3,2,1…Go! The 2024 CrossFit Open is upon us. For some gym owners, these three weeks bring excitement. For others, the task of creating an awesome experience for members can feel overwhelming.
As a former affiliate owner, and after 17 years of doing CrossFit, I’ve discovered a few things that I want to share with you to help you kick things up a notch for a kick-a$$ member experience.
Logistics
Use the Clock
Positive Vibes Only
Goal Debrief
Points System
LOGISTICS
This is one I’ve noticed a lot of gym owners overlook. Equipment organization and layout can make a huge difference in the atmosphere and experience. Once the workout is released, it’s important to adequately think through the organization of your event. How many athletes will be going at one time? Are there clear pathways in your layout for transitions between movements? Will judges be safe and out of the way?
Think about the in-person competitions you have watched or participated in. Finding unique ways to set up your layout can significantly elevate performance.
One other idea: Are you able to provide a warm-up area? Especially if you are doing a “Friday Night Lights” event, having a separate area for people to get loose can improve the experience. You’ll heighten the atmosphere on the “competition floor,” allowing things to move smoothly and in a timely manner. Weather-permitting, this could even be set up outside.
The more you specify exactly where things will go and how it will flow, the better the experience.
USE THE CLOCK
Well no $h!t, right!? But seriously, can you use the clock better? In the midst of the madness, use the clock to your advantage to keep things chugging along.
How often do you use the interval timer? I don’t think enough coaches utilize this feature. The “count up” or “count down” buttons are usually the popular choice. But I would recommend using the interval option in your daily classes, and especially in The Open.
For instance, if the workout is an AMRAP 12, let’s say you have three heats. Set the interval timer to countdown for three cycles: 12 minutes of work and 8 minutes of transition. This allows athletes and judges to understand how much time they have in between heats. They can then stay within the time constraints to reset any equipment, peel people off the floor and keep everything on schedule.
“Music is energy. A mood, atmosphere. Feeling. ”
POSITIVE VIBES ONLY
Want to get the energy going? The music you play is a huge part of the vibe. As an owner or coach, you are not a DJ. But you can definitely kill the mood with bad beats or seconds of silence in between songs.
Speaking of DJs, do you know any good ones? I have a good friend, DJ Godzillest, that turns tables for our gym during The Open and all other competitive events. The amount of energy that comes from hiring a professional like this can’t be understated. Plus, it’s always good to support local and small businesses.
If it’s too late for you to hire a DJ this year, here are a few other options…
Make a playlist (with no silence between songs)
FitRadio (sets from DJs of all genres)
Ask each intramural team make a playlist for when their team goes
GOAL DEBRIEF
The Open can bring mixed emotions for athletes. From the nerves ahead of time to the middle of the WOD and even after it’s all done, emotions run high.
As owners, we always try to find more ways to connect with our members. And The Open is the perfect opportunity. After the three weeks are over, offer to meet with each member for a goal debrief. Talk about what went well and where the biggest areas of opportunity exist. These sessions can create a lasting connection and a clear direction of focus moving forward.
Pro Tip: Use this as a way to upsell members into accessory training plans or personal training!
If you have a large number of members, split up the goal debrief sessions between you and your coaches. The effort will be worth the time spent to take your community to a whole new level.
POINTS SYSTEM
If you are running an intramural competition, create various ways for people to earn points, instead of just basing points on their workout score. For newer athletes, the mood of an intramural Open can downshift quickly if they don’t feel “good enough” to compete. So, by offering other ways to earn points, you can help to elevate the friendly competitiveness, and make sure everyone is included.
Think of other unique ways to allow everyone to contribute effectively. Costumes, spirit points, outstanding effort points, friends invited, first reps, PRs, etc. You are only limited by your creativity. Sometimes the smallest things can have the biggest impact.
“Attitude reflects leadership, captain.”
YOU GOT THIS
I know from experience that these things can be challenging. But if you take it one step at a time and put ideas like this in play, the outcome will be well worth the sacrifice.
Good luck to everyone and I’ll see you in the trenches!
—Coach Holman