The 2025 CrossFit Open and Defined Intramurals: What to Know

The CrossFit Open is an annual event that brings together fitness enthusiasts from around the world to test their limits, showcase their skills, and connect with a vibrant community. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a newcomer to CrossFit, the Open offers a unique opportunity to challenge yourself and see how you stack up against others globally. 

At Defined, we see the CrossFit Open as an opportunity to strengthen the connections in our own community and cheer each other on in a fun, supportive environment. We call it “Defined Intramurals” and throw down  together at “Friday Night Lights.” 

We’ll dive into more details and answer any questions you might have below, but first: Watch this video to hear directly from our coaches on what they love about the CrossFit Open and Defined Intramurals!

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What exactly is the CrossFit Open, and why do so many people participate? What do you need to know to participate in Defined Intramurals? We’ve got the answers — let’s dive in.

The CrossFit Open: Global Fitness Phenomenon

What is the CrossFit Open?

The CrossFit Open is a three-week competition that typically takes place in February and March. Each week, a new workout is released, and participants have a few days to complete it and submit their scores online. These workouts are designed to be accessible to athletes of all levels, with scaled options available for those who may not be able to perform the prescribed movements or weights.

The Open serves as the first stage in the qualification process for the CrossFit Games, the sport's premier event. Top athletes from the Open advance to the next stage, which includes regional competitions and, ultimately, the Games. However, for most participants, the Open is less about qualifying for the Games and more about personal growth and community engagement.

Why do people participate?

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1. Personal Challenge: The Open provides a structured way to push your limits and see how much you've improved over the past year. Each workout is a test of strength, endurance, and mental toughness, and completing them can be incredibly rewarding.
2. Community and Camaraderie: One of the most compelling aspects of the Open is the sense of community it fosters. CrossFit gyms, or "boxes," often host special events for Open workouts, where members come together to cheer each other on and celebrate their achievements. This camaraderie can be a powerful motivator and a source of support.
3. Benchmarking Progress: The Open offers a unique opportunity to measure your fitness against a global standard. By comparing your scores to those of athletes around the world (or just within our community at Defined), you can gain insights into your strengths and areas for improvement.
4. Fun and Excitement: The anticipation of each week's workout announcement, the thrill of competition, and the joy of achieving new personal records make the Open an exciting and enjoyable experience. Plus, at Defined, we always throw a themed party afterward! Peep our 2025 themes below.
5. Inclusivity: With scaled options available, the Open is accessible to athletes of all levels. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned competitor, there's a place for you in the Open.
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‍Defined Intramurals: Local Community Fun

What are Defined Intramurals?‍

Defined Intramurals are how we participate in the CrossFit Open as a community. Over the course of three weeks, we throw down at “Friday Night Lights” in our space — with plenty of fun and festivities to follow. Athletes who sign up for Defined Intramurals select a heat each week to give it their all in whatever CrossFit HQ has cooked up for us, with peers and coaches judging one another to ensure we meet proper movement standards and hold each other accountable.Friday Night Lights will run from 4-7 p.m. each Friday during the open (February 28, March 7, and March 14). We’ll have a different theme each week — giving you a chance to show your spirit and style!

• Friday, February 28: Tropical Oasis!
• Friday, March 7: Denim & Diamonds! 
• Friday, March 14: Glow Party!

At the end of each night, we’ll also give out awards! 

• Top Performers: For our top-scorers in both RX/Scaled divisions. 
• Best Costume: For the top-tier outfits of the night — dress to impress! 
• Stand Out Performance: For those who demonstrate the heart and soul of our Community Strong culture at Defined. 

‍How do I sign up?

‍Fill out this form by February 21 to participate in Defined Intramurals. The cost is $25 and includes a shirt! NO teams this year, so pick whatever color you like best!

‍Do I need to register for the CrossFit Open to participate in Defined Intramurals? 

‍Nope! Defined Intramurals is our own, special thing. It’s our way of participating in the CrossFit Open as a gym — no registration with CrossFit HQ required. You should only register for the CrossFit Open if you are hoping to qualify for Semifinals (and ultimately, the CrossFit Games) or if you’ve got buddies at other boxes around the world and you’d like to see how you stack up on the Leaderboard. Some people just like to register for the CrossFit Open so they can officially record their scores alongside thousands of other athletes around the world. But that’s not necessary to take part in all the fun of Defined Intramurals. 

‍How do I submit my scores?

‍We’re making it super simple this year — use SugarWOD to log your score each week. 

‍Can I scale the workouts?

‍Of course! You can choose your workout level/division weekly: Rx, Scaled, or Just for Fun. This can change from week to week.

‍What if I need to miss Friday Night Lights?

‍No problem. You can complete your workout anytime between Thursday - Monday with a peer judge. 

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More than a Gym, More than a Competition‍

The CrossFit Open is more than just a competition; it's a celebration of fitness, community, and personal growth. The Open offers something for everyone, and Defined Intramurals is one of the most cherished events on our calendar year after year. You might just surprise yourself with what you can achieve. What are you waiting for!?

Ready to join in on the fun? Sign up for Defined Intramurals here by February 21!