The CrossFit Open rolls on, and the second workout of the 2025 season, CrossFit Open 25.2, drops a thrilling test into the mix. Announced on March 6, 2025, this workout brings a blend of grit, skill, and strategy that promises to push athletes worldwide to their limits. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor chasing a spot on the leaderboard or a newcomer eager to test your fitness, this article dives deep into everything you need to know about 25.2. From the workout breakdown to expert tips, scaling options, and recovery strategies, let’s unpack this beast and get you ready to dominate.
What Is CrossFit Open 25.2?
CrossFit Open 25.2 kicks off the second week of the 2025 Open, a global competition where athletes of all levels battle it out over three workouts. This year’s 25.2, revealed live from CrossFit Incendia in Peoria, Arizona, throws a familiar yet fierce challenge into the ring. Fans of the Open might recognize it as a repeat of workout 22.3 from the 2022 season, but that doesn’t make it any less brutal. The workout combines gymnastics, cardio, and weightlifting in a way that tests your endurance, technique, and mental toughness—all under a tight 12-minute time cap.
Here’s the RX version of the workout: athletes complete 21 pull-ups, 42 double-unders, and 21 thrusters at 95 pounds for men or 65 pounds for women. Next, they tackle 18 chest-to-bar pull-ups, 36 double-unders, and 18 thrusters at 115 pounds for men or 75 pounds for women. Finally, they finish with 15 bar muscle-ups, 30 double-unders, and 15 thrusters at 135 pounds for men or 85 pounds for women. The clock stops at 12 minutes, and every rep counts toward your score if you don’t finish.
This triplet ramps up in difficulty with each round. The pull-up variations get tougher, the thruster weights climb, and the double-unders keep your heart pounding. It’s a classic CrossFit recipe designed to separate the pack and reward those who plan smart and move efficiently.
Why 25.2 Feels Familiar Yet Fresh
CrossFit loves to remix it’s greatest hits, and 25.2 proves it by bringing back 22.3. If you competed in 2022, this workout offers a golden chance to measure your progress over the past three years. Back then, athletes like Rich Froning and Tia-Clair Toomey crushed it, setting the bar high with blistering times under six minutes. For returning competitors, beating your old score becomes a personal victory worth chasing. Meanwhile, newcomers get a taste of CrossFit’s iconic style—fast, technical, and unrelenting.
But don’t let the repeat fool you into thinking it’s old news. The 2025 season introduces a new stakes: only the top 1% advance to the semifinals, making every rep a fight for survival. Plus, the live announcement featured elite athletes Emily Rolfe and Sydney Wells throwing down in a head-to-head duel, setting a fresh tone of intensity. Rolfe edged out Wells with her veteran savvy, finishing in a blazing time that reminded everyone why she’s a five-time Games athlete. Wells, though, shaved over a minute off her 2022 performance, proving this workout rewards growth and grit.
Breaking Down the Movements
Let’s dissect 25.2 piece by piece so you know exactly what you’re facing. Each movement builds on the last, creating a cascade of fatigue that demands smart pacing.
Pull-Ups, Chest-to-Bars, and Bar Muscle-Ups
The workout starts with 21 pull-ups, a staple gymnastics move that tests your upper body pulling strength. You’ll grab the bar, kip with your hips, and pull your chin over the top—21 times without stopping if you’re aiming high. Next, 18 chest-to-bar pull-ups up the ante. These require a bigger kip and a higher pull so your chest kisses the bar, taxing your lats and grip even more. Finally, 15 bar muscle-ups cap the gymnastics portion. This advanced move combines a pull-up with a dip, swinging you over the bar in one fluid motion—a true test of skill and power.
Double-Unders
Sprinkled between each pulling and lifting set, double-unders keep your heart rate sky-high. You’ll spin the jump rope under your feet twice per jump—42 times in round one, 36 in round two, and 30 in round three. Speed and rhythm matter here, but so does staying calm. Trip-ups can derail your momentum, so focus on smooth, controlled spins to save energy for the heavy stuff.
Thrusters
The thrusters anchor 25.2 with escalating weights that challenge your legs, core, and shoulders. Round one hits 21 reps at 95 pounds for men or 65 pounds for women—light enough to cycle fast but heavy enough to sting. Round two drops to 18 reps at 115 pounds for men or 75 pounds for women, where form starts to matter more. By round three, 15 reps at 135 pounds for men or 85 pounds for women test your strength under fatigue. You’ll squat deep, drive up with your legs, and press the bar overhead in one explosive push—over and over until the clock stops.
How to Crush 25.2: Expert Strategies
Success in 25.2 hinges on strategy, not just strength. Top coaches and athletes weigh in with tips to help you maximize your score, whether you’re gunning for the top or just aiming to finish.
Pace Yourself Early
Anna Matt Torres, coach to 2024 CrossFit Games champ James Sprague, stresses pacing over sprinting. “Don’t blow out your grip on the first 21 pull-ups,” he advises. Break them into sets—like 8, 7, 6—to keep your arms fresh for chest-to-bars and muscle-ups. Elite athletes might go unbroken, but for most, controlled chunks prevent burnout. Similarly, split the thrusters into manageable sets—say, 7-7-7 in round one—to avoid stalling out later.
Master Transitions
Martín Emily Rolfe’s win in the live announcement came down to slick transitions. She moved from pull-ups to double-unders to thrusters without hesitation, shaving precious seconds off her time. Practice stepping off the bar, grabbing your rope, and hitting the ground running. Every pause adds up, so keep the flow tight.
Nail the Double-Unders
CrossFit gymnastics guru Pamela Gagnon calls double-unders your “active recovery.” Go unbroken if you can, but don’t rush so fast you trip. Use a light, quick wrist flick and keep your elbows tucked to save your shoulders. If you’re shaky, break them into two sets—say, 20 and 22 in round one—to stay consistent.
Thrive on Thrusters
For thrusters, efficiency trumps speed. Dr. Kelly Starrett, a mobility expert, suggests a strong front rack position—elbows high, bar resting on your shoulders—to reduce arm fatigue. Breathe at the top of each rep, where your chest opens up, and use your legs to drive the bar, not your arms. Break them into quick sets—like 5-5-5 in round three—if the weight feels heavy.
Know Your Limiters
John Singleton, founder of The Progrm, urges you to identify your weak spot before starting. “If bar muscle-ups are your wall, get there with gas in the tank,” he says. Slow down earlier rounds to save energy for that final push. Even one muscle-up could boost your score past dozens of competitors.
FAQs About CrossFit Open 25.2
What’s the biggest challenge in CrossFit Open 25.2?
The escalating difficulty—from pull-ups to bar muscle-ups and heavier thrusters—makes pacing critical. Most athletes hit a wall at the muscle-ups or final thrusters, so you’ll need to save energy early to finish strong under the 12-minute cap.
How do I improve my double-unders for this workout?
Practice quick, relaxed wrist flicks and keep your jumps low to the ground—about an inch or two. Drill 50 unbroken reps daily leading up to 25.2, and use a rope that’s the right length: step on it, and the handles should reach your armpits.
Should I go RX or scaled for 25.2?
If you can do 10 pull-ups, 5 chest-to-bars, and 1-2 bar muscle-ups unbroken, plus handle the RX thruster weights, go for it. Otherwise, scale to keep moving and build confidence—consistency beats ego every time in the Open.
How do I avoid grip fatigue during the workout?
Break pulling sets early—like 5-5-5 for pull-ups—and use a loose grip on thrusters, letting your shoulders carry the load. Shake out your hands during double-unders to reset, and avoid death-gripping the bar or rope.
To read more, Click Here
