On Feb. 4, Lee Steggles and his community at CrossFit Shapesmiths in London, England, celebrate 10 years as an affiliate. In keeping with his approach to ownership, Steggles says they’re having a simple celebration that unites his community. “We’re keeping it very us,” he says. “Anniversary classes, decorating the gym, programming the very first workout we ever ran, past coaches dropping in, and time set aside to celebrate together.”
“It’s less about spectacle and more about gratitude,” he adds. “Ten years is a shared achievement.”
The anniversary falls just a couple of weeks before the 2026 CrossFit Open, presented by Air National Guard, and the CrossFit Shapesmiths community will tackle this year’s global competition with a focus on fun, simplicity, and inclusivity. The goal is clear: make it meaningful without making it overwhelming.
If you’re a new owner taking on the Open, Steggles has some tips: “You still have a business to run, so make the Open fit into what you already do,” he says. “Use it as an opportunity to highlight progress and give people a chance to see how far they’ve come. If space allows, encourage members to invite friends or family to watch.”
This year, the theme of the Open at CrossFit Shapesmiths is “The Magic of the Open” — less about leaderboard obsession, more about shared experience and personal progress.
Inclusivity in the Open is intentional, Steggles says. He and his and his team make sure members hear the message that the Open is for everyone, regardless of fitness level or CrossFit experience. “We’re very deliberate with language and pairing,” he says. “Newer members are never left feeling like they’re in the way.”
Scaled options are celebrated, coaches actively guide athletes, and one message is made crystal clear: showing up counts. Full stop.
The Open is a chance to bolster the community in your gym, a key focus for Steggles.
“Community needs attention,” he says. All year long, efforts are made to make sure things still “feel human,” he adds. “We introduce new ideas, refresh formats, create social touchpoints outside of training … . The moment it starts to feel transactional, that’s a sign something needs to change.”
That’s why they switch up their format each year, sometimes running the Open as a more elaborate intramural competition, and other years keeping things simpler by running workouts during only designated times. Steggles says it’s all about staying curious and listening to your community.
“Most affiliate owners deeply understand their community,” he says. “Keep investing in them.”
The 2026 CrossFit Open, presented by Air National Guard, starts Feb. 26.
For more ideas on how to run the Open, check out the article below.
READ: How To Run the CrossFit Open at Your Affiliate