What’s Your Why for the CrossFit Open?
February 3, 2026
Every year, the CrossFit Open means something different to each person who signs up. We asked members at AMRAP one simple question:
Why are you doing the Open this year?
Here’s what they shared — in their own words.
Eric Isbister
The reason for being a member of the AMRAP community is primarily that — the community.
Weights and machines gather dust in garages and basements. Exercise books get looked at and put aside. Without community, exercise becomes work — easily skipped until skipping becomes a habit.
What gets measured gets done.
Throughout the year, workouts are programmed to help athletes improve overall fitness. The Open provides an opportunity to measure progress, compete (with yourself or alongside others), set a goal to train toward, and celebrate completion.
The AMRAP Open is an annual instance of community building — competitors, families, and friends working hard and celebrating together.
Claire Pavon
I’ve only been a member at AMRAP for a year, and the Open is going to show the progress I’ve made — and push me past what I think I’m capable of. Honestly, the community here makes it impossible not to get involved.
Everyone wants to push you, cheer you on, and see you become a better version of yourself — even when you don’t want to.
Krista Bold
I’m doing the CrossFit Open this year for the community. I’m not at my best fitness yet, and I’m definitely not as strong or as far along as I want to be — but that’s kind of the point.
The Open is a chance to show up, test where I am today, and be surrounded by people who push, support, and celebrate each other no matter the score. I’m in it to come together, to be part of the movement, and to share the energy that makes this gym feel like more than just a place to work out.
Bill Campolo
I signed up for the Open for a few reasons.
Benchmarking progress. As I become more consistent with my training, I want a way to measure improvement beyond PRs and day-to-day progressions. The Open gives me a structured way to see how I’m developing over time.
Stepping outside my comfort zone. Some movements aren’t strengths of mine yet, and I want to test those areas. I’ve also never taken on an Open outside of regular class workouts, so this will be a completely new experience for me.
Community energy. I’ve heard a lot about the AMRAP Open, and I want to experience that firsthand. One of my favorite parts of AMRAP is the community, and this feels like a great way to connect in a new way.
Dawn Nouansacksy
I like to focus my training around upcoming events — Fitober, the Open, Murph. Having something on the calendar gives my training purpose and direction.
Doing the Open has also given me a new appreciation for professional CrossFit athletes. Experiencing the workouts firsthand changes how you view what they’re capable of.
Most of all, the Open is a great way to build connections within the AMRAP community. Everyone encourages each other, and there’s no judgment — just support.
Becky Bennet
This is my third (ish?) year doing the CrossFit Open with my son. The workouts push me out of my comfort zone every single time. But what matters most to me is that my kids see me model healthy habits — and a healthy attitude toward hard things.
Growth doesn’t come from winning or being the best. You need to show up, do the work, and push through those uncomfortable “I don’t want to do this” moments. As a boy mom, I want my sons to see — and respect — strong women, starting with their mom.
Sam McCarthy
The Open is an annual event I look forward to every year. While the workouts are fun and challenging, what truly makes it special is being surrounded by my gym family — knowing everyone is cheering you on from start to finish.
It’s a supportive, team-centered atmosphere, and I’m excited to be part of it again this year.
Kim and Dave King
The Open is almost here, and it’s one of the most fun times of the year at AMRAP. The energy and camaraderie are unmatched as the whole gym comes together.
You get to work out with your regular crew while also meeting and cheering on members across the gym. This is our fifth year, and we can’t wait to show up strong and see what we can do — let’s go, AMRAP!
Coaches’ Perspectives
Coach Hali
I walked into a CrossFit gym almost 10 years ago as an out-of-shape, single mom of three who simply needed a healthy change — not competition. Unbeknownst to me, the Open became a meaningful part of my journey. It encouraged me to try hard things I never thought I was capable of and taught me that real growth comes from showing up consistently.
Now, I love the Open for what it brings to everyone in our gym.
As a coach, I get to watch people from all backgrounds step into something that challenges them. For some, it mirrors my own experience — that first moment of realizing what their bodies are capable of. For others, it’s a way to stay motivated, engaged, and committed to moving well in the sports they love and, most importantly, staying healthy.
The Open meets people where they are. It builds confidence, reinforces consistency, and reminds us why we train in the first place — not for rankings, but for growth, health, and the belief that we’re capable of more than we think.
Coach B
I love watching people step outside their comfort zone and discover they can do hard things.
Seeing individuals at all stages of life build confidence in both their minds and bodies — often in ways they didn’t expect — is one of the most meaningful parts of coaching for me.
Coach Spencer
The atmosphere and energy in the air is like no other time during the open. Seeing friends and family support and cheer each other on is such a rewarding experience. Join us for a fun workout!
Different reasons. Same commitment.
The Open isn’t about where you rank — it’s about choosing to show up, challenge yourself, and do it alongside a community that supports you every step of the way.
What's YOUR WHY?
What are you waiting for? Join AMRAP today!
Schedule your free trial today to get started.
