You've completed the CrossFit Open 2025, but do you truly understand what each workout was testing? Coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic dive deep into the methodology behind this year's programming, revealing insights that could transform your approach to training.
The first workout wasn't just about lunges and dumbbell movements—it was a deliberate test of your mental endurance and ability to maintain continuous movement for 15 minutes straight. As @davesy85 says, "They purposely didn't make it heavy... As tired as you are, you can always keep moving on a burpee." This accessibility by design serves CrossFit's goal of casting a wider net, especially for first-time Open participants.
The classic thruster and pull-up combination in 25.2 exposed weaknesses in either barbell strength, gymnastics skill, or the mobility required to link these movements efficiently. The coaches note that the thruster "might be the most complete movement in terms of fitness," requiring full-body coordination and excellent front rack mobility.
Perhaps most revealing was the discussion about rest periods versus rep schemes. "I want to challenge all athletes to start thinking about how many breaths am I taking between sets, rather than what should my sets be." This mindset shift could be the key to shaving minutes off your workout times, especially in tests like 25.3 where transitions between stations often consume precious seconds.
The conversation takes a particularly passionate turn when addressing the scaling options. Many of the athletes in the 55+ age group found the scaled movements "thoroughly unsatisfying," arguing that many Masters competitors can and regularly do perform more advanced gymnastics movements than what's programmed. The coaches propose thoughtful solutions that would maintain the integrity of the competition while being more inclusive.
Whether you're analyzing your own Open performance or planning next year's approach, this episode offers valuable insights that bridge the gap between programming theory and practical application. What areas will you focus on improving before the 2026 Open arrives?
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