Now you are starting to get more experienced in CrossFit and have mastered the majority of the movements, the next test is to enter your first competition. Competitions come in a number of different varieties, including the CrossFit Open, an in-gym competition or via any affiliated competitions in your local area.
There are a number of different ways to prepare yourself for these competitions and CrossFit’s community spirit means there will always be support as you prepare for an event. Even beginners are able to enter competitions and compete against athletes of a similar ability.
Outlined below are some of the ways to get yourself ready for a competition!
Tips for getting CrossFit comp-ready
Movements
Every CrossFit athlete has weaknesses and strengths as there are so many different exercises and workouts involved. Prior to entering the competition, highlight where your weaknesses are and dedicate time each week to work on them. Just like any sport, practice makes perfect and you will gain more out of concentrating on your weak spots than on your strengths.
The beauty of the CrossFit Open is that it has been going for so long and there is a long list of common exercises performed each year. Research these and find out what movements are most likely to be conducted. Practice and train these moves so you are comfortable performing them. Most boxes will run the Open workouts during multiple sessions so this should be easily achievable.
Training partners
If you have been training for any lengthy period of time there are likely partners who you train with regularly and see more often than your other friends. Get together with them and create some healthy competition during the Open to keep each other accountable. Sometimes, a nice little rivalry can help you push each other further.
Power up
Prior to a competition, you need to fuel your body right. Create an eating plan and stick to it so you know you are in peak physical form. Include fresh veg, low GI carbs and plenty of protein but aim to be well-fueled instead of trying to lose weight so you always have plenty of energy.
Similarly, stick to your warm-up and cool-down routine. You don’t want to injure yourself the week before the comp (it happens a lot).
Move beyond the basics
If you have the basics down pat, you are ready to enter a competition. To be really well prepared, go back and practice your pull ups, double unders and your Olympic Barbell movements.
From here, you can progress to more advanced skills. If you can easily do pull-ups, test to see if you are able to manage chest to bar pull-ups or bar muscle ups. You might have strong push-up abilities, so see if you can go to the next level and test out your handstand push-ups.
CrossFit is for everyone and has stages of competition for all skill levels. If you find yourself becoming more advanced than your peers, perhaps set yourself a challenge during the Open to make it to the CrossFit Games as the fittest in your company or the Top 20 fittest in your area (and then the state, the country… and the world!). If you aren’t quite ready for that level of awesomeness, just test yourself against your PBs or against your training partners.
Competition might scare you but the results you can achieve when you push yourself out of your comfort zone could surprise you. If you follow these steps and have confidence in your own ability you will be ready, so go out and give it a go!
Dreaming of being a competitive CrossFitter? Get started with your first session today!
