As a CrossFit affiliate owner, I have a responsibility—not just to provide great coaching and programming but to ensure that my gym remains a space where people thrive, stay motivated, and enjoy their training. That’s not always easy. People’s motivation is fickle, and their interests evolve. When CrossFit first exploded onto the fitness scene, it was novel, exciting, and drew in large crowds. Over time, as the novelty wore off, some stuck with it while others moved on to different training methods.
But CrossFit has never been about trends—it has always been a strength and conditioning methodology designed to improve lives. It helps people become fitter, stronger, and more capable in their daily activities. The beauty of CrossFit is in its adaptability—it meets you where you are, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced athlete.
CrossFit: More Than Just Competition
One of the most significant shifts I’ve noticed is how some members confuse CrossFit as a methodology with CrossFit as a sport. These are two different things.
The vast majority of people who join a CrossFit gym do so to get healthier and fitter—not to compete at the CrossFit Games. However, as members progress, they naturally push their limits, learn new skills, and become more competitive, sometimes within their own classes. This isn’t inherently bad—it’s human nature to challenge ourselves—but we need to remember why we started.
While the CrossFit Games is an exciting part of the ecosystem, it represents the sport of CrossFit, where elite athletes push their limits to find the fittest person in the world. That’s a very different goal from what we focus on inside an affiliate.
CrossFit as a training methodology is about health, longevity, and functional strength—adapting workouts to suit individuals at every stage of life. My 70-year-old mother isn’t interested in maxing out a clean & jerk or doing something that could be detrimental to her health. She trains to stay strong, mobile, and independent for as long as possible.
On the other hand, a 20-year-old athlete in peak condition is chasing performance, pushing their limits, and testing how far they can go. Both follow the same principles of CrossFit, but their application is completely different.
That’s why it’s crucial to distinguish between CrossFit the methodology and CrossFit the sport. They coexist, but they serve very different purposes.
The Importance of the Open
Every year, I see how much the CrossFit Open pushes members to grow. It serves as a reflection of progress, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement. Much like an exam in school, it provides a benchmark of fitness. Some argue that they can do CrossFit without participating in the Open, and that’s fair. But in my experience, those who take part gain valuable insights and motivation that drive their improvement throughout the year.
Even for the “average” CrossFitter, the Open is an opportunity—not just to compete, but to challenge themselves in a supportive community. It brings people together, fosters camaraderie, and reminds us why we show up every day.
The Boycott and CrossFit’s Future
Recently, we’ve seen former CrossFit Games athletes boycott the Open and the Games due to controversy surrounding last year’s competition. While everyone is entitled to their stance, I can’t help but feel that many of those boycotting were not in contention to win this year. It’s easy to make that decision when it doesn’t affect your career.
That being said, I believe in constructive solutions over protest. Instead of walking away, why not be part of the change? Improving CrossFit—whether at the affiliate level or in competition—requires dialogue, leadership, and action, not just boycotts.
Leaders like Rich Froning have the potential to unite the CrossFit community and guide it toward a stronger future. We need individuals who understand both the affiliate side and the competitive side of CrossFit—people who can bridge the gap and ensure the methodology remains true to its purpose.
Keeping CrossFit Strong
CrossFit has transformed millions of lives, and as long as we focus on what truly matters, it will continue to do so. The key elements that make it powerful remain:
- Constantly varied functional movements prepare us for real life.
- Intensity (relative to the individual) drives adaptation.
- Community is the glue that keeps people engaged and accountable.
As affiliate owners, coaches, and athletes, it’s up to us to champion the methodology—not just the sport. It’s our responsibility to educate members, keep training fun, and reinforce the true purpose of CrossFit.
So, let’s fight for what we love. Let’s encourage participation in the Open because it makes us better. Let’s be part of the solution, not the problem. And let’s continue to grow CrossFit as the most effective training methodology in the world.
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