COMPETITION

Crossfit is defined as “the sport of fitness.”  Sports by their very nature require competition. They allow us to determine how well we can perform under pressure.  The Crossfit “Bible” recognizes that implementation of the Crossfit programming “harnesses the natural camaraderie, competition, and fun of sport or game [and] yields an intensity that cannot be matched by other means.”  Basically a competitive setting motivates an “unprecedented output” from the athletes.  This is why performance on each WOD is often scored and/or ranked.  It helps to encourage competition.  However, although counter-intuitive, competition doesn’t always require being the best in a class.  Rather, it requires being the best that you can be in the class.

Competition is primarily about challenging yourself to be better.  This is the main reason WOD performances are scored, to track individual progress.  We can compete against others on a regular basis, but we are our toughest critics, and our toughest opponent.  Competition requires the discipline to show up consistently, prepare thoroughly, listen intently, and eat correctly.

Some athletes focus too much on who is finishing first or last; and who is doing partial reps, or “missing the corners” on their runs.  These athletes are wasting what little time they have in class to consult with the coaches, prepare their grocery list, or track their progress in their notebooks.  Unless you are a coach or a certified judge, “it is not your job to no-rep your fellow Crossfitter during regular workouts.”  Instead, focus on your own workout, push through and become your best every day.

Competition can be a critical driver of performance, but not if you allow it to interfere with your individual progress.  “The competitor to be feared is one who never bothers about you at all, but goes on making his own business better all the time.” – Henry Ford.

What kind of competitor are you? Drop a comment below so we can discuss.

Your partner in strength,

Coach Rob