Calling All CFLB Members: The 2012 CrossFit Open Is For You!

It's finally here: the 2012 CrossFit Open. This is your chance to join the fun, get in some phenomenal never-before-done workouts, and push yourself to whole new limits.

CFLB encourages all our members to participate in this year's CrossFit Open, regardless of how long you've been CrossFitting or your skill level. And here's why:

• You don't have to do the WODs Rx'd to participate at CFLB. Read more about this below.
• It's an exhilarating experience and a blast - ask anyone who did it last year.
• You'll be inspired by your fellow participants, as well as yourself.
• This year it's only 5 WODs instead of 6.
• Potluck after every Open WOD - need we say more?

So you in? Sign up here.

What Is This CrossFit Open Thing, Anyway?

Held every year, the CrossFit Open is the first step athletes must take to qualify for the CrossFit Regionals (in our case, the Southern California Regionals), and ultimately the CrossFit Games (our version of the Olympics - only with a lot more shirtless athletes).

2011 was the first year the CrossFit Open was open to anyone who wanted to compete, via their own gym or by video submission. It was a huge success, with more than 26,000 athletes participating around the world. This year should be even bigger and better.

Learn more here.

How do I participate?

It's simple.

1. Sign up now at the CrossFit Games website. The cost is $20.
2. Select CrossFit Long Beach as your affiliate and your team.
3. Complete five WODs, one each week for five consecutive weeks. 
4. For the CFLB RX team, here's another way you can help. Just do the WODs you kick ass at. So if you're that insanely strong person who hates all things cardio, kill the strength-based WODs and chill on the others. You still have to do all 5 WODs but you only need 1 RX rep to stay in the game.
5. Submit your WOD scores each week online at the CrossFit Games website by the Sunday 5:00PM deadline.
6. You can also participate by coming to these events and cheering your fellow CFLB members on. The WODs are tough and they will need you by their side, cheering and yelling, pushing you to your limits.

What are the WODs going to be?

Your guess is as good as ours. But here's how it'll work.

• Starting February 22, the Games website will announce the WOD each week on Wednesday at 5:00PM.
• You have until 5:00PM the following Sunday to complete that week's WOD and submit your score online.
• Once you've submitted your score, you can see where you rank in your region and in the world.
• The top 60 athletes in each region (men and women) qualify for the Regionals.
• The top 20 masters in each age category (age 45 and up) automatically qualify for the Games.
• The top 30 teams in each region qualify for the Regionals.

To learn how the WODs are scored and how to qualify for Regionals, visit the Games website.

When will the Open WODs be happening at CFLB?

Here's the schedule, so mark your calendars:

• WOD 1: Sunday, February 26 at 11:00AM
• WOD 2: Saturday, March 3, at 11:00AM
• WOD 3: Saturday, March 10, at 11:00AM
• WOD 4: Saturday, March 17, at 11:00AM
• WOD 5: Saturday, March 24, at 11:00AM

We're planning on having a huge turn-out for all of them, with a gym full of sweating competitors and screaming cheerer-on-ers. Bring your friends and family to watch you in awe and help motivate the athletes. The energy will be palpable. And don't forget about the post-Open-WOD paleo potlucks! It's going to be great time for all.

Sign up for the Open now.

What if I can't make the weekend WOD?

We know some of you work weekends so we've added an alternate Open WOD time of Thursdays at 6:30PM. WOD 1 will be on Thursday, February 23. You can also use this time to try each WOD twice each week (once Thursday, once Saturday/Sunday). You'll just submit your best time.

What if I can't do the WOD RX'd?

No worries, we still strongly encourage you to do the Open WODs. If you're competing to qualify for Regionals, you'll be required to do the WODs RX'd. But if you're interested in having fun and gaining the experience, then scale when and where you need to.

The WODs last year were challenging, but totally do-able. We have athletes of every skill level here, so whatever your abilities you won't be alone out there on the mat.

Sign up for the Open now.

Who's judging the WODs?

Your coaches and fellow CFLBers. We'll be sure all our judges know and understand the standards so the judging will be fair and consistent. Remember your competitive etiquette and respect the judges' calls. 

3-2-1-Go!

Sure, it's exciting. It's competitive. It's an amazing bonding experience. And it's a great way to prove to yourself how far you've come. But most of all, it's fun. Sign up for the Open now!

If you have any questions or hesitations, talk to us. There's a way for everyone at our gym to participate and have a great time.

Here we go!