Jordan, Bobby, Nick, David, Josh, Jason and Derrik are competing at the MCCF Open this Saturday, so with that in mind I thought I would share a few reasons why everyone should compete in CrossFit competitions. Rookie or veteran, young or old, super fit or not, there are competitions in the area tailored towards everyone, so talk to your coach if you’re interested and we can point you in the right direction.
To Set Yourself a Goal
A competition can be a great goal to motivate you to commit to a training schedule and nutrition. If you find yourself skipping workouts, sign up for a competition to hold yourself accountable. For many people, working out just to live life and be healthy is the goal. If you find it hard to focus on the long term, then competitions can be great short-term goals to help you keep consistent. They can also help you take your training to the next level, by forcing you to work on higher skill movements that you might otherwise neglect.
To be Humbled
It is great to step outside of your own box and survey the wider playing field. Competitions provide an opportunity to watch and compete with other athletes that may have different strengths to your normal workout buddies. Especially if you are new to CrossFit, it is incredibly inspiring to watch others push themselves to their limits and to develop a greater understanding of the sport. Rather than being intimidated by the talent that competitions attract, appreciate the dedication and skill that other athletes possess.
To Inspire Yourself
As well as a chance to be inspired by others, competitions are a chance to inspire yourself. When the adrenaline is pumping and the crowd is cheering, you will probably surprise yourself with what you are able to achieve. It feels pretty awesome to ‘go to battle’ while your friends stand on the sidelines screaming for you and celebrating your efforts. It doesn’t matter where you place, but if you end up on the podium, you’re going to feel pretty damn great about it. You don’t need to be amazing at CrossFit to compete. There are plenty of rookie and scaled competitions, and it can be a great way to see what you are capable of.
To Compete as an Adult
As adults, many of us have forgotten the thrill of racing our friends to the end of the street, or having handstand hold competitions in the pool with our siblings. With high school sports a distant memory, the risk of failure and low self-esteem prevent many adults from competing. CrossFit competitions provide the opportunity to compete again, in a supportive environment. The pre-WOD nerves and the subsequent adrenaline rush will leave you feeling exhilarated. There’s risk in competition, but that’s what makes it so much fun.
To Spend the Day with People who Love CrossFit
If you’re anything like me, you love to talk about CrossFit. Well, unfortunately not everyone appreciates that. If you go to a CrossFit competition, you’re going to be surrounded by a ton of people who love what you love. Together, you can analyze every workout and talk strategy, share foam rolling tips, bond over paleo snacks and what kind of protein you take, and discuss the merits of Nanos versus Metcons. And no one will tell you to stop talking about CrossFit. Sounds like heaven, right?
To Look Badass on Facebook
Your non-CrossFit friends will be impressed by the pictures of you hanging off rings and throwing weight over your head with a super intense expression on your face. Or they’ll roll their eyes.
