This week’s strategy guide is brought to you by Rx Smart Gear, who makes my favorite jump ropes AND gymnastic grips. Right now you can save 20% on your entire order by going to rxsmartgear.com and using the code “WODPREP”
Here’s everything you need to crush 25.2 CrossFit® Workout:
Beginner rope - RXSG CustomFit Rx Jump Rope w/ 3.4 or 2.6oz cable
Advanced rope - RXSG Evo Speed Ropes. I use the Evo G2 w/ uncoated 1.3 oz cable
Alec Smith 2.0 Grips - They're SO good. Tried and tested.
>>> To read the full strategy, head to our in depth article here <<<
The Open is here, and if you want to crush 25.2, you need a plan. This workout isn’t just about grinding through reps—it’s about strategy, efficiency, and making sure every movement counts.
Whether you're aiming for the top of the leaderboard or trying to get your first muscle-up, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s break it down the WODprep way.
For time:
- 21 pull-ups
- 42 double-unders
- 21 thrusters (weight 1)
- 18 chest-to-bar pull-ups
- 36 double-unders
- 18 thrusters (weight 2)
- 15 bar muscle-ups
- 30 double-unders
- 15 thrusters (weight 3)
Time cap: 12 minutes
Rx’d: (Ages 16-54)
♀ 65, 75, 85 lb (29, 34, 38 kg)
♂ 95, 115, 135 lb (43, 52, 61 kg)
Scaled: (Ages 16-54)
♀ Jumping pull-ups, then pull-ups, then chest-to-bar pull-ups | single-unders |
45, 55, 65 lb (20, 25, 29 kg)
♂ Jumping pull-ups, then pull-ups, then chest-to-bar pull-ups | single-unders |
65, 85, 105 lb (29, 38, 47 kg)
Teenagers 14-15:
♀ 45, 55, 65 lb (20, 25, 29 kg)
♂ 65, 85, 105 lb (29, 38, 47 kg)
Scaled Teenagers 14-15:
♀ Jumping pull-ups, then pull-ups, then chest-to-bar pull-ups | single-unders |
35, 45, 55 lb (15, 20, 25 kg)
♂ Jumping pull-ups, then pull-ups, then chest-to-bar pull-ups | single-unders |
45, 65, 85 lb (20, 29, 38 kg)
Masters 55+:
♀ Jumping pull-ups, then pull-ups, then chest-to-bar pull-ups | 45, 55, 65 lb
(20, 25, 29 kg)
♂ Jumping pull-ups, then pull-ups, then chest-to-bar pull-ups | 65, 85, 105 lb
(29, 38, 47 kg)
Scaled Masters 55+:
♀ Jumping pull-ups, then jumping chest-to-bar pull-ups, then pull-ups |
single-unders | 35, 45, 55 lb (15, 20, 25 kg)
♂ Jumping pull-ups, then jumping chest-to-bar pull-ups, then pull-ups |
single-unders | 45, 65, 85 lb (20, 29, 38 kg)
For complete breakdown of workout types and standards visits: games.crossfit.com/workouts/open/2025/2
Your Tiebreak Time & Ranking Strategy
In Open 25.2, every second and rep matter. Your score is based on the number of reps you complete, but if you hit a tie with someone else, your tiebreak time will determine who places higher.
Your tiebreak time is recorded the moment you finish each set of thrusters. After completing the initial 21 thrusters, that time becomes your first tiebreak. If you advance to the set of 18 thrusters, your tiebreak updates to that time instead.
If you don’t finish the workout, your final score is based on total reps completed, with the tiebreak time used to rank you against others with the same rep count. The faster the tiebreak time, the higher the placement.
For safety, ensure your barbell is positioned at least 5 feet (1.5 meters) from the pull-up bar. You can have assistance changing weights or set up multiple pre-loaded bars to keep transitions smooth and efficient.
Movement Standards & How to Avoid No Reps
The best way to stay ahead in Open 25.2? No no-reps.
Every wasted rep costs time and energy, so let’s make sure you know exactly what’s required for each movement.
Pull-Ups
- Start with arms fully extended and feet off the ground.
- You can use any grip, and you can tape the bar OR wear hand protection—but not both.
- Your chin must clearly break the horizontal plane of the bar for the rep to count.
Common No Reps:
- Not starting with arms fully extended.
- Chin not reaching over the bar.
Double Unders
- The rope must pass under your feet twice per jump.
- It has to spin forward. No backward reps allowed.
Common No Reps:
- Rope doesn’t pass under the feet twice.
- Feet not leaving the ground simultaneously (aka single unders by mistake).
Thrusters
- The barbell must start on the ground, and you can squat clean directly into the first rep.
- You must pass below parallel (hip crease below knees).
- Finish each rep with full extension of the hips, knees, and arms. The bar should be directly overhead.
- You cannot pause at the top and jerk the bar—this has to be one fluid movement.
Common No Reps:
- Not squatting below parallel.
- Pressing out or pausing at the top instead of locking out in one motion.
- Dropping the bar and catching it before it settles on the ground.
Chest-to-Bar Pull-Ups
- Start from a full hang with arms extended.
- Any grip and any pull-up style are allowed.
- Chest must make clear contact with the bar at or below the collarbone.
Common No Reps:
- Arms not fully locked out at the start.
- Chest not making contact with the bar.
Bar Muscle-Ups
- Start at full extension hanging below the bar.
- No part of your foot can go over the lowest part of the bar.
- Lock out your arms at the top with your shoulders slightly over the bar.
Common No Reps:
- Bending arms at the start instead of a full hang.
- Feet rising above the bar.
- Failing to lock out arms at the top.
How to Transition Between Movements Efficiently
Smooth transitions can make or break your Open 25.2 score. Wasting time shuffling between movements adds up fast, so let’s dial in your strategy.
Pull-Up Bar to Jump Rope: After finishing your last pull-up, drop straight down and step directly to your rope. Keep it neatly laid out in a ‘U’ shape to avoid unnecessary fumbling. The faster you pick it up, the quicker you can settle into a rhythm.
Jump Rope to Barbell: Once your last double under is done, place the rope down neatly, don’t toss it. Move straight to your bar, take a deep breath, and get into your first thruster without hesitation. If you’re squat cleaning into the first rep, commit to it and go.
Thrusters to Pull-Up Bar: As soon as you lock out your last thruster, drop the bar under control and move immediately to the pull-up bar. Don't stand around catching your breath—shake out your arms while walking and get your hands on the bar. Every second matters.
A fast athlete isn’t just someone who moves quickly—it’s someone who never stops moving. Keep transitions tight, minimize hesitation, and stay in control. That’s how you climb the leaderboard.
Video Submission Tips for Those Competing from Home
If you’re not at an affiliate and need to submit your video, make sure it follows the standards.
Keep these things in mind:
- Your entire body must be visible at all times, especially during pull-ups and thrusters.
- The ascending clock must be in the frame.
- Use a marker (tape, cone, etc.) to show that your barbell is at least 5 feet from the pull-up bar.
- Ensure the camera angle clearly shows squat depth on thrusters and chest contact on chest-to-bar pull-ups.
Final Thoughts & Takeaways for Open 25.2
Every rep counts, but so does every second. If you’re on the bubble of getting your first muscle-up, don’t waste attempts—save energy, stay composed, and go for it when you’re ready.
If you finish at the same rep count as another athlete, your tiebreak time determines your placement, so pushing through those thrusters efficiently could mean the difference between 500th place and 200th place.
Oh, one last thing!
This week’s strategy guide is brought to you by Rx Smart Gear, who makes my favorite jump ropes AND gymnastic grips. Right now you can save 20% on your entire order by going to rxsmartgear.com and using the code “WODPREP”
Here’s everything you need to crush 25.2 CrossFit® Workout:
Beginner rope - RXSG CustomFit Rx Jump Rope w/ 3.4 or 2.6oz cable
Advanced rope - RXSG Evo Speed Ropes. I use the Evo G2 w/ uncoated 1.3 oz cable
Alec Smith 2.0 Grips
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2025 CrossFit® Open is Now Complete!
- 25.1 CrossFit® Open Workout and Movement Standards
- 25.1 CrossFit® Open Strategy and Tips
- 25.2 CrossFit® Open Workout and Movement Standards
- 25.2 CrossFit® Open Strategy and Tips
- 25.3 CrossFit® Open Workout and Movement Standards
- 25.3 CrossFit® Open Strategy and Tips
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