We haven’t had an Open since 2019 so you can imagine how pumped we are at WODprep HQ to welcome the 2021 CrossFit Open this week! Before it kicks off, we thought we’d do a run down of everything you need to know.
There’s been a LOT of changes since Eric Roza took over as CEO of CrossFit, on top of the adjustments they’ve had to make as a result of the Covid pandemic. So let’s dig into it…
If you haven’t signed up for the CrossFit Open yet, you can do that here.
Workouts, Dates and Leaderboard Changes;
- The last Open took place in later in the year, but it’s been moved back to March which we think is a good move.
- This year’s Open has been reduced from 5 weeks of workouts to just 3. Even more reason to give them your best shot.
- We have a new division this year – Foundations. It seems ideal for complete beginners and those not sure if they are capable of completing Scaled workouts. You’ll need some equipment to enter this division.
- Another new division – Equipment Free! As the name suggests, you won’t need any kit for this one and can complete it from home – ideal if your box is closed or you’re having to isolate.
- Each category will have its own leaderboard, and while you’re allowed to skip between divisions, you’ll only feature on those specific leaderboards if you complete all the workouts in the same one.
The CrossFit Open Schedule:
The first workout will be released at 5 p.m. Pacific Time on the CrossFit Games website. You’ll then have until the following Monday at 5 p.m. PT every week (March 15, 22 and 29) to submit your scores on games.crossfit.com.
Equipment List
Make sure you have the items below if you’re planning on competing in a division that requires equipment:
- Barbell & Olympic style plates
- Jump Rope
- Pull-up Bar
- Plyo Box
- Dumbbell (Men: 50lbs / Women 35lbs)
See the graphic below from CrossFit detailing which division requires equipment and which kind of athlete is best suited to each one. You don’t have to decide just yet though, wait until each workout is released before you make your mind up.
Judging and Scores
There are a few ways you can have your scores validated on or before submission;
- At an affiliate, with a judge (if you’re expecting to qualify for the next stage, make sure your judge has taken CrossFit’s Judges course)
- At home, judged via video call by a CrossFit Judge from your affiliate
- Anywhere, as long as you upload a video of your workout when you submit your scores
You can read more about this process in CrossFit’s Rulebook.
WODprep’s Movement Predictions
The Red List: Movements that we’re fairly certain won’t be showing up:
- Wall Balls
- Ring Muscle-ups
- Rowing
The Amber List: We won’t completely rule these out but we might not see due to them not being practical for most at home:
- Handstand Walks
- Bar Muscle Ups
The Green List: This list is the one to focus on – the ones we think WILL be making an appearance;
- Toes to Bar
- Double Unders
- Handstand Push-ups (possibly a freestanding Handstand Hold too!)
- Chest to Bar Pull-ups
- Thrusters
- Single Dumbbell Movements
- Burpees
- Push-ups
- Pistols (Single Leg Squats)
- Burpee Box Jump Over
- Power Snatch
- Deadlift
- Snatch / Power Snatch
- Clean and Jerk / Power
- Box jump / Step Up
- Dumbbell Overhead/Front Rack Lunge
Useful Links
YouTube Video – CrossFit Open Workout 21.2 – Full Strategy Guide
Blog Post – CrossFit Open Workout 21.2 Announced (All Workouts)
Blog Post – 3 Dynamite Strategies for CrossFit Open Workout 21.2
Blog Post – 4 Steps to Nail Your Open Workout 21.2 Video Submission
Blog Post – CrossFit Open Workout 21.1 (All Workout Types)Blog Post – 3 Killer Strategies for CrossFit Open Workout 21.1
Blog Post – Tips and Strategies to Master the Wall Walk in CrossFit Open 21.1
YouTube Video – CrossFit Open Workout 21.1 – Full Strategy Guide
Get my FREE Strategy Guides delivered to your inbox every week!
2020 CrossFit Open details (if you’d like to compare this year to the 2020 Open)
WODprep’s Open Practice Workouts
Blog Post – 5 Reasons You Don’t Want to Miss The 2021 CrossFit Open