Open Prep Week 1: Focus on What You Can Control
February 1, 2022 | Words by Gabe Yanez
If you’re planning on competing in the CrossFit Open, we’re just under one month away. Over the next three-and-a-half weeks, these Open Prep posts—starting with this one—will break down some key topics you may want to consider as you prep for the big test.
Now, if you’re not planning to compete in the Open, read these posts anyway, as the topics covered can still apply to any big physical challenge you have coming up in 2022.
Whether you’re running your first half marathon, competing in a weightlifting meet, doing a Spartan Race, or signed up for a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournament, these next few weeks should help you perform at your best the next time you decide to put your fitness to the test.
FOCUS ON WHAT YOU CAN CONTROL
It takes a lot longer than one month to properly prepare for a big test of fitness. Whether it’s the Open, a race, a tournament, or any other type of event, most of the work you’ve put in to be prepared is already done.
At just a few weeks out from go time, the hay is either already in the barn or it isn’t.
With that said, there are some things that are still in your control that you can focus on to perform at your best once it’s game day.
ONE THING TO TRY THIS WEEK
There’s a list of skills that have repeatedly shown up in the Open. Even though you may not be able to get stronger or more aerobically fit over the next three weeks, you can still identify a few specific skills to work on to make yourself more comfortable if you encounter them once the workouts are released.
Handstand Push-ups, Wall Walks, Muscle Ups, Toes to Bar, Thrusters, and other barbell cycling are all skills we’ve seen in past Opens.
Identify one of the skills you’ve struggled with and set aside 10-15 minutes of practice at the end of each training session. This shouldn’t be a ton of volume, but rather intentional practice and repetition to make you feel more comfortable with the movement.
The key here is to commit to consistent practice over time, while focusing on only one or two of the skills that have challenged you the most. You’ll be surprised how much of an impact dedicated practice can have on skill development—but you need to stay consistent!
The work you put in during the weeks leading up to your big event is done and outside of your control at this point, so focus what is and what you can make huge improvements on over a short period of time.
Whether you’re planning to do the Open or not, our NCMETCON track on the NCFIT App has the workouts to prepare you for anything. Download now on iOS and get ready for when the Open workouts drop in February!
