Every year, the CrossFit Open rolls around, bringing with it a mix of excitement, nerves, and the inevitable soreness. As a coach at CrossFit Sheffield, I’ve been through my fair share of Opens, both competing and helping others get through it. The challenge is different every time, but one thing stays the same: preparation is everything.
Balancing Training and Recovery
For those who don’t know, the Open is a three-week, worldwide competition where CrossFit athletes take on a new workout each week, testing strength, endurance, and mental grit. Since the workouts are unpredictable, my training in the lead-up stays pretty steady—I don’t suddenly start going heavier or pushing harder. Instead, it’s about staying fresh, keeping my body in good shape, and avoiding any unnecessary fatigue.
That’s where recovery comes in. I’ve been using Tend for a while now, and it’s become a key part of my prep, especially with some old knee niggles that like to remind me they exist. If I know an Open workout could involve heavy squats, box jumps, or anything high-impact, I’ll use Tend beforehand to get everything moving and ready to go. Post-workout, it’s all about damage control—loosening up tight muscles so I can get back into training without feeling wrecked.
Game Day Strategy
The Open isn’t just about going all-out for three weeks—it’s about being smart. I always tell my athletes not to overdo it right before a workout. You want to be fresh, not fried. I’ll dial things back slightly during the week so I’m not walking into an Open workout sore from a heavy lifting session the day before. The goal? Be at 100% when that clock starts.
And of course, there’s the mental side of it. Watching the Open announcement on Thursday night is a bit of a ritual—guessing what’s coming, overanalyzing the movements, and then planning the best way to attack the workout. No matter what, though, there’s one guarantee: thrusters will show up. They always do.
Keeping the Body in Check
With so much demand on the body, prehab and recovery are non-negotiable. I tell my athletes all the time—it’s not just about how hard you train, but how well you recover. The Open pushes you, and if you’re not looking after yourself, it can take its toll fast.
For me, using Tend is like having a personal physio on standby. It helps keep things moving, especially in high-impact areas like my knees. Whether it’s warming up before a big lift or easing soreness after a brutal workout, it makes a difference—especially during the Open when you need to be at your best every week.
Ready to Go
At the end of the day, the CrossFit Open is about testing yourself, having fun, and pushing past limits. Whether it’s your first time competing or your tenth, the key is training smart, recovering well, and enjoying the process.
Now, bring on the thrusters.
Watch the Podcast Clip HERE