Why You Should Compete in the CrossFit Open

The CrossFit Games Open is upon us…

 

If you’re new to CrossFit, don’t just tune out and assume that it’s only for the firebreathing CrossFit athletes. We know it might seem intimidating, but that’s why we’re here to support you and help you be the best version of yourself!

Here are just a few reasons why YOU (yes, you!) should compete in the CrossFit Games Open:

When you find yourself in a real competition, you’re instantly motivated to learn everything you can, as fast as you can.

Which is reason #1 to sign up for the CrossFit Games Open. When you sign up for a competition, your motivation level to learn suddenly increases 100%. Suddenly, you might pay closer attention in class, you might go watch some videos online, you have that burning desire to become a better version of you.

Competition can bring out your best.

Every time you hit one of your PR’s (personal records), it lifts you up for an entire day. And others share your excitement – from the fist bumps and celebration from other members to the amazement of friends and family. Personal bests are a community celebration.

Whether you come first, middle or last everyone is there to support you.

You are capable of more than you think.

When you sign up for the CrossFit Games, you’re bound to find out just exactly how much more you can accomplish before the clock runs out. And if you’re still worried about some advanced moves, like the muscle up…put those fears away.

The CrossFit Games Open also offers a scaled division, so everyone can compete!

You’ll meet someone who inspires you and you will inspire others.

You just never know who is paying attention to what you do. But when you sign up to compete, you are showing everyone you aren’t afraid…and might encourage them to do the same.

You WILL kick butt.

If you’re new to CrossFit then we ESPECIALLY encourage you to sign up for the CrossFit Games Open. This competition will give you a baseline of your current capabilities. Then a year from then you can look back at your results and see how much you’ve improved.

And if you’ve been doing CrossFit for a while, then this will give you a great opportunity to test yourself. There’s absolutely no downside to competing, and you just might surprise yourself.

Here’s brief rundown on how the CrossFit Open works:

  • A new workout will be released each week for 3 weeks (this used to be 5 weeks).
  • The workouts are released on Thursday nights and scores are due Monday nights.
  • While this year looks differently from year’s past, we will still complete the workouts together in all classes on Friday.
  • Each week we will do the workout & you will submit your score for that weeks’ Open workout- the same one that thousands around the WORLD will be doing.
  • Each Open WOD will be judged – and there is a very very strict NO REP rule implemented (years past people have caught cheating the athletes and judges were disqualified).
  • Anyone can (and should) be a judge; learn more in the online judges course.
  • Get fired up! Get and give support from members while they compete and strive for their best.

Identify your goals if you haven’t yet…hunt them down and….CRUSH THEM. Who’s in?!

Sign up now at games.crossfit.com.

Want more health and fitness tips? Check out our recent posts:

CrossFit Games Open Shoutouts 2020

crossfit games open shoutoutsWe love the CrossFit Games Open. Why? Throughout this five-week test, it allows us to check in on our progress, discover weaknesses and experience breakthroughs. True, we just had this test less than a year ago, but even still – it brings out something special in all who participate. Check out some of our recent CrossFit Games Open Shoutouts below.

CrossFit Games Open Shoutouts

  • “I’m voting for Angela W. She RX’d the workout knowing she was going to have to work hard to do so. She refused to scale and kept pushing even though she struggled a few times. It was awesome to watch.” ~ Dan
  • “I nominate Katie. She was going to play it safe, she was going to scale, when she asked me what I thought she should do I said depends do you want to finish or do you want to fight? She said fight and fight she did!!! She’s a fighter and a constant inspiration.” ~Cassie
  • “I nominate Dan, he was so patience judging me ? on my forever TTB and DU ?” ~Angela W.
  • “Being the woman behind the camera, I get to watch all the athletes. I’m beyond impressed with those who are not even officially registered for the Open, still pushing their limits each week, particularly Erin who is also training for the big race this weekend! Keep it up, everyone!” ~Angela S.
  • “I nominate Benny. I have the pleasure of working privately with her every week and have witnessed her improvements first hand. She has not only gotten physically stronger, but mentally, too! She told me this year she just wanted to do better than her score last year…she’s CRUSHING that goal!” ~Angela S.
  • “Currently sitting in 94th place in the teens category, Hardie has been on a mission to stay in the top 200 for the Qualifier round! He’s an impressive athlete, with even more impressive values. It’s so exciting to watch him progress each week. Keep it up, Hardie!” ~Angela S.
  • “Shout out to Coach Megan for orchestrating a seamless and energetic class on Sundays! Thank you for all your hard work. We appreciate you!” ~Angela S.
  • “Benny is number 1 on my list for showing spirit of theme putting a little extra effort to dress up and give meaning to her effort! Also Benny dedicated 20.3 to her sister who is breast cancer survivor!” ~Gino
  • CrossFit Games Open Shout Out“Benny always brings a smile and always shows so much enthusiasm.” ~Scott
  • “I nominate Angela W. for 20.3 because she traveled back from vacation, slept 2 hours, and Rx’d the WOD. She pushed for several minutes to fight for one rep of hspu and didn’t give up.”~Megan
  • “Katie was going to play it safe…she was going to scale. But when she asked me what I thought she should do I said depends do you want to finish or do you want to fight? She said fight and fight she did!!! She’s a fighter and a constant inspiration.” ~Cassie
  • “Melissa Regina is there every time, cheering us up from any angle in the box… I hear her voice more than I get to see her, she is awesome!” ~ Angela W
  • “I dedicate my workout to my sissy Maridza.” What a beautiful moment between Benny and her sister, watching Benny fight through each rep in honor of her sister who is a breast cancer survivor.
  • “Last year I only got one handstand push-up. I PRd by 12 reps this year!!” ~ Melissa Regina
  • “I want to nominate Gino for Spirit of the Games. He puts others before himself on a daily basis and truly wants to see everyone succeed. Even though this must have been a difficult week for him he still showed up to coach everyday with a positive attitude, (even though he may have slobbered a little while cheering us on?). CrossFit gyms are a dime a dozen but coaches and people like Gino are very rare.” ~CJ
  • “Nominating Gino for the spirit of the games! Perseverance and always going above and beyond for everybody in the box.”~Eric
  • “My spirit nomination goes to..Liliana !!!! The fact that she did her WOD in her costume is everything!! Her positive energy every day is infectious and she is just amazing.” ~Benny
  • “I wanted to give Angela Weiner a shout-out for the spirit of the games. Last week when I attended a few classes leading up to 20.4 she was there and was so encouraging. Being a novice I tend to get a little frustrated if I can’t pick something up (literally) right away and having her say “you got this” helped! She was also there during 20.4 and seeing a friendly face cheering everyone on was awesome.”
    ~Chelsey
  • “Shout out to Erin for her recent mega race, still participating in the Open workouts and not missing a beat…ever.” ~Angela S
  • “HUGE shout out to Alicia for not giving up. She had her eye on that muscle up…she attacked and got her first one during 20.5! The best feeling EVER!” ~Angela S.
  • “I want to give a shout out to my wife Alicia who took a giant step toward her long term goal by improving by 510 spots in the world year over year to 882. In 20.5 she got her very first muscle-up and crushed her Diane time by almost 4 minutes in 20.3. Outside of her own goals she is always there as a cheerleader for her community as well.” ~Brian Z

Congratulations to Hardie Kressler & Angela Salveo for finishing the CrossFit Games Open in the top 200!

Angela and Hardie Advance to CrossFit Games Age Group Qualifier

They will both be advancing to the next level of competition: The Age Group Online Qualifier in March 2020.

?Hardie finished 95th worldwide out of over 1,500 boys aged 16-17.

? Angela finished 94th worldwide out of over 11,000 women ages 40-44.
▪️▪️▪️
“Angie’s dedication to her goals has paid off, she hit the balance she needed by improving her overall strength with the barbell and surprised herself by qualifying even when it wasn’t her primary goal. I’m very proud of mental approach this time around, amazing job!”
▪️▪️▪️
Angela and Hardie Advance to CrossFit Games Age Group Qualifier“Hardie came in raw and ready to challenge himself. Already a pretty well rounded athlete and in the short period of time with us, he gained new skills, pacing experience, nutrition tweaks and new commitment to being the best version of himself! I’m super proud of his integrity, competitive yet humble attitude. Not to mention his an outstanding performance with his first participation in The Open.” ~Coach @ginosalveo

▪️▪️▪️

CrossFit Games OPEN 2020 Themes:

  • Week 1: #LisaStrong ?
  • Week 2: ‘merica/USA (wear all your most patriotic gear. Red, white and blue baby!) ????
  • Week 3: FU Cancer (breast cancer, childhood cancer, blood cancer… Wear anything that represents how you’d like to kick cancer’s butt)?️
  • Week 4: Halloween Costume (go all out and have some fun in costume. You, too 5:45am crew!)?
  • Week 5: SPIRIT (get out ALL your CrossFit gear, pon poms, cow bells and face paint! Last week to bring the heat!) ?

CrossFit Games OPEN TEENS & Kids

Don’t let the fun stop in the adult classes.

  • Catch CrossFit Salus Teens Fridays at 4:30pm.
  • CrossFit Salus Kids Saturdays at 10:15.

These kids are our future fittest! If you’re around, stop by and cheer them on (even if just for part of the class). The support would mean a lot to them.

A few reminders for the CrossFit Games OPEN:

  • If you missed the OPEN workout on Friday, you may may make it up on Sunday during basic training between 9:30-10:30am. If that doesn’t work (and you’re officially signed up), Monday during regular class is your next option.
    • As always, review the workout movement standards and expectations at https://games.crossfit.com.
    • Please arrange for your own judge to meet you there.
    • Note: coaches are not be able judge OPEN athletes during regular class times.
  • Remember, you must submit your score at https://games.crossfit.com before 8pm on Monday (this is IN ADDITION TO submitting your score on Wodify if you’re officially signed up).
    • CrossFit Games does not accept late submissions.
    • Your score will display on the Games site after we verify your score card.
    • The leaderboard typically doesn’t settle until Wednesday, so hold off from “leaderboarding” (refreshing the screen at a frantic pace on Tuesday morning) 🙂
  • Please submit your nomination for the “Spirit of the Games” and include a sentence or two WHY.
    • Email your nomination to angela@crossfitsalus.com or message me on FB/IG.
    • Include the nominee’s name and a sentence or two why you think they deserve a shout out.
  • Recover well, train smart, eat well, sleep plenty. The CrossFit Games OPEN 20.4 begins now!

First Annual In-House Partner Competition Coming Soon…

Not loving the timeline of this year’s Open? Stay tuned for our first annual in-house (members only) competition in March 2020 to help you stay motivated over the dark days of NJ’s winter.

  • Teams of two. (MM/FF/MF)
  • RX and Scaled options (both partners must be the same).

Programming starts in January.

More information to come. So grab a partner, start talkin’ smack and create your team name.

CrossFit Games OPEN 20.1: We Are #LisaStrong

What a great start to the (new) competition season! The CrossFit Games OPEN 20.1 was a huge success and the energy at the box was OFF THE CHARTS…proving that we are #LisaStrong!

#lisastrongCongratulations to everyone who participated and thank you to everyone who came out to judge and cheer on all the athletes.

Spirit of the Games

As you’re aware, we’re doing things a little differently this year.

Just a couple months ago, CrossFit Salus Coach Lisa was diagnosed with cancer. This will be the first Open she’s missed in 8 years and so we decided to do things a little differently this year for the 2020 CrossFit Games Open. Instead of intramural teams, we will rally together as ONE.

One strong, amazing community here to support our friend and coach ?.

So, when the workouts get tough (and they will) and you feel like quitting, remember this: Together, we are #lisastrong

CrossFit Games OPEN Spirit of the Games Nominations

  • The Ricker family- Lisa for taking necessary precautions in order to show up and judge before undergoing chemo treatment the same day. She sported her purple, wore her best smile, and judged like only she can. Then her two kids AND husband who (admittedly) might be out of practice with CrossFit showing up and doing 20.1 in her mom’s honor. The definition of working as a team to show support. ~Erin
  • I nominate Angela W. for not only crushing the workout RX’d but also offering to judge and encourage other athletes. ~Angela S.
  • I also nominate Stella for attacking her first Open WOD RX! ~Angela S.
  • I nominate The Swifts (both big and small) for simply always showing up. Day or night, working out or not, they’re always cheering! ~Megan
  • My vote is for Kirstin! She did her first RX open workout and killed it ???? ~Eva
  • I am nominating Scott! It’s amazing how he just had surgery and was there with us with his presence and energy! ~Angela W.
  • My nomination for the 1st WOD is Angie S and also TQ. ~Lili
  • My votes are for Hardie, he’s such a competitive, hard worker, he redid the workout to beat his score! Very inspiring! And Kirstin who did the workout (which looked effortless!), and always pushes herself without complaining, always trying to improve.  ~Cherie

#lisastrongCrossFit Games OPEN 2020 Themes:

  • Week 1: #LisaStrong ?
  • Week 2: ‘merica/USA (wear all your most patriotic gear. Red, white and blue baby!) ????
  • Week 3: FU Cancer (breast cancer, childhood cancer, blood cancer… Wear anything that represents how you’d like to kick cancer’s butt)?️
  • Week 4: Halloween Costume (go all out and have some fun in costume. You, too 5:45am crew!)?
  • Week 5: SPIRIT (get out ALL your CrossFit gear, pon poms, cow bells and face paint! Last week to bring the heat!) ?

CrossFit Games OPEN TEENS & Kids

Don’t let the fun stop in the adult classes. Remember, Fridays at 4:30pm, the CrossFit Salus Teens will be attacking the OPEN.

Saturdays at 10:15, the CrossFit Salus Kids will also be participating. These kids are our future fittest! If you’re around, stop by and cheer them on (even if just for part of the class). The support would mean a lot to them.

A few reminders for the CrossFit Games OPEN:

  • If you missed the OPEN workout on Friday, you may may make it up on Sunday during basic training between 9:30-10:30am. If that doesn’t work (and you’re officially signed up), Monday during regular class is your next option.
    • As always, review the workout movement standards and expectations at https://games.crossfit.com.
    • Please arrange for your own judge to meet you there.
    • Note: coaches are not be able judge OPEN athletes during regular class times.
  • Remember, you must submit your score at https://games.crossfit.com before 8pm on Monday (this is IN ADDITION TO submitting your score on Wodify if you’re officially signed up).
    • CrossFit Games does not accept late submissions.
    • Your score will display on the Games site after we verify your score card.
    • The leaderboard typically doesn’t settle until Wednesday, so hold off from “leaderboarding” (refreshing the screen at a frantic pace on Tuesday morning) 🙂
  • Please submit your nomination for the “Spirit of the Games” and include a sentence or two WHY.
    • Email your nomination to angela@crossfitsalus.com or message me on FB/IG.
    • Include the nominee’s name and a sentence or two why you think they deserve the award.
  • Recover well, train smart, eat well, sleep plenty. The CrossFit Games OPEN 20.2 begins now!

 

 

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CrossFit Games OPEN 19.1

Wow, what a great start to the competition season! The CrossFit Games OPEN 19.1 was a huge success and the energy at the box was OFF THE CHARTS!

Congratulations to everyone who participated and thank you to everyone who came out to cheer on all the athletes.

CrossFit Games OPEN 19.1 Results

The results for the CrossFit Games OPEN 19.1 Intramural are in!

HEART & SWOLE is in the lead (so far)!

Choosing the awards below is so hard – everyone has so much spirit and literally wears their heart on their sleeve.

?HARDEST WORKER 19.1 Award goes to Kirstin!!CrossFit Games open 19.1 hardest worker

“Kirstin M!!! I was so impressed with Kirstin during 19.1. She is fairly new to CF and unfortunately was getting “no rep” on the wallballs a lot. However, she never faltered! She didn’t show any exasperation whatsoever. She just kept throwing the ball and trying her hardest to hit the target. Kirstin showed what the definition of tenacity really means!”

—

Hardest Worker 19.1 honorable mentions:

-Julie for giving her all despite being sick and showing up at 5:45am. ~Alicia
-Julie for Hardest Worker because she came back from being sick and pushed herself at 5:45 am! ~Sue
-TQ for making the rower on 19.1 look EASY!
-I nominate Brian Reily for his awesome form on wallballs in 19.1! ~M. Regina
-Gina because although endurance and stamina is not her strength, she kept at it. She really pushed to finish her best round of wall balls at the buzer!
-Stella Regina because she just listened and hustled and powered through.
-Lianne for killing her first open workout!

?SPIRIT OF THE GAMES 19.1 Award goes to Melissa Regina! CrossFit Games open 19.1 spirit of the games

“Melissa Regina for giving up her WOD spot to judge!”

“…she cheers her heart out and stays for everyone!”

“…for going out of her way to support others and judge adults and teens.”

“…she came every class, all weekend and brought her positive attitude with her!”

“…Melissa always has a smile on her face, quietly (selflessly) helping others power through with her positive energy.”

—

Spirit of the Games 19.1 honorable mentions:

-Scott for best spirit. He has the biggest heart literally and figuratively. ~Alicia
-Scott for Spirit, I don’t think anyone loves the Open as much as Scott. He showed up for almost every class, including the teens, to judge, and cheer everyone on. His energy is infectious. And dressed up in a heart costume for his team ? ~Sue
-Lili for Spirit. Lili has put so much time and effort into all the decorations for the Jacked in the Box team! It was a busy week for her week 1 and she was still able to pull it off. – Eric
-Angela W. Best Deco Ideas “CMO” Catch me outside!
-Angela W for taking the initiative to decorate and be festive…and buy more props for the team!
-Erin for her awesome creative decorating!
-Erin because she showed up on Sunday to cheer!
-Katie for working out for THREE!
-Scott – he wore a HEART!
-Scott with his heart costume and team chants. Also love how he checked in on me even before getting to the box to offer words of encouragement. He is just as supportive and encouraging behind the scenes as you see him being at the box.

—

CrossFit Games OPEN TEENS & Kids

Fridays at 4:30pm, the CrossFit Salus Teens will be attacking the OPEN. Saturdays at 10:15, the CrossFit Salus Kids will also be participating.

Don’t let the fun stop in the adult classes. These kids are the future! If you’re around, come in and cheer them on (even if just for part of the class). It would mean a lot.

A few reminders for the CrossFit Games OPEN:

  • If you missed the OPEN workout on Friday, you may may make it up on Sunday during basic training between 9:30-10:30am or on Monday during regular class.
    • As always, review the workout movement standards and expectations at https://games.crossfit.com.
    • Please arrange for your own judge to meet you there. Note: coaches are not be able judge OPEN athletes during regular class times.
  • Remember, you must submit your score at https://games.crossfit.com before 8pm on Monday (this is IN ADDITION TO submitting your score on Wodify).
    • CrossFit Games does not accept late submissions.
    • Your score will display on the Games site after we verify your score card.
    • The leaderboard typically doesn’t settle until Wednesday, so hold off from “leaderboarding” (refreshing the screen at a frantic pace on Tuesday morning) 🙂
  • You have until MONDAYnight  to submit your nomination for “Hardest worker” and “Spirit of the Games” award.
    • Fill it out oldschool style with pen and paper at the box or email your nomination to angela@crossfitsalus.com.
    • Include the nominee’s name and a sentence or two why you think they deserve the award.
    • If you know what team they’re on, please include that, too.
    • We’ll announce the winner and award the team points the following week
  • Recover well, train smart, eat well, sleep plenty. The CrossFit Games OPEN 19.2 begins now!

 

CrossFit Games Open Intramural Results 18.3

CrossFit Games Open Intramural Results 18.3 are IN!

This week was a close call! But after reading through the nominations and tallying the score for our CrossFit Games Open Intramural Results 18.3, the results are in ….

Your top three male/female finishers this week are:

Women:

  • Angela (Flexy Beasts)
  • Camilla (2Fit2Quit)
  • Lauren (Flexy Beasts)

Men:

  • Steven (The WOD Squad)
  • Gino (2Fit2Quit)
  • CJ (2Fit2Quit)

CROSSFIT GAMES OPEN INTRAMURAL 18.3 HARDEST WORKER Award ?CROSSFIT GAMES OPEN INTRAMURAL 18.3 HARDEST WORKER Award goes to Lauren Simpson!

Here are her nominations: “After a year of practicing dubs, never giving up, she got them in the open (when it counts). Then she really set herself apart with her muscle up!” “Overcame her struggle with dubs and got a muscle up in the OPEN!” “For conquring her dubs and getting that muscle up!”
—
Hardest Worker honorable mentions:
– Alicia Z: “For being an awesome captain and inspiration to her team :)” “Tried hard every rep to get her muscle ups, never gave up” “Never stopped trying for those ring muscle ups”
– Cassie K: “She worked so hard and never gave up – she inspired me to do the same.”
– Chris B.: “Giving it 110% on 18.3 pushing through dubs and OHS” “that rope hasn’t been his friend. He took the dubs course with Steven and got a bit better. He decided to give 18.3 Rx a go knowing he might spend 14 min on dubs. He got 100 dubs and someOHS which was a pr for him. And he can finally squat to parallel. This was a huge win for him!”
– Rob: “King of the dubs”
– Gino: “#2Fit2Quit”
– Angela S: “Fighting through a cold and coming back so strong.” “Hardest worker not only for giving her time as a mom but also as a coach…remaining positive/encouraging for all around. Plus walking the walk by modeling what committment and pushing past her comfort zone truly means (after being sick, too!)”
– Melissa H: “Never giving up on the Muscle Up”
– “Everyone that pushed their weakenesses and tested their limits…but Gina & Scott in particular (I’m partial) :)”

CROSSFIT GAMES OPEN INTRAMURAL 18.3 SPIRIT OF THE GAMES Award ?CROSSFIT GAMES OPEN INTRAMURAL 18.3 SPIRIT OF THE GAMES Award goes to Erin Winters.

Here are her nominations: “For her flexy decorations and non stop cheerleading” “Always willing to come, stay to judge, woke up for the 6am and brought the flexy spirit.” “Killed it this week. She overcame her self-doubt and got through her OHS!” “For pushing everyone just at the right time when it’s needed most.” “Know just what to say and when to say it! I heard you clearly yell, ‘time to get out of your comfort zone’ and it helped!”
—
Spirit of the Games honorable mentions:
-Yvonne- “She’s new to crossfit, it’s her first year in the Open, she’s going Rx and killing it! But she also cheers everyone on. takes pictures and video. she’s loving it and I think hooked.”
– Cassie K (and Everett): “For showing up and cheering for everyone all day” “Cassie for sure, not only did she work her butt off, she shows up to cheer everyone on with that adorable baby multiple times a day”
– Sue: “Always offering to stay and judge and bringing in all the red flair!”
– Angela Salveo: “Coming in and cheering and taking pics when she didn’t feel well”
– Lori R: “For being an awesome cheerleader and judge”

CrossFit Games Open Intramural Leader

This means that 2 FIT 2 QUIT stays in the overall lead as of week 3 with 74 points.

Flexy Beasts aren’t too far behind with 72 points and The Wod Squad hangs tight at 70 points. We still have 2 weeks. Get those nominations in and remember to write the ‘why.’

CrossFit Games OPEN 18.1

Wow, what a great start to the competition season! The CrossFit Games OPEN 18.1 was a huge success, energy at the box was OFF THE CHARTS!

Congratulations to everyone who participated and thank you to everyone who came out to cheer on all the athletes.

CrossFit Games OPEN 18.1 TEENS

On Sunday, we have two registered Teens who will be attacking the OPEN 18.1 workout at 9:30am.

If you’re around, come in and cheer them on!

A few reminders for the CrossFit Games OPEN 18.1:

  • If you missed the OPEN workout on Friday, you may may make it up on Sunday during basic training between 9:30-10:30am.
    • As always, review the workout movement standards and expectations at https://games.crossfit.com.
    • Please arrange for your own judge to meet you there. Note: coaches are not be able judge OPEN athletes during regular class times.
  • Remember, you must submit your score at https://games.crossfit.com before 8pm on Monday (this is different than submitting your score on Wodify).
    • CrossFit Games does not accept late submissions.
    • Your score will display on the Games site after we verify your score card.
    • The leaderboard typically doesn’t settle until Wednesday, so hold off from “leaderboarding” (refreshing the screen at a frantic pace on Tuesday morning) 🙂
  • You have until MONDAY to submit your nomination for “Hardest worker” and “Spirit of the Games” award.
    • At the box, we have a shoe box with notecards (oldschool style).
    • Please fill out card with the nominee’s name and a sentence or two why you think they deserve the award.
    • We’ll announce the winner and award the team points Wednesday.
  • Recover well, train smart, eat well, sleep plenty. The CrossFit Games OPEN 18.2 is just around the corner!

Shout-Out to ALL Our Members Who Stood Strong Through the 2017 CrossFit Open

CrossFit Salus Open 2017 roster

 

What is the CrossFit Open, really?

If you’re new to CrossFit and not sure what all the “Open” buzz is about — check it out: the CrossFit Open is a five-week online competition that takes place in CrossFit boxes all over the world. Since 2011, every Thursday night for five weeks, a new workout is released and we get the chance to watch top athletes test out the workout on a live feed. These workouts are known to be physically and mentally grueling, featuring movements we all know and love and sneaking in new movements along the way.

They they are meant to push us past our limits.

2017 CrossFit OpenPushing Past Our Limits

The energy that fills the box as we complete Open workout each week is invigorating and inspiring. Because of the energy of competition and comradery, it is very common for athletes competing in The CrossFit Games Open to accomplish many CrossFit “firsts.”

This year was no different.

CrossFit Salus Community

Once again, the Open workout has showcased what an amazing community we are surrounded by at CrossFit Salus. These past five weeks we encountered the importance of staying positive in the face of a challenge and celebrating every accomplishment, every effort, every moment.

Become the Best Version of You

As coaches, nothing is more satisfying that witnessing the moments when someone overcomes a physical or mental challenge and breaks through their barriers. Every time we witness those moments when you surprise yourself, you inspire us to continue working to be our best selves. On behalf of all the coaches at CrossFit Salus, here’s to the conclusion of another great year in the CrossFit Open!

Congratulations to Gino and Pat!

While the leaderboard is still settling until Wednesday, I think it’s safe to say a huge congratulations to Coach Gino and superstar athlete, Pat for making top 200 in their Masters division age-group which qualifies them for the next round: In-Box Regionals!!

Just look at these numbers!!

Patrick finished at 116 out of over 24,007 other athletes in his age division worldwide (#3 in NJ).

Gino finished at 145 out of over 13,372 other athletes in his age division worldwide (#2 in NJ).

That that sink in a moment. WOW!! This is pretty amazing. Be sure to support them when you see them training. In-box regionals is the weekend of April 22.

Thank You

To everyone who came early, stayed late, cheered hard and counted reps, thank you!

A special thank you to Coach Lisa for always having score sheets printed, duct tape ready and movement standards on point- all in time for 6am.

Thank you to Coach Greg for all your extra help judging athletes and coaching even when you weren’t scheduled to coach.

And thank you to Coach Gino for always putting everyone first and staying up way too late on Thursday nights strategizing how everything would flow at the box.

Spirit of the Games Award

On Friday at 6pm during the Potluck and final celebration, we’ll feature a fun picture slideshow, good food, good times and the announcement of our Spirit of the Games recipient! The Spirit of the Games Award will honor one of our athletes who we feel most embodies the spirit of community and comradery. Stay tuned!

Side Note From Coach Angela

And just because I’m a very transparent person (this is Coach Angela talking) I want you all to know that while I didn’t reach my personal goal of being in the top 200 worldwide, I know it’s all part of the process. Right now, it looks like I finished around 226 out of 26,957 other athletes in my age division worldwide.

Am I disappointed? You bet I am. Do I want to cry? Kinda. But I have allowed myself time to be disappointed, pinpointed my weaknesses and I choose to keep fighting to become the best version of myself with a plan to attack those weaknesses head-on. And at the same time, I have to remember to be nice to myself. Yeah, I didn’t finish top 200, but I am celebrating the fun fact that I finished #1 in NJ. 🙂

It’s way too easy to let all the endless challenges in our life and in the box frustrate us to the point of giving up. Instead, my goal is to be an inspiration to all of you to use your own challenges as motivation to keep getting better. Never settle. And be nice to yourself in the process.

~Coach Angela

CrossFit Salus Open Leaderboard

We’re celebrating everyone who participated, but, just in case you’re curious about the rankings within our box (because we know some of you are), here’s the internal CrossFit Salus leaderboard:

 

CrossFit Salus Open 2017 leaderboard

 

Register for the CrossFit Games OPEN

2015 CrossFit Games Open Registration!

Register now for the CrossFit Games Open.

The first of five weekly workouts will be released Thursday, February 26th. We hope to have as many of our athletes as possible to join in on the fun.

Once you have registered, be sure to choose the affiliate: CrossFit Salus

If you’re new to CrossFit, don’t just tune out and assume that it’s only for the firebreathing CrossFit athletes. We know it feels intimidating, but that’s why we’re here to support you and help you be the best version of yourself!

Here are just a few reasons why YOU (yes, you!) should compete in the CrossFit Games Open 2015:

  • When you find yourself in a real competition, you’re instantly motivated to learn everything you can, as fast as you can. Which is reason #1 to sign up for the Games NOW. When you sign up for a competition, your motivation level to make improvements suddenly increases 200%. Suddenly, you might pay closer attention in class, you might actually go watch some videos online, and you might take mobility and Oly class more seriously!
  • Competition brings out your best. Every time you hit one of your PR’s (personal records), it lifts you up for an entire day. And others share your excitement – from the ring of the bell, the high fives of celebration from other members to the amazement of friends and family. Personal bests are a communal celebration. Whether you come first or last everyone is there to support you
  • You are capable of more than you think. And when you sign up for the Games Open, you’re bound to find out just exactly how much more you can accomplish before the clock runs out.
  • You’ll meet someone who inspires you and you will inspire others. You just never know who is paying attention to what you do. But when you sign up to compete, you are showing everyone you aren’t afraid.
  • You WILL kick ass. Because this competition will give you an opportunity to test yourself and give you a baseline of your current capabilities. A year from now you can look back at your results and see how much you’ve improved.

Here’s brief rundown on how the Open works:

  • A new workout is released each week for 5 weeks starting February 26.
  • Each Friday we will do the workout in all of the CrossFit classes – registered athletes will be judged.
  • You will submit your score for that weeks’ Open workout- the same WOD that thousands around the WORLD will also be doing.
  • A very very strict NO REP rule will be implemented (in year’s past, people around the world have been caught cheating the athletes and judges were all disqualified).
  • Athletes who hope to compete at Regionals will also need to videotape their workout.
  • Get fired up! Get and give support from members while they compete and strive for their best.

If you have questions about participation or how to register, let us know.

Here are a few fun pictures of competitors the past two years: