Written by: Coach James“It is our observation that men will die for points. Using whiteboards as scoreboards, keeping accurate scores and records, running a clock, and precisely defining the rules and standards for performance, we not only motivate unprecedented output but derive both relative and absolute metrics at every workout; this data has important value well beyond motivation.” – Greg Glassman, 2007These words are found on page 2 of the CrossFit training guide and are an integral component of what makes CrossFit different than any other fitness regimen out there. In a world running toward participation trophies and political correctness, CrossFit has taken a hard left, encouraging its practitioners to keep score and to do it proudly. The whiteboard is a staple of the CrossFit program, and has become a focal point for both beginners and veterans alike. How many reps did that firebreather complete in the 5:30am class? What weight did that woman who usually beats me by just a few seconds use? Depending on the day, the whiteboard can be either a kick in the ass or gut check, and both are useful tools when it comes to maximizing your fitness.Most gymgoers, when asked about their goals, usually respond with answers that can be distilled into one of three categories: to look, feel, and/or perform better. In CrossFit, we find that by focusing on performance metrics, the others tend to take care of themselves. By putting in the work on a daily basis both in and out of the gym to be just slightly better than you were yesterday, you can’t help but improve your body composition and your mood, in addition to your “Helen” time. But just like anything, the dose makes the poison, and we never want the comparison of others to become toxic or compromise our own path. At the end of the day, our aim is to work as hard as we’re able while still moving well and having a great time while we’re doing it.The 2020 CrossFit Open is just around the corner, where the leaderboard is expanded to not just our little tribe, but to the entire CrossFit community worldwide. Once a year, we get a chance to see where we stack up as compared to our friends within the gym, our neighbors at the box across town, and the world’s fittest alike. It showcases the effort we’ve put forth over the previous year or highlights the weaknesses we’ve chosen to hide from. It’s an opportunity to reinvigorate the community with a little in-house competition and reminds us what CrossFit is all about: celebrating what our bodies are capable of, whether we’re seasoned veterans or just getting started in our journey.This year, we’re adding another layer of competition, with our first ever Tribe vs. Tribe Intramural challenge! 4 teams, led by Coaches Andris, Jen, Alexa, & James, will compete against each other in a contest where members earn points based on their participation in the Open. Athletes with Unlimited and 3x/week memberships have already been assigned randomly to a team, but we’re still looking to grow! If you have a punch-card or an Open Gym membership, you’re still welcome to join us! Please let James know and we’ll make sure to add you to a team.This makes for a potential total of 45pts/person, and anyone with 100% participation earns an extra 5 bonus points! The team with the most points at the end of the Open will win the prize package from the Duel in the Desert, along with some other cool swag including a special commemorative 2020 Open Tribe vs. Tribe championship shirt that you can't buy! Team rosters can be found via the link in your email, and if you have any questions at all, please ask one of your coaches at the gym! Looking forward to an incredible Open season!!
