Functional fitness is so much about community and changing lives. Everyone can get down with going to their box daily, chatting pre- and post-class with other members, getting their fitness on, and then going home and feeling awesome. However, there is one aspect of the sport that not everyone may be totally sold on, but we think it’s something every athlete should try at least once. We are talking about competing. And no, we do not mean at the CrossFit Games. That is the beauty of this sport. There are so many different options to be competitive at so many different levels. Whether it’s competing in the scaled division at a competition at a local box five minutes away or qualifying and competing at a bigger event like The Granite Games or Wodapalooza, there really is something for everyone. Here are five reasons why you should compete at least once.
5 Reasons Why Everyone Should Compete At Least Once
1. You will meet other awesome fellow athletes.
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Getting out to competitions is a great way to meet other athletes who have the same lifestyle, goals, and idea of fun as you. (Spoiler alert: Not everyone thinks working out is fun!) Meeting these people will not only grow your support system, but you will also be able to become a part of their journey and cheer them on along the way.
2. It will give your training a little more purpose.
This is not to say that your training does not have a purpose now. There is nothing more important than training for life and being a fitter and healthier human in general. But, when you have a competition coming up, you will find yourself training harder and wanting to put in more work than ever. Testing out workouts with friends who are also competing is a great time and adds a little excitement in your day-to-day workouts.
3. You will experience an adrenaline rush that you never get at the gym.
Again, your daily workouts are super important, but they are just that — daily. When you start the first WOD at a competition, you will feel nervous at first, but then an indescribable amount of adrenaline will take over. It will almost make you feel like you have superpowers and leave you going faster and lifting heavier than ever before. It’s guaranteed that, after the event, you will be left with a huge smile on your face saying “Wow, that was awesome.”
4. You will push yourself to new heights and find out what you are really capable of.
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There is no question that while competing, you will surprise yourself at least once. With the music blaring, a crowd cheering you on, and a judge counting your reps, you will all of a sudden find yourself pushing harder than ever before. It’s an awesome feeling in the moment and also an excellent feeling to remember and bring to your daily training. The sense of accomplishment you will feel when the day is over will be so rewarding, knowing that you gave each workout everything you had.
5. The post-competition cheat meal is the best.
Need we say more?! After the day is over and the work has been put in, you deserve your cheat meal of choice. Whether that is a large greasy pizza or a pint of your favorite ice cream, you will get to thoroughly enjoy this treat after a day of tough competition and lots of fitness.
We highly encourage you to find a competition to be a part of. No matter what level you’re at, there’s something out there for you, and you deserve that feeling of accomplishment you will receive when the day is over. Just know that you can do it.
