The CrossFit Open is this special time when Dave Castro and the broheads at CrossFit HQ get together and come up with workouts that highlight our weaknesses with neon permanent markers, forcing us to get out of our comfort zones and push our limits. Those jerks! So, we decided to re-establish Open Gym as an opportunity for all of us to come together and work those weaknesses. And we mean it - it’s 2 extra hours a week you get to freely work on whatever ails you. We have a coach there ready to give you drills, or help correct form, or give you accessory work to build strength. “Yeah okay I get it but like what will I actually gain from a measly 2 extra hours a week?” So glad you asked, let me tell you a story:Steven Harmon is a baller, and as such, wanted to do 17.2 RX. But he kept getting stuck on those muscle ups (and today in shocking news…). Defeated but determined, he was back at the gym Saturday morning to work on his kips, cues, and master the basics of the movement so he wouldn’t find himself stuck later. He did countless sets of kips - each bigger than the last - and then moved into assisted muscle ups with a band. And check this the freak out:https://youtu.be/p3KposrF-p8His second banded MU ever! His first was about 3 minutes before this. Boom. Can you smell unassisted MUs yet? I can. Smells like joy and ripped hands. But Super Steven doesn’t stop there - muscle ups are a trouble area, and double unders have always been a battle. After his muscle up work, he moved to DUs. After being beaten with his rope, we worked together to identify that his issues were elbow placement and rhythm during the jumps. After some slow single-under accessory work, it clicked. Steve finally got the rhythm. Pretty soon you’ll see this guy doing 100 DUs in a row. I can feel it. Remembering to celebrate small victories is so important. 99% of the time, you will not be able to waltz into the gym and do something new the right way on your first attempt. You start with the basics and work your way up until you have mastered that skill. Learning to love the process will help avoid so much frustration and make it fun at the same time. So, see you Saturday - 10am at the gym. We’re ready for ya.-McKenzie