Empower Open 2026 – Week 1 Recap
Empower Open 2026 – Week 1 Recap
And just like that… we’re off.
Week 1 of the Empower Open is officially in the books — and what a start it was.
All three teams — The Rising Force, The Power Surge and The Unbreakables — showed up BIG TIME. With nine athletes per team, the energy, camaraderie and competitive spirit were on full display from Friday through Monday.
Slack Spirit = Bonus Points
Every single team posted at least 10 photos in the Empower Open Slack channel — capturing sweat, smiles, costumes and community. That earned each team a full 10 bonus points right out of the gate.
(Not in the Slack channel yet? Sign up at the gym so you don’t miss the fun — the photos alone are worth it.)
Full Team Effort
Two teams — The Power Surge and The Rising Force — had all nine members complete 26.1. That kind of all-in participation earned each team an additional 5 bonus points and racked up points across the board.
That’s commitment.
Judges Leading the Charge
While all three teams had strong representation in the 2026 Judges Course, The Power Surge truly flexed their leadership muscle with an incredible eight certified judges.
Those judges showed up again and again — Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday — judging twice as many athletes as any other team by the end of the week.
That’s what community support looks like.
Team Spirit (and One Legendary Costume)
The Rising Force and The Power Surge came ready in full team colours and costumes… but let’s be honest — first-timer Diesel absolutely stole the show in full Randy “Macho Man” Savage attire. Iconic. Unforgettable. A moment.
Personal Bests & Firsts Worth Celebrating
The Open is about more than scores — it’s about courage, growth and stepping into something new.
The Ghost and Diesel completed their first-ever official Open workouts at Saturday Sweat & Social, with proud families in attendance. (Yes, it was as inspiring as it sounds.)
Dizzy dove headfirst into judging — and then did it again for good measure.
Rockstar tackled 26.1 on Friday using a 14-pound medicine ball for the first time in a workout.
These are the moments that define the Empower Open.
Week 1 Standings
After tallying the results, here’s where we land:
The Power Surge – 63
The Rising Force – 48
The Unbreakables – 37
It’s still early. And it is absolutely still anyone’s game.
Workout 26.2 will be announced Thursday, and Week 2 will be here before we know it.
Whether you’re competing or not, join us for Saturday Sweat & Social. Come workout. Come judge. Come support. Or simply come soak up the energy that makes Empower what it is.
Week 1 set the tone.
Week 2… let’s see what you’ve got!
