With the 2025 CrossFit Open right around the corner, the buzz is palpable. Athletes everywhere are gearing up for the first workout of the season, CrossFit Open 25.1—and the question on everyone’s mind is: what will it be?
As always, CrossFit will kick off the season with a workout that tests every domain of fitness, but with a few surprises sprinkled in. This year, more than ever, athletes will be looking to make their mark in the early stages of the competition, so predicting the first Open workout is as thrilling as it is challenging. While nothing is set in stone, we can look at trends from previous years and make some educated guesses on what might show up in 25.1.
The Classic CrossFit Couplets and Triplets
CrossFit has built a reputation for its ability to combine two or three movements into a single, high-intensity workout. Expect couplets or triplets to return for 25.1, with a focus on movements that are accessible yet extremely challenging when put together.
Predicted Movements:
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Dumbbells: Dumbbell snatches, devil’s presses, or thrusters have been a staple in recent Open workouts. With the constant push toward accessible yet effective exercises, it’s a safe bet that dumbbells will make an appearance again. They’re versatile, they hit all the major muscle groups, and they’re tough to master under fatigue—perfect for the first Open workout of the year.
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Wall Balls: You can almost count on wall balls showing up in the Open. Whether for time or for reps, wall balls test both cardiovascular endurance and strength. If CrossFit HQ wants to push the whole body early on, this classic movement is sure to be part of the equation.
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Barbell Movements: You can’t talk about the Open without mentioning barbells. Expect to see power cleans, deadlifts, or even a snatch complex. The goal will be to challenge athletes’ strength and technique under fatigue—no surprise there.
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Gymnastics Movements: Pull-ups, toes-to-bar, or even muscle-ups could be on the docket for 25.1. Gymnastics movements test body control, upper-body strength, and mental fortitude. Plus, they’re perfect for testing athletes’ skill under pressure.
High-Intensity, Time-Capped Challenges
In the past, the Open has leaned into time-capped, high-intensity workouts that push athletes to complete as many rounds as possible in a short window of time. Expect this trend to continue for 25.1.
A 10-minute AMRAP (As Many Rounds As Possible) or a for-time workout with a moderate-to-heavy load is likely. CrossFit often pushes the limits of endurance and conditioning early in the Open, so we wouldn’t be surprised to see a workout that demands both power and stamina. A workout that combines Olympic lifting with gymnastics and cardio could be the perfect way to challenge the broad spectrum of athletes competing.
A possible couplet or triplet might include:
- 30 wall balls
- 30 dumbbell snatches
- 30 pull-ups …followed by a quick run or row to top it all off.
This would be a workout that tests strength, endurance, and muscle fatigue, all while maintaining a fast pace. Whatever it is, it’ll definitely keep athletes moving quickly while forcing them to dig deep.
Cardio Elements – Always a Factor
There’s no denying it—cardio will be a factor in 25.1. CrossFit Open workouts have traditionally included running, rowing, or biking to test athletes’ aerobic capacity. This year, the workout could include a short, high-intensity burst of cardio, followed by strength movements.
Expect to see some kind of sprint-style workout that incorporates a rowing or running element. A short-distance run (think 400 meters) combined with bodyweight or barbell movements would push athletes to exert maximal effort, making the workout mentally grueling as well as physically challenging.
Could We See a Classic Open Workout Return?
CrossFit loves to throw in some familiar workouts each year, and there’s always a chance 25.1 will revisit a workout from years past. Here are a couple of fan favorites that could make a comeback:
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Open Workout 15.1 (Clean and Jerk Ladder): A classic, where athletes face a ladder of increasing weights in a clean and jerk challenge. A repeat of this workout would be an excellent test of strength, speed, and technique, and could see some familiar faces pushing for PRs.
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Open Workout 16.1 (Burpee Box Jump Over + Snatch): This workout combined Olympic lifts with a high-intensity cardio movement. A repeat of something similar would test all aspects of fitness: strength, agility, and endurance.
A New Element? A Wildcard!
CrossFit is known for keeping athletes on their toes, and we wouldn’t be shocked if 25.1 features something unexpected. A wildcard movement that hasn’t appeared in the Open before.
In recent years, CrossFit has introduced creative movements like the dumbbell devil’s press, the bar muscle-up, and even rowing burpees. Could we see something completely new in 25.1? It’s a possibility. CrossFit loves to throw curveballs, and something like a new gymnastics skill or functional movement could spice up the season from the get-go.
What to Expect for 2025: Streamlined and Accessible
In 2025, the Open will be an even more crucial step for athletes aiming for the CrossFit Games, with the qualification process streamlined and the competition field reduced. The first workout, 25.1, is bound to be a solid, accessible challenge for athletes at all levels. It will push competitors to test their strength, endurance, and mental fortitude in a well-rounded, high-intensity workout.
Whether it’s a repeat of a fan favorite, a fresh twist on a classic, or an entirely new challenge, athletes will need to be prepared for anything when 25.1 drops. One thing is certain: it will test every aspect of fitness, leaving no room for weakness as athletes set their sights on the Games.
As we prepare for the Open, stay tuned! CrossFit HQ always has a few surprises in store. We can’t wait to see what they have planned for 2025!
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