feel ready.
You don’t have to be perfect.
You don’t have to be the best.
You just have to start.
Because staying comfortable is where growth stops.
Trying new things, pushing your limits, and stepping outside of your comfort zone—that’s where everything changes.
Final Thoughts
It’s a pretty amazing feeling to be part of something so big.
To be surrounded by people who are:
- Out of breath
- Pushing through
- Struggling—but still loving it
There’s nothing like it.
And if you’ve ever thought about trying CrossFit—or doing the Open—this is your sign.
Just go for it.