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Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past couple of years, you’ve undoubtedly heard of the ultimate workout sport, CrossFit. But did you know that you can take your fitness prowess to the next level and actually compete in the CrossFit Games? The grueling competition began in 2007 and, since its inception, has become one of the fastest growing sports in America. From entry guidelines to basic rules, here’s everything you need to know about the competition that is taking the fitness world by storm.

The CrossFit Games take place in different stages, each one more extreme than the previous stage.

As the only true test of fitness, each stage of the Crossfit Games is grueling, and it all starts with the Open. This first stage takes place over five weeks and includes five workouts that are released online on Thursdays. Competitors then have until the following Monday to submit their scores. Once the five weeks are up, the top performers from each region advance to the second stage, the Regionals. This portion of the event involves live, three-day competitions that take place over three weekends in May. The top athletes from the Regionals then advance to the CrossFit Games, which are held at StubHub Center in Carson, California.

If you have $20, access to the proper equipment, and a ton of determination, you can be a part of the Games.

That’s right; you can enter the CrossFit Games. The ultimate fitness challenge is open to anyone who can cover the $20 registration fee, has access to equipment that is commonly found in CrossFit affiliated gyms–such as a barbell and bumper plates, pull-up bar, jump rope, and rowing machine–and can, of course, make it through the grueling five week competition.

True grit and determination are your only options, because cheating is not.

Since 2011, The CrossFit Games have used a completely online format. Workouts are released online and scores are then turned in online. In order to ensure the accuracy of those scores, athletes have two options. Workouts can either be completed at a CrossFit affiliate in front of a judge or athletes can film their workouts and submit them online.

Even if you’re a CrossFit pro, the Games are much more intense than the workouts you’re used to.

The weekly workouts include two versions – Rx’d and Scaled. The Rx’d version is meant to challenge the world’s elite, while the Scaled is designed for the majority of athletes who train at CrossFit affiliates. But don’t let the label “Scaled” fool you; the Director of the Games, Dave Castro, is known for creating workouts that are pretty intense, pushing athletes to learn new skills, improve skills they already have, and to work harder than ever before.

While fitness is clearly a huge part of the Crossfit Games, the competition is about so much more.

Much more than a competition, the CrossFit Games are forever changing the world of fitness. Athletes of all ages from around the globe are able to compete like never before. More importantly, the Games produce a camaraderie among participants that is undeniable. According to CrossFit pro Revie Jane Schulz, it’s the best part of being in the CrossFit world. “After a year of going to a mainstream gym, a friend introduced me to CrossFit. I was immediately addicted to the stuff. I loved the challenge, the intensity and mostly the community,” said the athlete in a 2014 interview.

The CrossFit Games have only grown since their creation, with last year’s participation totaling more than 272,000. Now that you know the ins and out of the Games, will you be a part of that growing number?

Written by Daniella DiRienzo

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