Friday Night Lights

Coach Austin, CF-L3, CrossFit Weightlifting Certified • February 16, 2024

Dive into what FNLs is, why we are doing it, the goal of FNLs and how it will be run

First, what is FNLs? FNLs is a in-house competition-adjacent event.I say competition-adjacent because it will be in the format of a competition. There will be groups of athletes performing the WOD at specific times with judges scoring their workouts and enforcing movement standards. I say adjacent because there aren’t going to be “winners” or “losers” and there aren’t going to be multiple workouts that single day to establish who is the “fittest”. It’s a competition because each athlete will perform the WOD in a certain category (Rx, Scaled, Foundations, Masters, etc.). And it’s adjacent because it is just another WOD. FNLs is meant to bring the energy that a competition brings into the affiliate and to give athletes who haven’t experienced the thrill of a real competition a taste of what it feels like. It pushes people in ways that are extremely difficult to replicate in the day-to-day WOD that we perform in class all the time. Not only those things but it also gives us a chance to watch and cheer on our friends while they workout from start to finish and then gives them a chance to do the same for us. It gives us as an affiliate to do something we don’t normally do and to try and make it something fun, something that we will talk about for the rest of the year and give us something to look forward to next year.

Why are we doing FNLs? The reasons stated above clearly outline why. It gives us a chance to do something new and different. It gives athletes a chance to experience the thrill of competition. It pushes athletes to try something new and do something challenging. It takes the experience of the daily WOD you do in class and 10x the experience. Higher high’s, lower lows, a little bit more anxiety and a lot more adrenaline. A chance to put ourselves in an uncomfortable position and then utilize that to do some incredibly powerful things. I know some of that sounds scary, “lower lows? I don’t want to do something that has lower lows.” and that is fair, but without the risk of having lower lows you won’t be pushing as hard AND when you succeed it will feel like a much bigger accomplishment because of the higher risk involved. It’s a matter of perspective and, like with trying new stuff, there is always a risk. Remember when you first tried CrossFit? I bet you were really nervous and scared but you kept going and now it’s like no big deal. What if I told you you could get another taste of that. Knowing now that you are going to be alright, happy and proud to have done what you did. Would you do it again? Absolutely.

What are the goals? Really the goals are whatever you want the Open to be. You want it to test where your fitness compares to years past? That’s what it is. You want it to be a celebration where we do a little WOD? That’s what it is. You want it to be a viewing party watching people workout? That’s what it is. And it could be anything else you want it to be. My goals for the Open this year for Evansville CrossFit is to get ALL of you in the gym in the afternoon, grinding in some intense WOD’s, breaking records and cheering on friends and family while they workout. My goal is to have you all beyond hyped for the upcoming week of the Open and to make you want to spread the word of the Open to your friends. I want you to be so excited about it that you drag people along with you to the gym to watch you workout and that you won’t take no for an answer.

Finally, how will FNLs be run? This is quite important if we want this thing to be smooth sailing. Unfortunately since we won’t know the WOD until Thursday afternoon the day before FNLs it is not possible to have a perfect layout for how to run it. But there are some things that can make it run smoother. First, once the WOD is released I will test it immediately and get a feeling for what it is. I will come up with a Warm-up and have it posted in Wodify so everyone can see how I encourage athletes to prepare for it. When FNLs rolls around there will be heats of athletes going at certain times with each athlete having a judge (don’t forget to sign-up for a heat or a judging slot HERE). While those athletes are working out there will be a “warm-up area” where athletes in the upcoming heat will get a chance to warm-up and lock-in their game plan for the WOD. During that time I will be announcing heats, times and double-checking with athletes that they have judges and judges that they have athletes. I will make sure that each individual understands the WOD and the movement standards so on the call of “3…2…1…GO!” Everybody knows exactly what is expected.

This could be a great thing. FNLs is supposed to be something that you all are looking forward to doing and something that you will be talking about forever. I have heard stories from some of you along the lines of “we used to do FNLs and man was that fun” or “I remember doing the Open a handful of years back and that was a cool thing to do.” Well I’m here to tell you to do it again and to bring back FNLs to the full glory it deserves!!!

Need more of a reason why to come participate in FNLs? Go read What Friday Night Lights Can Really Be and watch the videos from some gyms highlighting the incredible experiences it brings with it!

By Sharon G. September 10, 2025
Member Spotlight: – Meet Cindy September 2025 This month, we’re highlighting a true example of what long-term commitment and community strength look like. Meet Cindy, a registered nurse and a consistent presence at Evansville CrossFit. What She Does Outside the Gym When she’s not crushing workouts, Cindy works as an RN in the Newborn Nursery at The Women’s Hospital. How It All Started “My first time at EC was during a Bring a Friend workout in 2019 — and I was hooked from that moment on.” Fitness Wins So Far Since that first class, Cindy has accomplished some seriously impressive goals: ✅ 250# Deadlift ✅ 125# Bench Press ✅ Very close to her first strict pull-up! Staying Motivated “For me, motivation is easy with CrossFit. Nothing makes me feel better or stronger than working out.” “If something is important to you, it becomes a priority. If you get off track — just show back up. You’ll gain it back quickly.” Advice to New Members “Scale everything in the beginning and stay consistent. And listen to your coaches!” It’s not about doing it all — it’s about showing up, giving your best, and letting the progress build. How the EC Community Supports Her “I’m 62 and not slowing down. I love the programmed workouts, and I learn something from the coaches every week.” Whether it’s encouragement, education, or connection — the EC community fuels her journey. Favorite Thing About EC “I love hitting strength goals… and laying on the mat after a killer cardio session, knowing how much good it’s doing for my health. And the friendships at EC? They’re unmatched.” Life Beyond the Gym Even with a demanding schedule, Cindy says one of the biggest benefits she’s noticed is her energy. “Despite working 12-hour shifts, I have amazing energy. CrossFit helps me feel strong, positive, and ready to take on anything.” Final Words from Cindy “Be consistent. Don’t get discouraged if you feel like you can’t keep up. Progress comes with time.” Thank you, Cindy, for being such a strong and steady light in our EC family. Your dedication is a reminder that consistency, community, and heart are the real foundations of fitness.
August 14, 2025
Member Spotlight: Elaine August 2025 This month, we’re proud to feature Elaine — a retired physical therapist who has made her health and fitness a priority. She brings positivity, dedication, and a true love for movement into every class, and her story is a perfect example of how it’s never too late to set new goals and crush them. 🌿 Life Outside the Gym Since retiring in 2024, Elaine has embraced everything active and outdoors. She spends time vacationing with her two sons and their families, hiking, kayaking, gardening, and enjoying time with friends. She’s the kind of person who’s always up for an adventure — and always up for a workout. 🚀 Getting Started at EC Elaine joined Evansville CrossFit in April 2025, driven by a desire to: Improve her endurance Build strength Lose weight 🎯 Fitness Milestones In just a few months, Elaine has already seen fantastic progress: ✅ She can now run a full mile without stopping ✅ She’s lost 6 pounds ✅ And, most importantly, she feels more energized every week 🔥 Overcoming Challenges Elaine shared that her biggest hurdle has been endurance: “Aerobic activity like running, rowing, or even warming up was really hard at first. My breathing capacity just wasn’t there yet.” But she’s pushed through with consistency, patience, and a positive attitude — and it’s paying off. 💪 Staying Motivated “Motivation hasn’t been a problem for me. I enjoy physical activity and love the sense of accomplishment after a workout.” Elaine says the class environment makes a big difference: “Everyone becomes a cheerleader. I’ve never finished a class without hearing words of encouragement or getting a couple of fist bumps.” 👋 Advice for Newcomers “Don’t let intimidation keep you from joining. Yes, you’ll see some really fit, high-performing athletes — admire their skills, but don’t compare. You’re on your own journey.” Your only competition is yourself. 🤝 The Power of the EC Community Elaine says the community support has been key: “People stop their own workouts to cheer others on when they’re hitting a PR. The support here is just incredible.” That encouragement fuels her drive to keep showing up and keep getting stronger. 📝 Favorite Thing About CrossFit “The workouts are planned for you. You just show up, and the coach explains everything. The movements are broken down by difficulty, so you’re always doing what fits your level best.” For Elaine, it’s not just effective — it’s efficient and empowering. ⏰ Making Fitness a Priority Elaine doesn’t let her schedule get in the way: “I don’t book appointments or other plans during my class time. It’s my reason to get up and get going for the day.” Consistency isn’t just a goal — it’s part of her lifestyle. 🌟 Life Beyond the Gym Since starting CrossFit, Elaine says she feels the impact everywhere: “I have more energy and I just feel better overall.” From mornings on the river to afternoons in the garden — that post-workout energy carries into everything she loves. Thank you, Elaine, for bringing your energy, wisdom, and encouragement to the EC community! Your story is a reminder that fitness is a lifelong journey, and it’s always the right time to start.
By By: Sharon Gonzales July 23, 2025
This month, we're excited to introduce Sarah — a member of our EC community who’s proof that getting started is the hardest part... but also the most rewarding. When she’s not crushing workouts, Sarah loves to teach, read, spend time in nature, study, cook, and even color — a reminder that wellness is about balance in and outside the gym. 💥 Why She Joined “I joined in May 2025. My wonderful partner, who has done CrossFit before, had tried a few times to get us back into it — but I was scared and timid. We’d heard about Evansville CrossFit from a past member who raved about the environment. When we came to check it out, we loved the vibe. It felt so welcoming and non-judgmental, and I knew it was time to give it a try.” 🏋️‍♀️ Crushing Fitness Goals Sarah has made some serious progress in just a few short months: ✅ Took on Murph in her first week ✅ PRs in front squat, box jumps, bench press, and broad jumps ✅ Improved mile time & endurance ✅ Boosted confidence and walks out of most classes feeling empowered 💪 Overcoming Challenges “One of my biggest hurdles has been confidence. CrossFit comes with a lot of unfamiliar movements. It can feel overwhelming at first — and I’ve even had to relearn some things I was doing incorrectly from another gym. But learning, growing, and pushing through that has made me stronger.” 🔥 What Keeps Her Motivated “Having a workout buddy helps. But more than that — making connections at EC has made a huge difference. I’ve exchanged phone numbers with people, added them on Facebook... It really feels like we’re all in this together.” 💡 Advice for New Members “It looks harder than it is — don’t get frightened away. It’s the most empowering feeling ever. If you can commit to 3–4 days a week, you’ll see progress fast. And you’ll want to keep coming!” Also, she reminds us: Nutrition Matters . “If you’re giving your all at CrossFit and still not seeing results — look at what you’re eating. I’m able to thrive because of the way I fuel my body.” 👯‍♀️ The Power of the EC Community “The community is why I stay consistent. Between get-togethers after Murph, sand volleyball and pickleball games, or post-class conversations, there’s always an opportunity to connect. If you’re someone who loves a social vibe, EC has it.” 🏆 Favorite Thing About EC “Right now — it’s the Friday Hero Workouts. I’m a big fan of both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and these workouts give me both. Every Friday this summer you get a chance to win a prize. I am able to push myself every Friday to do workouts I never would have thought I could've done a few months ago at a traditional gym. And at the end of the summer there will be a drawing for someone to win a grand prize if they completed all of the Friday Hero workouts. There are also monthly stickers given to members who attend at least 12 classes. ⏳ Fitting Fitness Into a Busy Life “CrossFit has saved me time. I used to spend over two hours at a traditional gym and walk away with less intensity, fewer calories burned, and less satisfaction. Now, in just one hour, I leave completely exhilarated (and exhausted) — but in the best way.” 🌟 Life Outside the Gym “The dopamine and serotonin after a workout? Real. I’m more positive. I text people encouraging things. I smile more. I sing in my car. I feel like I can accomplish anything after a class. It truly sets my day up for success.” 💬 Final Thoughts “At first, the cost scared me. Spending 4–5x more than a regular gym felt risky. But the changes I started seeing — physically and mentally — made it completely worth it. Everyone has something ‘expensive’ they prioritize in life. If you make CrossFit your non-negotiable, it will pay off.” Sarah — thank you for being such a bold, bright light in the EC community! Your story is proof that confidence, consistency, and community can truly transform your life — inside and out.
By Coach Austin, CF-L3, CrossFit Weightlifting Certified March 11, 2024
Nice work showing up and showing out last Friday for Friday Night Lights! The bars were set, the monitors were turned on and the ropes were flying! You all should be proud of what you did last week. That workout was no joke and being able to stick to it for 20:00 is very impressive!
By Coach Austin, CF-L3, CrossFit Weightlifting Certified March 8, 2024
Let's all hang out and get after tonights WOD! Last week was great, let's build on the hype!
By Coach Austin, CF-L3, CrossFit Weightlifting Certified March 6, 2024
24.1 Friday Night Lights had a good turnout, let's see if we can beat it this Friday for 24.2!
By Coach Austin, CF-L3, CrossFit Weightlifting Certified March 4, 2024
Take a look at all these amazing athletes and people ready to hang out and watch some awesome fitness! Thank you to everyone who came and supported!
By Coach Austin, CF-L3, CrossFit Weightlifting Certified March 1, 2024
Friday Night Lights begins TONIGHT! I know I have been hyping it up and I think it’s fair why! It is currently 11:51 am as I write this and we already have had a handful of athletes take their shot at CrossFit Open Workout 24.1 and we have seen some AMAZING things! Before we get into all the doo-dads of 24.1 there are some housekeeping things I need to take care of.
By Coach Austin, CF-L3, CrossFit Weightlifting Certified February 26, 2024
Some things are inevitable and there’s nothing we can do to avoid it, eventually time does catch up to us but there are things we can do to push back and delay the onset of those things as much as possible. This can range from cardiovascular disease to muscle and bone density losses or even mental health decline, to name a few.
By Coach Austin, CF-L3, CrossFit Weightlifting Certified February 23, 2024
The time is drawing nearer by the second! If you haven’t been paying much attention to the latest hype, the Open is *ALMOST* hare, and with it comes Friday Night Lights! I’m sure you don’t want to hear me ramble on about why the Open is important and that you should do it. BUT I will do a little bit of rambling here again.