CrossFit Open 2021 - Interviews with Members

CrossFit OPEN 2021 Experience fresh from the Press from our Members !

CrossFit Kyoto members, Atsuki, Mai, Yuki and Nick took part in the CrossFit Games Open 2021. This year they were held for three weeks from 11 March. Read on to hear about their experience:

Atsuki (40's / CrossFit Classes 10/month)

Q: Why did you decide to participate in the Open this year?
A:. Initially, I had no idea what it was going to be like, I thought it would be a really hard WOD and I wasn't really interested in participating...
However, when I heard that there would be rankings in all categories (World, Asia, Japan, Age, etc.) I was curious to see where I stood after 2 years of CrossFit and compared to the whole world!

Q: What was the hardest part and what part was the most fun?
A: As you can imagine, the workouts were really tough.
When I finished the first week's workout, I thought I wasn't going to get through two more weeks.
But the CrossFit Kyoto members encourage each other during the workouts and so I felt motivated. When it was over it felt like a great accomplishment
It was so exciting!

Q: How did you feel?
A: Before the workout, I planned my strategy with coaches Russell & Tatsuro as well as with the other participants. I had support and didn't feel alone thanks to that preparation!

Q: What part was the most memorable - what did you learn?
A: It was my first time and although I was disappointed that I couldn't do the muscle-ups in the last workout and I didn't reach my target ranking I am now inspired to train more.

Q: Any final words?
A: I think it would be more fun if we ALL participated in the Open, that way we can workout everyday with a goal, so if anyone is considering it, please join us ！！！！

Mai (30's / CrossFit and Homefit Classes 2-3/week)

Q: Why did you decide to join the Open?
A: I wanted to find out how much I could move after giving birth.

Q: What was the hardest part and what part was the most fun?
A: The workouts were harder than usual and I felt like I wasn't gonna make it. I kept thinking "How much more?!" Plus my muscles were super sore.
Because of that I felt a great sense of achievement afterwards! It gave me the confidence that I could do any workout.

Q: What part was the most memorable - what did you learn?
A: Before the Open, I thought it would be a competition for the strong and muscular types only, but I found it to be a very enjoyable competition for anyone. I was also relieved that I could choose a version that suited my ability.
I also felt a sense of unity with the other members of the team, that was great!

Q: What part was the most memorable?
A: The fact that I was able to achieve a PR of more than 10kg thanks to the support of the other members who encouraged me.
AND I lost my shoes in the middle of the workout - both of them!! lol.

Yuki (thirties / CrossFit and Homefit Classes 2/week)

Q: Why did you decide to join the Open?
A: My wife invited me.

Q: What was the hardest part and what part was the most fun - what did you learn?
A: It was obviously a lot more demanding than the usual workouts, lol.
We were really encouraged by the other participants to complete the workouts, and it was fun to feel a sense of togetherness as a team.

Q: What part was the most memorable?
A: It was a lot tougher than our normal program and I felt a greater sense of achievement than I normally do.

Q: What part was the most memorable?
A: Not being able to do all the pull-ups and not being able to do the whole workout.

Nick (30's CrossFit and HomeFit 5/week)

Q: Why did you decide to join the Open?