What is the CrossFit Open, What Does It Mean To Me and Why You Need to Sign-up

Coach Austin Gray, CF-L3, CrossFit Weightlifting Certified • January 29, 2024
2024 CrossFit Open

"The CrossFit Open is a three-week international competition where anyone — regardless of fitness level or ability — can compete in the biggest fitness competition in history. The 2024 Open will take place from Feb. 29-March 18."


That is the general introduction to the Open. But it is much deeper than that. I want to explain the Open in more detail, why it is important and then give you a little peek into what the Open means to me


The Open, like anything we do in CrossFit, is ultimately a challenge, a test. Every workout we do is designed to challenge you. It is designed to improve your fitness and make you a more capable athlete inside the CrossFit gym and outside in the real world.


The Open is an opportunity to show yourself what you have accomplished in the past year. It is a chance to showcase the gains you have made and to expose areas of weakness. It is an opportunity to stick your neck out  and try something new! Even if you’ve done the Open before, every season brings something new and every year I have done it I have been humbled at least once. I surely plan for that  to happen again!


Do you have to officially sign up for the Open and spend the $20 necessary to do so? No, I am not going to force you to. But I will strongly urge you and will do the best I can to compel you to do that. Why? Well there are a lot of reasons.


Why You NEED To Sign-up


First, you love CrossFit, right? If you didn’t you wouldn’t be a part of Evansville CrossFit. The only reason you walk into a CrossFit gym and do a WOD is because you love it. Tell any person that you do CrossFit and they will look at you, puzzled, and ask “Why? Isn't that really hard?” The answer is simple: yes, but it’s because you love doing it.


Second, signing up for the Open is like signing up for a half marathon. Most people wouldn’t run a half marathon just because yet a ton of people pay money to run one. They pay that money because it gives them something to work for. It holds them accountable knowing that they have invested real money into it. They end up finding a training regimen to help prepare so when it's game-time they can perform to the best of their abilities. The Open is the same thing except, guess what, you don’t have to find a training regimen because you are already doing that when you come into a class WOD.


Third, You want to support CrossFit. We as a gym and as a CrossFit community need to support CrossFit. Similar to that first point I made - we love CrossFit. If we want CrossFit to continue doing what they allow us to do and to continue to improve, we need to show our support and each $20 they receive from us goes into helping them grow. It seems silly and you might think that CrossFit makes enough money as-is and I am saddened to tell you that they don’t. I don’t want to get into the thick of it and we can talk about that at another time, but truly CrossFit needs our support and this is the easiest and best way to support the mothership called CrossFit HQ.


Alongside that point. Yes, you do pay Evansville CrossFit a monthly membership. But you aren’t paying us to make workouts, or for running a competition or just to line our pockets. You are paying us to provide you with a service of high-level coaching. Paying for the Open is paying CrossFit HQ to be able to continue to provide a service to us affiliates so we can continue to provide the service we give directly to you.


Finally, I believe this is the most important, it adds a little bit of pressure to your workouts and especially the Open Tests when we do them. It sparks something that helps you give an extra 1% in your workouts. That extra 1%  will have profound effects on your overall health and fitness in the long-term. It will help you find levels you didn’t know you have and expose you to areas you need improvement in. It will help guide your training for the upcoming year and that training will make you a fitter individual.


Why Does It Matter?


“What if I don’t care much about being fitter?” If you truly believe that we need to have a 1-on-1 conversation and I will hold you to that. But being fitter does not just mean being faster or being able to lift more weight - yes that is a by-product but not the only thing. Being fitter means being healthier. Having a lower body fat percentage, increased muscle mass, increased bone density, lower levels of triglycerides and LDL’s and higher levels of HDL’s. You will have more energy and a better ability to support yourself as you age. You won’t need to be put in a nursing home because you can sit down and stand, get up off the floor and have the balance and coordination to stay standing. Right now, being fitter may not seem like that big of a deal but, trust me, as you get older and things start to slow down you will notice the difference between people who do CrossFit and those who do general activity and those who don’t do anything whatsoever.


You Really Should Sign-up


All that may seem like a reach just by signing up for the Open and spending that $20. And yes, it does. As I write it it almost sounds silly. But I know how important the Open is, I know what the long-term effects of doing the Open are and I know that it has gotten me to where I am today. Signing up for my first Open way back in 2014 was scary as shit. I still have my score from 14.1 tucked away in my CrossFit journal and looking back 10 years ago it is really really freaking cool to see where I was and where I am now. Back then it didn’t seem like that big of a deal but now, 10 years later, I cannot believe how much that changed my life.


Feel like signing up but haven’t yet? Follow this link to help you begin the process:


Sign-up for the 2024 CrossFit Open



If you have already signed up for the Open and are wanting to reserve your spot for your heat at Friday Night Lights, follow the link here → Heat Sheet Sign-up for 24.1 → and lock in your spot and time (times subject to change depending on length of Workout) and if you can, find yourself a judge to help make the process easier!

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.