Whether you’re preparing for your first CrossFit competition (or second, or third!), you are likely feeling all the feelings – excited, nervous, or maybe like you suddenly want to call in sick.
I get it! The night before my first competition I was SO curious and SO anxious I barely slept. AND I had a glass of wine – what was I thinking? A CrossFit competition on little sleep and lack of preparation was brutal, to say the least.
And that, my friends, is where I come in.
I’m here to help you with tips & tricks to make your competition as fun and exciting as it can be. It’s taken me about six CrossFit competitions to finally enjoy the experience and I don’t wish that treacherous road of discovery on my worst enemy.
So here we go. Are you ready? Let’s get started! Here are my top 9 tips for how to prepare for a CrossFit competition.
1. Practice!
This was my first mistake in almost every competition – I didn’t make time to practice my workouts.
Even if it’s just a few of them, and especially if it’s a partner WOD, you will go into the day excited and with ease if you make time to go through the workouts prior to competition day.
The biggest obstacle in any competition (besides the fact that you’re working out for an entire day) is keeping a calm state of mind, and practicing beforehand is key.
Make sure you are aware of movement standards and come ready with questions if you have any.
2. BRING ALL THE SNACKS.
All of them! Even if you think you’re too nervous to eat.
The last thing you need is to get desperate and be stuck at a CrossFit gym with only a Taco Bell nearby.
My favorite go-to’s include cooked sweet potatoes, protein shakes, Rx or EPIC bars, boiled eggs, nut butter, coffee (duh), lunch meat, FitAid drinks, Lenny and Larry’s cookies (if you can tolerate gluten) and tuna packets.
Eat constantly throughout the day to sustain energy levels. Your body is working extra hard. Bring clean, simple snacks and reward yourself later with something delicious. Heavy, salty, unhealthy foods can be the death of you mid-competition.
3. Bug spray, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
For obvious reasons.
4. Lawn chairs.
Competitions are a social event above all. Our community is amazing and we make friends wherever we go.
Expect lengthy breaks between workouts-you will want somewhere to relax. Lots of competitors bring a tent like this one to sit under. If you can afford it, do that too!
5. Naps. And pillows.
I love napping in the middle of a competition. I also have the energy level of a house cat so if I could nap daily I would.
Bring a pillow and a blanket just in case exhaustion creeps in and you have 90 minutes to sneak off to your car and listen to some meditative music or a podcast.
Introverts-this is your time to mentally recover! Mental state is key and competitions are very stimulating. Give your brain a break.
6. Cash.
You never know.
7. All your gear.
Wrist wraps, tape, lifting belt, jump rope, or anything you practice with. You want this gym to feel as much like your home gym as possible.
If you aren’t sure if you’ll need it, just throw it in your car – you learn as you go!
If you’re unsure about gear or what you might need, check out our post on CrossFit gear here.
8. Comfy shoes/spare clothes.
You won’t want those CrossFit sneakers on longer than you have to, and you never know if your new CrossFit friends will want to hit a brewery after.
Bring some dry workout clothes and extra deodorant just in case!
9. YOUR SMILE!
You’ll hear this all the time and I hope you listen. Competitions are meant to be fun!
YES you work hard, and YES it’s so fun to show it off, but mostly it’s a wonderful showing of our community members and a great way to connect deeper to a lifestyle we love so much.
Enjoy how loudly the crowd is cheering for you, enjoy making friends in the parking lot, and enjoy seeing how far your body can go when you just want to quit.
Competitions always bring AMAZING memories if you breathe, enjoy, do your best, and don’t take yourself too seriously. I try to consider the podium a bonus, but that’s just me.
What are some ways you prepare for a CrossFit competition? Tell us in the comments below!
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