The CrossFit Open 2026

The CrossFit Open: Is it for Beginners?
Written by Marcus Smith
Victoria Engelmann
Victoria Engelmann
Feb 17, 2026
-
5
Mainline Class
Specialty Class
Endurance
Ladies Run Club
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
Mainline Class
Specialty Class
Endurance
Ladies Run Club
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
Mainline Class
Specialty Class
Endurance
Ladies Run Club
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
Mainline Class
Specialty Class
Endurance
Ladies Run Club
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
The CrossFit Open 2026

Yes, it absolutely is. In fact, I completed my first CrossFit Open in the scaled category with very little experience, which became a major catalyst for my immersion in CrossFit.

That’s part of what makes this time of year so special. Thousands of gyms around the world have begun buzzing about one thing: The Open. You’ll hear coaches programming in its anticipation, gym fledglings wondering what all the fuss is about, and seasoned CrossFitters casually dropping workout names like 17.3, 20.4, or 13.3?

If you’ve ever wondered what those numbers mean, they’re past Open workouts. (And yes, this year we’ll be taking on 26.1, 26.2, and 26.3.)

So, let’s rewind for a moment and break down what the CrossFit Open actually is, and why it might be more beginner-friendly than you think.

The Open is a worldwide, multi-week competition where anyone can complete the same three workouts in either the RX, Scaled, Foundational or Adaptable division and submit their scores online. Last year, saw over 200,000 participants. It’s the first stage of the CrossFit Games season and a chance to test your fitness against the global community. Most importantly, it’s about rising up to the challenge and sharing the experience with your community.

Feeling nervous and ready to pass on the experience? Think again.  

Most common “reasons” I have heard for not doing The CrossFit Open include… “I’m brand new to CrossFit, I’m not ready yet. Maybe next year, after I’ve gained more experience”

Now, this won't change the fact that the CrossFit Open is tough. But it will be worth it. No matter your level, there is a version of the workout for you.

The best advice to fight those nerves and realise your true potential is to simply show up and represent yourself; working with what you've got in the here and now, while cheering for those going through the same three hellish (but fun, I swear!) Open workouts. I promise you will learn so much about your capacity to work, push yourself, and find that extra gear you may not have even known existed. You’ve got nothing to lose.

Moreover, if you’re new to CrossFit and many of the “RX” movements are still not in your arsenal (yet), I would suggest choosing either the Scaled or Foundations divisions. This will ensure you get a great workout while allowing you to compete with others of similar ability. Yes, there are thousands of people around the world who have just started CrossFit and are on the same journey. They, too, are brave enough to post their scores online. But remember, those scores are for you. To see how you improve as the years go on.

This will be my 7th CrossFit Open. And it's pretty cool to see just how far I've come over the years.

If you are still unsure about what the Open is, please let's sit down so I can help you navigate your Open journey.

Check out last year’s InnerFight podcast to learn more about the CrossFit Open from Coach Dan, Andy and Vic.

See you on the dance floor!

About InnerFight

InnerFight is a premier fitness and endurance coaching company based in Dubai. Whether you’re a busy professional seeking peak performance or an athlete pursuing ambitious dreams, InnerFight offers a supportive community where hard work, honesty, and simplicity drive extraordinary results.

We share insights, advice, tips and success stories to empower your fitness journey:

Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X for weekly motivation, training tips, and behind-the-scenes content from our Dubai community and international training camps.

If you’re based in Dubai, visit our 5,000 square foot facility to experience our world-class strength and conditioning classes, personal training, and endurance coaching. Receive 3 free sessions to experience our approach firsthand.

Fun  - Honesty - Simplicity - Smash Life - Mental Toughness - HARD WORK