The CrossFit Open, explained (for real people)

Name: Friday Night Lights
Location: CrossFit BC

Every February, people all around the world do the same workout in the same week. Some of them are chasing the CrossFit Games. Most of them are not. They're nurses, dads, retirees, students and office folks who wanted to see what they could do when the whole gym was cheering. That second group is who this guide is for. If you've ever wondered whether the Open is "for someone like me," keep reading. The short answer is yes.

CrossFit BC has coached Vancouver since 2008, first in Yaletown and, since 2019, from 278 East 1st Avenue in Olympic Village. We run CrossFit, HYROX race prep, Olympic weightlifting, gymnastics, and one-on-one coaching seven days a week, with every session scaled to the person doing it.

Common questions

How much does it cost to register?

Registration has been about $20 USD in recent seasons; CrossFit confirms 2027 pricing when registration opens. Doing it at CrossFit BC is included in your membership, and non-members can drop in for $30 per workout.

What if I can't do one of the movements?

That's what Scaled and Foundations are for. And if a workout still has something you can't do yet, you do the parts you can. Zero reps on one movement still counts as being in the Open.

Is the Open safe for older adults?

Yes, with the right division and a coach watching. Our Living Legends 60+ members do it every year, including one who competes in the 65 to 69 division and qualifies at the highest levels of the sport.

Can I do a workout more than once?

Yes, as many times as you like before the weekly deadline. Most people do it once and enjoy the weekend.

Do I have to do all three weeks?

No. You'll only rank on the full leaderboard if you complete all three, but plenty of people jump in for one or two.

I do HYROX. Should I bother?

Absolutely. It's a great test of the skills HYROX doesn't touch, and plenty of our HYROX crew do both.