Tanya and the CrossFit Open!

Meet Tanya, a committed member of the Ampersand community for several years. She's not just a CrossFit enthusiast; she's an Open veteran, having taken on the challenge multiple times. As we gear up for this year's Open, let's dive into her journey and discover what motivated her to take the leap into the Open!

Read Tanya’s story below!

I believe my first open was either 2013 or 2014. I know I started CrossFit in 2013 but I’m not sure if I started in time for the open that year. I have missed an open or two since starting due to injuries and surgeries, but have done at least eight years worth of the open.

I really like how it brings people together and increases the CrossFit community with camaraderie and teamwork and helps people push themselves a little farther than they would normally go.  It’s really fun to think that some of the best athletes in the world are doing the same work out that you’re doing albeit, at your scaling for your personal fitness and needs.

My all-time favorite open memory was from last year when the “ladies night“ crew was competing together and it felt like the whole gym was there cheering us on. It was so exhilarating and so amazing to see these women from different walks of life push each other and support each other in their endeavors.

Don’t think about it- just do it! You will love the exhilaration and the momentum it provides, and you will succeed in things you never thought you were capable of!

I’m excited to be in the open again this year and I can’t wait for my husband to experience Friday night lights as he has returned to CrossFit and the Open this year!

Ready to script your own Open story?

As Tanya highlights, it's not just a fitness competition; it's a celebration of community, teamwork, and personal triumphs. The Open transcends the gym walls, connecting us to a global community of CrossFit. So, don't hesitate – join us in the Open this year. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting, the Open is about pushing boundaries and surprising yourself. Let's create unforgettable moments together!

The 2024 Open is here… AND WE ARE EXCITED!

First things first, if you don’t know about the CrossFit Open, please read HERE.

The Open is a fun worldwide mini-competition that we join in on at the gym! Don’t let it intimidate you. It doesn’t matter where you place! There are multiple versions/modifications of the workout so don’t worry if you are unsure about your ability level. All are welcome and highly encouraged to participate.

HOW IT WORKS

We do the Open every year, and split the gym into teams to earn points. If you’ve been with us for a while, you’ve experienced the open before.

We have three teams led by co-captains (one athlete and one coach/intern). These captains are huge parts of our Ampersand community, they work hard, have great attitudes and are sure to help us keep it FUN! Because, that is our aim. Fun. No trash talking [well maybe a little.. ;)]. Just throwing down on some good ol’ fashioned CrossFit style workouts with the rest of Ampersand while we all compete against each other in a friendly fun competition.

Each Thursday, the CrossFit Games will announce the workout worldwide. Then we’ll do them with a Friday Night Lights WOD. If you can’t make it Friday night, the other classes on Friday will also do the open workouts, but we’d definitely encourage you to show up on a Friday night when possible. 

POINTS

Don’t worry, you won’t “drag a team down”. Everyone can contribute points. All you have to do is show up and do the workout. (And there are at home bodyweight versions you can do if you can’t make it in to join us!) 

Here are ways to help your team earn points:

• 1 pt = did the workout and recorded a score in SugarWOD (in the gym or at home!)

• 1 pt = participated in that week’s theme/dress up

• 1 pt = posted on Bright Spots Friday post in FB group

• 1 pt = judged during FNL

• Other points opportunities to be announced as we go!

REGISTRATION

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO REGISTER FOR THE CROSSFIT OPEN IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE AT AMPERSAND. However, if you’d like to see your scores against the rest of the world, region, or state, you can register online. Registration for the Open can be done at games.crossfit.com and is live now and please make sure to choose CrossFit Ampersand as your Affiliate.

DRAFT

We have 3 teams this year led by one of our new coaches and a gym member. All athletes in the gym will be automatically put into the Draft pool and will be randomly selected onto a team. Teams will be written on a whiteboard at the gym.

Our Open workouts will take place at every group class time on Friday, building to Friday Night Lights which will begin at 4:00 pm and run til 7pm. There will be heat sign-ups, which will be available first come first serve. Please show up early to sign up for a heat, help judge, take pictures and cheer everyone on! 

THREE WEEKS - Mar 1st - Mar 12th

Friday, March 1st @ 4:30 p.m. – 24.1 (Favorite Animal/Animal Print)

Friday, March 8th @ 4:30 p.m. – 24.2 (Roaring 20’s)

Friday, March 12th @ 4:30 p.m. – 24.3 (Ampersand Spirit)

Athletes may make up workouts or re-test on Saturdays after 9 am by appointment only.

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OUR FOCUS IS ON FUN. WE WANT PARTICIPATION BECAUSE IT WILL MAKE YOU FITTER, AND IT WILL GET YOU HIGH-FIVES AND YOU’LL BE HAPPY AND LOVE LIFE MORE AND GLOW AND STUFF.