The Cross Fit Open: A First-timer’s Breakdown

If you’ve been in the gym at Crusher for even a few weeks, you’ve probably heard people talking about “The Open.” Sometimes it sounds exciting… sometimes it sounds intimidating.

Let’s clear that up!

At Crusher CrossFit, a locally owned CrossFit gym in Waconia, Minnesota, we see this conversation every year — especially from people who are newer to functional fitness or just getting comfortable in the gym.

The CrossFit Open isn’t just for elite athletes, longtime members, or people who feel “ready.” It’s designed for everyone — especially first‑timers.

So… what is the CrossFit Open?

If you’re new to CrossFit in the Waconia area, this is the question we hear most. The CrossFit Open is a worldwide fitness event that takes place once a year. Over a few weeks, CrossFit releases one workout per week. You complete it in your gym, with your coaches and community around you.

That’s it.

No travel. No qualifiers. No pressure to perform at a certain level.

“But I’m new… isn’t this for advanced athletes?”

This is the most common misconception — and the biggest reason people sit it out.

Every Open workout includes scaling options, meaning the workout is adjusted to match your current abilities. Whether you’ve been doing CrossFit for years or just learned what a barbell is, there’s a version built for you.

The goal isn’t perfection. It’s participation.

Why the Open is such a powerful community builder

One of the most special things about the CrossFit Open — especially for first‑timers — is how it brings people together.

For a few weeks, gyms all over the world are doing the same workouts. People of different ages, experience levels, and backgrounds are sharing a common challenge.

Inside each gym, something shifts.

  • Members cheer for people they’ve never worked out next to before
  • Class times turn into mini events
  • Conversations spark between athletes who might not normally cross paths

You’re no longer just doing your workout — you’re part of something bigger.

Community at Crusher, community worldwide

At Crusher, we feel this strongly every year.

Athletes  encourage each other through nerves, celebrate small wins, and support each other through hard moments. It’s not about who finishes first — it’s about finishing together.

And at the same time, that same experience is happening in CrossFit gyms across the globe. Different cities. Different countries. Same workout. Same shared effort.

That connection — local and global — is what makes the Open more than just a workout series.

You don’t need to be competitive to be part of it. You just need to show up.

What the Open looks like here

At Crusher, the Open is about support and inclusivity, not comparison.

You’ll have, right here in our Waconia gym:

  • Coaches helping you choose the right version of the workout
  • Clear guidance on movements and standards
  • Teammates cheering you on
  • A low‑pressure environment that still feels exciting

You’re never expected to “know what you’re doing.” That’s our job.

Still nervous? That’s normal — especially if you’re new to CrossFit

Almost every first‑timer feels the same way:

“I’m not strong enough yet.”
“I don’t want to be the slowest.”
“What if I can’t finish?”

Here’s the truth: no one cares how fast you are or how much weight you lift. What people notice is effort, courage, and showing up.

And those are things you already have.

The real win

The Open isn’t about the leaderboard.

It’s about:

  • Trying something new
  • Stepping slightly outside your comfort zone
  • Being part of something bigger than your daily workout

For many athletes, their first Open becomes a milestone — the moment they realized they belong here.

Thinking about doing it?

If you’ve been on the fence, this is your sign.

Do it scaled. Do it nervous. Do it imperfectly.

Just do it.

You might surprise yourself.

If you have questions, our coaches are always happy to talk it through with you and help you decide if the Open is right for you.

Whether you’re brand new to CrossFit, getting back into fitness, or looking for a supportive gym community in Waconia, MN, the Open is one of the best ways to experience what Crusher is all about.

Athlete Perspective – Amanda

What brought you to Crusher CrossFit in the first place?

I have Crohn’s Disease. Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by inflammation of the digestive or GI tract. What that really means is that my immune system is malfunctioning and overactive and that causes it to attack healthy cells in my digestive tract. This for me caused (what I called) ulcers in my ileum (where the large and small intestines meet) I had emergency surgery to remove a foot of my intestines when the ulcers formed an abscess. Then 2 Years ago I had surgery for the opposite of an abscess. This time it was a bowel obstruction. My intestinal wall was scared and narrow causing blockages. Treatments for this, steroids and just the fatigue that goes along with Crohn’s disease caused me to gain 60 lbs in 6 months. The surgery for this removed another foot of my intestine. I felt better after the surgery but still felt fatigued. The Ileum is where nutrient absorption takes place. When some of the ileum is removed this caused issues, including malabsorption of vitamins and nutrients for me mostly including Iron, Protein, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin D. I tried taking high doses of Vitamins and even Iron injections, but nothing that helped. I had gained 60 lbs, Was fatigued, and unfit. Sleeping all the time, not able to get through the day at work, no energy after work to play or spend time with the kids. And on top of that, I was on immune suppressants to stop my immune system from attacking my body. I had to do something.

Working out was what we came up with, we were planning on trying to get pregnant, and I knew that pregnancy would be difficult if I didn’t change the path I was on. I tried the gym next to my office building but quickly realized that indoor running on a treadmill was not something I would enjoy enough to keep me going back to the gym or that it would be something I would want to do long-term (I really hated it). I wasn’t sure where to start with the weights at the gym, so I tried a free hour with a personal trainer. It was not what I expected, and after that session, I could not walk, get up from bed or sit down for 5 days after, so I quit. One day I was buying groceries and checking out when this gentleman in line behind me commented on all the food I was buying and asked me If I had kids, I responded with yes I have 4, he looked and me and said: “and one on the way, congratulations.” I was not pregnant. Because of my recent surgery, I carried most of my weight gain in my middle so I will admit maybe did look a little pregnant.

After I got home from grocery shopping, I was on facebook and saw a check in at Crusher Crossfit. I had never heard of Crossfit, so I looked at the website, and I remember it saying something about working for people that never have worked out. It sounded good to me, so spurred by the gentleman at the grocery store, not having any idea of what Crossfit was, besides fitness, I signed up for the Bootcamp starting 2 days later.

Bootcamp was HARD for me. I was a little discouraged because I was the slowest and weakest in the class, but after the first day I wanted to come back, I wanted to keep working and learning. Once Bootcamp was over, I started coming to class every day, and even though I was still the slowest and weakest, I really didn’t care anymore. I was doing the movements, I was working on me, I was gaining confidence, I was motivated to keep going by how I started feeling. I was tired after the workouts, but I wasn’t exhausted all day. I felt better. I could tell on days that I did not work out as I did not feel the best. I was 36, pregnant, working full time, taking care of 4 kids and was for the first time in a long time able to get through the day without the issues that followed me with Crohn’s disease. I was feeling great. I credit my fantastic pregnancy to keeping active and doing Crossfit. Even after baby, I can see the benefits Crossfit has given me in my day to day life.

What was your first impression? How has that changed?

I started at Crusher Crossfit in late September 2016. It was a nice day, and the garage doors were open for the class that was before boot camp class. As I walked up to the box, my view was of men and women back squatting what looked like to be massive amounts of weights. My first thought was oh my goodness, what did I sign up for? My first impression was wow these people are amazing. That view was very intimidating for me. As time went on that first impression didn’t change, the men and women that come to class and do this are amazing. The change from that first impression is that I see myself in that group now.

What has been your most proud moment at Crusher?

I have so many moments. The first time I ran a mile or rowed a 5K. Every PR. The first time I did 5 rounds with 24 box jumps, (It was to a small box, but that was a big deal for me.). The first time getting up into and holding a handstand. Going from the wall to a box pushup (I remember the workout and who was coaching for this one). Participating in Oktoberfest 5 weeks after baby and one week after coming back. Getting up every time after falling down. Working out every day during my pregnancy past my due date. Not giving up, ever.

What are you working on now?

Right now I am working on general fitness. While I was pregnant I felt like I could do any workout, Run or row any distance or do as many reps as needed of any movement (scaled for the pregnancy of course) after baby I feel like I am back in Boot camp again… Once I feel ready to work on specific movements I want to work on Pushups and Box Jumps.

What’s your favorite Crusher memory?

Doing Friday Night Lights and Oktoberfest. I enjoyed cheering for my fellow athletes and being cheered on. The atmosphere made me what to try harder and be better I really enjoyed competing.

Do you have advice for someone who might be a bit nervous to give CrossFit a try?

Don’t be intimidated by it. Everyone has had a first day where everyone else looked Awesome. They all had to start somewhere, Everyone has things they are good at and things they need to work on. We are all there working toward a goal and supporting each other.
Picture Above: “This is one of my favorite pictures taken on my due date. I don’t look really pregnant in this picture, but you should see the side of view.”

— Amanda R.

Where did she begin? Crusher Bootcamp
Come see what we are all about. Your first class is on us!

Teens Who CrossFit – Alec

Up to the Challenge

Alec – Junior at Waconia High School

What brought you to CrossFit in the first place?
I think the biggest thing that brought me to crossfit is the community. Crossfit is a very challenging activity but with the community there supporting you it feels a lot easier and more inviting.

What was your first impression? How has that changed?
At first I was very intimidated of Crossfit as a whole but after working through on-ramp and relearning everything, I felt way more confident and I became way more interested in Crossfit

What was your first “proud moment?”
My proudest moment at Crusher was when I got my first bar muscle up and ring muscle up in the same day

What are you working on now?
Right now I’m trying to get more hip movement in my snatch and clean and jerk.

What is your favorite Crusher Memory?
My favorite Crusher memory so far has to be my first open workout. It’s so fun to see everyone there cheering you on like a sports game.