Why Emily Loves the Open
Lynne Steiner • January 27, 2026
Every year, the CrossFit Open brings a mix of excitement and hesitation. A lot of people wonder if it’s really for them.
Emily’s story answers that question clearly.
Emily has participated in the CrossFit Open for over a decade. She has done it at different gyms, in different cities, and during very different seasons of life. No matter where she trained, she signed up every year. Not to chase the leaderboard, but because she loves the environment.
What keeps her coming back is the energy.
The cheering for friends.
The Friday Night Lights buzz.
The shared nerves, laughter, and high-fives after a workout.
Emily is proudly a scaled athlete, and that has never been a barrier. In fact, it’s part of why she loves the Open so much. The workouts meet her where she is while still challenging her in meaningful ways.
That same love for the experience is why Emily stepped up as a team captain
for our in-house competition running alongside the HQ Open this year. She believes deeply in this community and in how powerful it is to do hard things together.
If you’re on the fence, here’s what matters most:
- You do not need to be an RX athlete
- Any version of the workout, scaled or modified, earns points for your team
- You do not have to register with CrossFit Headquarters to participate in our in-house competition, though you are welcome to if you choose
At CFR, the Open isn’t about being the
best. It’s about showing up, being your
best, supporting your people, and leaning into the energy that makes this community special.
We’d love to experience it with you this year.
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