This question arises all the time. I’m going to give you a few of the reasons as to why Irontribe operates under a no open gym policy.
Coaching: There is no coaching available in an open gym setting. All Crossfitters need this element, even the great ones. First, coaching lets you know what you’re doing wrong; take the back squat for example. To say the least, the back squat can be a technical movement. High bar or low bar, start the movement with your hips, etc. Also, who’s going to spot you on a max day? One false move can cause not only a mislift but also a major injury. Take it from me, poor squatting technique can lead to excruciating back pain. Secondly, coaching gives you that drive and determination on that third round of wall balls. Yeah, you want to quit but here I come and tell you to pick the ball up right now. Most will rest five to ten seconds and then get moving again. You don’t have five to ten seconds to waste; every second counts, right?
Competition: This is what makes Crossfit. When I’m on a run and someone is in front of me I want to not only catch them but completely smoke them. If you’re doing Crossfit you most likely have this competitive edge. Nobody wants to finish last. I don’t like to come in second under any circumstance. Say you come into this “open gym” for a workout and there is nobody to do a WOD with. You have nobody to beat or nobody to make you better. Every part of your workout is enhanced with the competition.
Bottom line: The open gym format doesn’t work. Irontribe isn’t a global gym. Crossfit is all about the coaching and the competition; this is what you’re paying for. The coaching and competition is what breeds not only the passion for the sport but also the best of the best. I’ve become such a better athlete because of coaching and competition. Every Crossfitter will become much better athletes without the open gym format. Also, I don’t like to suffer and sweat alone. The old adage misery loves company definitely applies to Crossfit. The coaching instills solid technique and the competition builds intestinal fortitude WOD by WOD.
