The Crossfit Open workout 25.2

The CrossFit Open is one of the most exciting times of the year for fitness enthusiasts worldwide. Each year, the Open workouts challenge athletes to test their strength, endurance, and mental toughness. The second workout of the 2025 Open, Workout 25.2, was announced on March 6, 2025, and brought a familiar but grueling test of skill and conditioning. This workout was a repeat of Workout 22.3 from the 2022 Open, incorporating high-rep gymnastics, jump rope efficiency, and progressively heavier thrusters.

This year’s Open has been particularly competitive, with seasoned athletes and rising stars giving their best performances. After 25.1, Workout 25.2 was introduced during a live announcement event featuring an exciting head-to-head battle between elite athletes, making it an unforgettable moment for the CrossFit community. Whether you’re competing to qualify for the next stage or just aiming to beat your personal best, understanding the best strategies for this workout is key.

This workout is a test of progression, requiring athletes to efficiently navigate through increasing complexity in gymnastic movements while handling heavier weights in thrusters. From basic pull-ups to chest-to-bar and finally bar muscle-ups, this workout pushes your grip, endurance, and skill level.

Analyzing past performances from the 2022 Open (Workout 22.3) provides insight into what athletes can expect in 2025:

Average completion time:

• Men: 8 minutes 45 seconds
• Women: 9 minutes 30 seconds

Elite (Pro-Level) completion time:

• Men: 6 minutes 30 seconds
• Women: 7 minutes

Athletes who excel in this workout are those who can maintain a steady pace and efficiently manage their rest time while performing double-unders and high-skill gymnastics.

1. Pacing is Everything

Many athletes make the mistake of going too hard in the first round of pull-ups and thrusters. This can lead to early fatigue, making the later rounds significantly harder. Breaking up the reps smartly and keeping a consistent pace is key.

2. Thruster Efficiency

Thrusters require a combination of strength and endurance. Key tips:

• Use your legs to drive the bar overhead, saving your shoulders for later rounds.
• Find a breathing rhythm—exhale at the top of each rep.
• Avoid unnecessary pauses at the bottom of the squat.

3. Stay Relaxed on Double-Unders

Double-unders might seem like a minor part of the workout, but tripping up can cause wasted time and energy.

• Keep your shoulders relaxed and your wrists doing most of the work.
• Find a steady rhythm and avoid rushing.

4. Smart Breaks in Gymnastics Movements

• Breaking up pull-ups and chest-to-bar into small, quick sets prevents burnout.
• Muscle-ups should be approached methodically—small sets with short rests work best for many athletes.

The live announcement of Workout 25.2 took place at CrossFit Incendia in Peoria, Arizona, featuring an electrifying face-off between Emily Rolfe and Sydney Wells. Rolfe, known for her incredible endurance and past podium finishes, demonstrated a masterclass in pacing and execution, ultimately taking the win in the announcement event.

Workout 25.2 serves as a true test of an athlete’s ability to manage fatigue, efficiency, and skill progression. Whether you’re competing at the elite level or participating in your first Open, implementing smart strategies can make all the difference.

As scores roll in from around the world, it’s clear that the 2025 Open is shaping up to be one of the most competitive yet. How did you perform in 25.2? Share your experience and let us know your best tips in the comments!