You’ve probably heard a lot of talk about ‘The Open’ in the gym lately.

It’s a highlight of the CrossFit calendar and something many of our members look forward to taking part in each year. The 2020 Open is starting on Thursday and now is the perfect time to sign up. We urge all our members to get involved and make it a social affair for all the gym to come together and enjoy.

But, if you’re wondering what it is, whether it’s for you or have any other worries, read on – we’ve answered some of the questions we get asked the most to clear up any concerns you might have!

What is the Open?

The Open is a world-wide CrossFit competition. It’s where ‘grassroots meets greatness’ and allows you to compete with hundreds of thousands of athletes at different CrossFit gyms all around the world. It’s an all-inclusive event with both everyday people and professional athletes completing the same work out week in, week out.

The Open lasts 5 weeks and each week (usually in the early hours of Friday morning), a workout is released by CrossFit HQ and you have until Monday that week to complete the workout and submit your score.

There are different age categories (from Teens to Masters) and a scaled and RX version of every workout. It’s for everyone!

When is it?

This year the Open will take place from October 10th to November 11th.

What do CrossFit Pendle do?

At CrossFit Pendle, we make the Open a huge event and take on the workout together every Sunday. There’ll be no Sunday classes on during the five weeks meaning you can do the workout alongside your fellow members. It’s always an amazing atmosphere with members and family members coming down to cheer one another on and get involved!

What if I can’t make a Sunday?

If you can’t make a Sunday, worry not! As long as you complete the workout and submit your score before the Monday of that week, you’ll be fine. Many of our members and all your coaches are verified judges and will happily judge you on another day. Either ask someone at the gym or post on the Facebook group – someone will be able to help!

How much is it?

Entering the Open costs $20 and can be done here. (https://games.crossfit.com)

Who judges it?

All of the coaches and many of our members are verified judges. They will have taken the online CrossFit Judge certificate and will be able to judge all your workouts. They’re also good at cheering you on!

Do I have to judge?

We don’t make anyone who isn’t confident judge. However, the more judges we have the easier it is and so we ask that anyone who can judge, does. If you’re interested in judging you can take the online judges course here. (https://oc.crossfit.com) You’ll even get a swanky certificate!

Is it for everyone? What if I can’t RX a workout?

The best thing about the Open is it’s for everyone! There’s always a scaled and RX version of the workout and different versions for Teens and Masters. Every workout can be adapted, just like a normal CrossFit workout!

How do I submit my score?

After you’ve done the workout your judge will give you a slip of paper with your score on. You submit this via the CrossFit website – games.crossfit.com and Mike will then verify your score.

Why do it?

It’s a brilliant way to come together with the gym community. The atmosphere is always electric and it’s a great way to get to know other members of the gym.

But most importantly it’s FUN! So what are you waiting for, get signed up here (games.crossfit.com) – don’t forget to set CrossFit Pendle as your affiliate.