Let's discuss the CrossFit® Open, an annual event that truly challenges athletes, both physically and mentally. It has become renowned for presenting athletes with seriously tough and unforgettable workouts.
Over the past decade and more, CrossFitters have encountered remarkably demanding challenges. These workouts have ingrained themselves into the memories of the CrossFit® community as defining moments. Speaking from personal experience, these memories encompass the good, the bad, and the downright ugly.
In this article, I will delve into our top five favorite CrossFit® Open workouts from the last five years. The focus is on celebrating the incredible determination, resilience, and camaraderie that make CrossFit® such a unique experience.
Ultimately, the winners will head to the CrossFit® Games. And always remember, it stands as a symbol of your perseverance, as you continue to push forward each day to become better.
CrossFit® Open Workout 19.5 (2019)
In 2019, CrossFit® Open Workout 19.5 brought participants face-to-face with the notorious couplet of thrusters and chest-to-bar pull-ups.
The workout consisted of 33-27-21-15-9 repetitions of thrusters (95/65 lb) and chest-to-bar pull-ups, demanding both cardio endurance and upper body strength.
The descending rep scheme added an element of strategy, forcing athletes to balance their energy output throughout the rounds. This workout was a true test of an athlete's ability to embrace discomfort and maintain technique under fatigue.
CrossFit® Open Workout 20.1 (2020)
The 2020 Open kicked off with CrossFit® Open Workout 20.1, featuring a workout dubbed "Ground to Overheads." This ascending ladder AMRAP consisted of 10 rounds, each comprising 8 ground-to-overheads and 10 bar-facing burpees.
Starting with a relatively lightweight, athletes had to progressively increase the load as they advanced through the rounds.
This workout showcased the importance of pacing, as athletes had to balance speed with the increasing weight on the barbell. It tested mental resilience as participants navigated the relentless burpees and heavy lifts.
CrossFit® Open Workout 21.3 (2021)
The 2021 CrossFit® Open brought us Workout 21.3, a challenging triplet that tested strength, coordination, and skill.
This workout consisted of 15 front squats, 30 toes-to-bars, and 15 thrusters, all performed with a descending barbell weight.
Athletes had to transition smoothly between movements while managing their grip and respiratory fatigue. This workout highlighted the essence of CrossFit®: blending raw strength with gymnastic prowess and metabolic conditioning.
Athletes were pushed to maintain technique even when fatigued, making 21.3 a true showcase of well-rounded fitness.
CrossFit® Open Workout 22.2 (2022)
In 2022, the CrossFit® Open delivered Workout 22.2, a challenging and unique combination of movements. This AMRAP-style workout included 10 rounds of 3 dumbbell snatches, 6 single-arm overhead squats, and 9 double-unders.
The single-arm overhead squats presented a significant challenge for stability and mobility, adding a novel twist to the workout.
Athletes had to maintain focus during the double-unders, a movement notorious for becoming elusive under pressure. Workout 22.2 emphasized the importance of adaptability and functional strength across various planes of motion.
CrossFit® Open Workout 23.1 (2023)
The most recent year, 2023, brought us CrossFit® Open Workout 23.1. This ladder-style workout featured a sequence of ascending repetitions of handstand push-ups and alternating single-leg squats (pistols).
The demand for upper-body pressing strength and lower-body stability made this workout incredibly challenging. Athletes needed to approach each round strategically to conserve energy and maintain form, especially as the handstand push-ups became more taxing.
Workout 23.1 celebrated the mastery of advanced bodyweight movements while pushing athletes to explore their limits.
To Summarize
Once you know this, it's easy to break down what steps you need to take to crush the CrossFit® Open.
Not sure what on earth the CrossFit® Open is?
Check out our article on everything you need to know about how the CrossFit® Open works.
But finally.....
Many of you found WODprep because of our CrossFit® Open guides. Every year, I go bigger and better! I create a ton of free content for you and everyone else participating in the CrossFit® Open. Trust me; you're going to love it.
If you want complete strategy guides, head over to wodprep.com/open.
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