Everything You Need to Crush the CrossFit® Open 2025

Written By Charleh Knighton  |  Open 

The CrossFit® Open 2025 is almost here, and with it comes the excitement, nerves, and anticipation that only this global event can deliver. For three weeks, the CrossFit® community unites to test its limits, celebrate progress, and share the collective highs and lows of some of the most challenging workouts of the year. 

The Open isn’t just for one type of athlete. It’s for everyone—whether you’ve been grinding hard all off-season, just knocked out your first scaled WOD, or you’re chasing a spot at the CrossFit® Games. That’s what makes it so epic—there’s something for everyone.

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But it’s more than just the workouts.—it’s about the memories made during "Friday Night Lights," the sense of achievement when you conquer that movement you've been chasing all year, and the energy that comes from being part of a global fitness phenomenon. The Open is where we measure ourselves—not just against others, but against our past selves.

Feeling hyped? Feeling nervous? Maybe even wondering if you’re ready? Perfect. That’s exactly how everyone feels.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know, so when February rolls around, you’re ready to give it your all.

Everything you need to crush the CrossFit® Open 2025

What Is the CrossFit® Open?

The CrossFit® Open is the annual fitness challenge that connects CrossFitters across the world. It’s a three-week competition where athletes of all levels—yes, all levels—come together to tackle a workout each week, submit their scores, and see where they stand on the leaderboard.

If you’re unsure what level of athlete you are, here are the different divisions you can choose from:

  • RX (as prescribed): Tackle the workouts as written.
  • Scaled: For those working on building strength or skill mastery.
  • Adaptive: Custom divisions for athletes with unique physical abilities.
  • Masters & Teens: Age-specific categories to keep things competitive and inclusive.

But, remember, the Open is more than just numbers on a screen.

For many, the Open is the ultimate test of how far they’ve come in their fitness journey. It’s about mastering those double-unders you struggled with last year or finally stringing together your first muscle-ups.

It’s about showing up for yourself and your community, proving that you’re stronger than your doubts, and finding that little extra push when the clock is ticking down.

Every year, the Open introduces workouts designed to challenge your physical and mental resilience. Some movements might feel familiar, while others will push you outside your comfort zone.

The beauty of the Open is that it meets you where you are—whether you’re an elite athlete, a scaled participant, or in an adaptive division, there’s a workout version tailored for you.

Why Enter the CrossFit® Open?

The Open is more than a competition; it’s a rite of passage for the CrossFit® community. Here’s why it’s worth signing up:

1. Celebrate Your Progress

For many, the Open is an annual checkpoint—a way to reflect on personal growth. Maybe last year you scaled the workouts, and this year you’re ready to tackle RX.

Maybe you just started CrossFit® and want to set a baseline. Whatever your journey looks like, the Open is your chance to measure improvement in strength, endurance, and skills.

2. Be Part of Something Bigger

The energy of the Open is electric. Across gyms worldwide, “Friday Night Lights” events turn workouts into celebrations. You’ll cheer on your gym buddies, share in their victories, and feel the roar of your community when you hit that PR.

3. Push Your Limits

The Open will challenge you in ways you didn’t expect. Those butterflies you feel before the workout? That’s your body gearing up to do something amazing. It’s not just about the leaderboard—it’s about discovering what you’re capable of and surprising yourself in the process.

Not sure if you've got the all the foundational movements down for the CrossFit® Open 2025? Check out this article today.

What’s New in the CrossFit® Open 2025?

The 2025 Open promises fresh challenges, updated movements, and the same adrenaline-fueled atmosphere we all love. The CrossFit® Open is the embodiment of CrossFit’s® core philosophy: “constantly varied, functional movements performed at high intensity.”

Here’s what to watch for:

1. Fresh Workouts with a Twist

Expect the unexpected. CrossFit® loves to throw in creative twists, whether it’s introducing new movements or remixing familiar ones in innovative formats. 

For 2025, keep an eye out for workouts that test hybrid skills, incorporate new cardio equipment, or use escalating time caps and weights to push athletes to their limits.

2. More Inclusive Divisions

CrossFit® has made amazing strides in ensuring everyone has a place in the Open. With expanded youth, masters, and adaptive divisions, the 2025 Open is set to be more inclusive than ever. These changes highlight the diversity and resilience of the CrossFit® community.

3. Leaderboard Enhancements

Rumors suggest that 2025 could bring updates to the leaderboard. Whether it’s improved scoring transparency, tie-breaking tweaks, or a greater emphasis on personal achievements alongside global rankings, these changes will make tracking your progress even more rewarding.

Read more about the CrossFit® Open 2025 changes to the season - trust us, there's lot!

How to Sign Up for the CrossFit® Open 2025

Ready to get started? Here’s how to secure your spot:

  1. Visit the CrossFit® Games Website: Your go to place for all things Open—registration, workouts, and leaderboards.
  2. Set Up Your Athlete Profile: Returning athlete? Just log in. New participant? Create a profile to track your progress and submit scores.
  3. Pick Your Division: Whether you’re RX, scaled, or adaptive, choose the category that suits your abilities.
  4. Complete Registration: Pay the fee, and you’re officially in!
Here's the link you'll need to get started: games.crossfit.com/announcement/14457

Essential Equipment and Preparation

If you’re doing the Open at your local CrossFit® box, you’re in luck! Most affiliates are fully equipped with all the gear you’ll need and often host events like Friday Night Lights—a perfect chance to tackle the workout with your crew and soak up the community vibes.

Not at a CrossFit® box? No problem. Whether you’re in a home gym or a regular gym, just double-check that your space has the right equipment.

Movements like wall balls, double-unders, and heavy lifts often require specific gear or enough clear space to move safely. A little planning goes a long way—you don’t want to be scrambling for a barbell mid-WOD.

Make sure your gear is ready:

  • Barbell & Plates: A staple for heavy lifts and complex movements.
  • Jump Rope: Perfect your double-unders before the first workout drops.
  • Wall Ball: Practice smooth and consistent reps at the target height.
  • Dumbbells: From snatches to thrusters, these will test your grip and endurance.
  • Pull-Up Bar or Rings: Be prepared for everything from toes-to-bar to muscle-ups.
  • Plyo Box: Build confidence for box jumps and step-ups.

Optional extras like grips, wrist wraps, and foam rollers can also make a big difference in performance and recovery. No matter where you’re doing the workouts, a little prep goes a long way.

Plan your space, test your setup, and get ready to give it everything you’ve got.

Physical Preparation: Build a Solid Foundation

The workouts in the Open are notorious for being both physically and mentally demanding. Here’s how to ensure your body is ready for whatever they throw your way:

  • Refine the Basics: Movements like thrusters, double-unders, toes-to-bar, and rowing have been Open staples for years. Instead of just surviving these, focus on mastering them. Aim for smooth, efficient movement to conserve energy and avoid unnecessary fatigue.
  • Analyze the Trends: A quick look at past Open workouts shows clear patterns. Movements that test grip strength, engine, and gymnastics skills often take center stage. Use this insight to prioritize your training.
  • Train With Intention: Incorporate progressive overload in your lifts, focusing on movements like snatches, cleans, and deadlifts. But don’t neglect conditioning—long EMOMs and AMRAPs at moderate intensity can help you build the stamina needed to grind through tough workouts.

It’s not about doing more—it’s about doing the right things consistently. Balance heavy days with skill work and lower-intensity conditioning to keep your body in peak form.

Read more about what CrossFit® Open movements you can expect in 2025. Click here.

Mental Preparation: Sharpen Your Edge

If you’ve done the Open before, you know it’s a mental game as much as it is physical. You’re competing against yourself as much as anyone else.

  • Reframe the Challenge: Instead of focusing on the leaderboard or the clock, think about the Open as an opportunity to learn where you stand and what you can improve. Growth, not perfection, is the goal.
  • Visualize Success: Spend time imagining yourself performing each workout. Picture your transitions, your pacing, and how you’ll tackle the tough moments. Visualization helps you stay calm and reduces those pre-WOD nerves.
  • Tackle Weaknesses Head-On: The Open has a way of exposing gaps in your fitness. Don’t wait to face them during a scored workout. Identify your weakest movements and spend time chipping away at them. Progress, no matter how small, builds confidence.
Read more about how you can improve your mental toughness. Click the link here.

Recovery and Nutrition: Don’t Skip the Basics

The Open is a grind—it’s three weeks of high-intensity effort, so recovery is non-negotiable. Taking care of your body now will keep you performing at your best when it counts.

  • Recovery Isn’t Just Rest: Schedule active recovery days with light movement, stretching, or yoga. Foam rolling and mobility work can help keep soreness in check and prevent stiffness.
  • Dial in Your Nutrition: Fuel matters. Your meals should prioritize protein for muscle repair, carbs for energy, and healthy fats for sustained performance. Hydrate well throughout the day, and consider adding electrolytes to your water during training sessions.
  • Sleep Is Your Secret Weapon: Recovery happens during sleep. Aim for 7–9 hours a night, and establish a pre-bed routine to help you wind down.
Read more about how you can nail your nutrition for the CrossFit® Open 2025.

Where to Find CrossFit Open Workouts

When the workouts are released, you’ll want to have a game plan ready. Here are the best ways to stay updated:

  • CrossFit Games Website: The official site releases the workouts every Thursday during the Open, along with details on scoring and movement standards. Bookmark it.
  • WODprep Blog and Videos: We’ll break down each workout with tips, strategies, and movement demos. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned athlete, these resources will help you approach the WOD with confidence.
  • CrossFit Games YouTube Channel: Watch workout demos and strategy breakdowns from top athletes. Seeing how others approach the workouts can provide new ideas or confirm your plan.
  • Affiliate Gyms: Many gyms host the Open workouts as part of “Friday Night Lights” events, creating a supportive and competitive environment. It’s a great way to connect with your community and find extra motivation.

Key Dates for the CrossFit Open 2025

The Open runs from February 27 to March 17, 2025, with one workout released each week. Here’s the schedule:

  • 25.1: February 27 – March 3
  • 25.2: March 6 – March 10
  • 25.3: March 13 – March 17

Scores are due by 5 PM PT each Monday, so plan your workouts and recovery accordingly.

Understanding the Leaderboard

The leaderboard is more than just a ranking—it’s a tool for tracking your progress and identifying areas for growth. Here’s how it works:

  • Your Rank: You’ll see how you stack up globally, regionally, and within your age group. It’s a great way to gauge your performance against similar athletes.
  • Scoring: The fewer points, the better. Time caps and tie-breakers play a big role, so pay attention to workout strategies that can save you valuable seconds.
  • Validation: Scores must be submitted via your affiliate or with video proof if you’re competing independently. Follow the submission guidelines to avoid issues.
Here's the link to the CrossFit® Open Leaderboard.

Practical Tips for Open Success

  1. Warm Up With Purpose: Don’t skip your warm-up. Prepare your body for the specific movements in the workout to reduce injury risk and optimize performance.
  2. Stick to Your Plan: Have a strategy for each WOD and trust it. If something goes off-course, adapt but don’t panic.
  3. Video Yourself: Even if you’re not submitting videos, recording your workouts can highlight areas for improvement.

Get Ready to Crush the Open

The CrossFit® Open is more than just a competition—it’s a chance to see what you’re capable of. Whether you’re going all-in for the leaderboard or simply using it as a personal challenge, the experience is always rewarding.

So, train smart, stay consistent, and don’t forget to have fun. The workouts will test you, but they’ll also show you how far you’ve come.

And remember, WODprep is here to help every step of the way with tips, tutorials, and strategies to help you succeed.

This is your time. The Open is waiting. Let’s make 2025 your strongest year yet.

Ready? Let’s get to work. See you out there.

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