How to Scale CrossFit Open Workout 25.2

| Mar 06, 2025 / 6 min read
bar muscle up workout Pull Overs for CrossFit

CrossFit Open Workout 25.2 has now been revealed. It is a repeat of 22.3.

CrossFit Open Workout 25.2

25.2 scaled25.2 foundations
For time:
21 jumping chin-over-bar pull-ups
42 single-unders
21 thrusters (weight 1)
18 chin-over-bar pull-ups
36 single-unders
18 thrusters (weight 2)
15 chest-to-bar pull-ups
30 single-unders
15 thrusters (weight 3)
Women 45 lb, then 55 lb, then 65 lb
Men 65 lb, then 85 lb, then 105 lb
Time cap: 12 minutes
For time:
21 bent-over rows
42 jumping jacks
21 thrusters
18 jumping chin-over-bar pull-ups
36 jumping jacks
18 thrusters
15 jumping chest-to-bar pull-ups
30 jumping jacks
15 thrusters
Women 45 lb 
Men 35 lb 
Time cap: 12 minutes

The above are the official scaling options for athletes aged between 16 and 54.

The Rx’d version of Open workout 22.3 is:

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)

Women 65 lb, then 75 lb, then 85 lb

Men 95 lb, then 115 lb, then 135 lb

Time cap: 12 minutes

Why You Should Include Periodisation in Your Training

How to scale CrossFit Open workout 25.2 for Masters

All Master athletes up to the 50-54 age category should scale the workout with the option provided above. Master athletes age 55+ who want to scale the workout should complete the following:

For time:
21 jumping chin-over-bar pull-ups
42 single-unders
21 thrusters (weight 1)
18 jumping chest-to-bar pull-ups
36 single-unders
18 thrusters (weight 2)
15 chin-over-bar pull-ups
30 single-unders
15 thrusters (weight 3)

Women 35 lb, then 45 lb, then 55 lb

Men 45 lb, then 65 lb, then 85 lb

Time cap: 12 minutes

How to scale CrossFit Open workout 25.2 for Teens

Athletes between the ages of 14 and 15 who want to modify their workout can perform the following scaled version of 25.2:

For time:
21 jumping chin-over-bar pull-ups
42 single-unders
21 thrusters (weight 1)
18 chin-over-bar pull-ups
36 single-unders
18 thrusters (weight 2)
15 chest-to-bar pull-ups
30 single-unders
15 thrusters (weight 3)

Girls 35 lb, then 45 lb, then 55 lb

Boys 45 lb, then 65 lb, then 85 lb

Time cap: 12 minutes

Scaling the 2025 CrossFit Open allows more athletes to participate while still pushing their limits. Whether you’re a beginner, recovering from injury, or working around mobility limitations, scaling ensures an effective and challenging workout tailored to your level. Here are the key benefits of scaling in the CrossFit Open:

1. Inclusivity – Anyone Can Compete

Scaling makes the Open accessible to a wider range of athletes. The Scaled and Foundations divisions allow individuals to experience the competition without needing elite-level fitness. Whether you’re new to CrossFit or refining skills, scaling ensures participation.

2. Keeps the Stimulus of the Workout

CrossFit workouts are designed with specific stimuli (intended intensity and effect). Scaling allows athletes to modify movements while maintaining the intended challenge. For example, reducing the weight in an Olympic lift maintains the high-rep, metabolic demand without sacrificing form.

3. Reduces Risk of Injury

Scaling reduces the chance of overexertion, poor form, and injury by allowing athletes to modify movements based on their skill and strength levels. This is especially important in a competition setting where excitement might tempt athletes to push beyond their capabilities.

4. Encourages Progression and Long-Term Growth

Rather than struggling through Rx’d (prescribed) workouts and failing reps, scaling enables consistent progress. Over time, this builds strength, confidence, and skill acquisition, allowing athletes to eventually transition to higher-level movements.

5. Keeps the Competition Fun and Engaging

Struggling to complete Rx’d workouts can be frustrating. Scaling ensures you stay engaged, complete workouts with a sense of achievement, and have fun competing alongside friends and fellow athletes.

6. Allows a Strategic Approach to Fitness

For some athletes, scaling may not be about skill level but about long-term training goals. Scaling certain workouts can help preserve energy, prevent overtraining, and keep them fresh for the later stages of the CrossFit season.

7. Provides a Benchmark for Future Competitions

Athletes who scale can track progress year after year. Participating in scaled workouts in 2025 provides a reference point for future Opens, allowing athletes to see improvements in strength, endurance, and movement proficiency.

Scaling in the 2025 CrossFit Open isn’t about making workouts easier—it’s about making them appropriately challenging for each individual. Whether adjusting weights, modifying gymnastics movements, or reducing volume, scaling allows every athlete to compete, improve, and enjoy the experience while maintaining safety and longevity in the sport.

Here are 5 essential tips for scaled athletes in the 2025 CrossFit Open to maximise performance, enjoyment, and progress throughout the competition:

Know When to Scale Smartly

Scaling isn’t just about making the workout easier—it’s about maintaining intensity and movement quality. If you struggle with Rx’d weights, gymnastics, or movement volume, scaling ensures you still get the intended workout stimulus.

  • Example: If Rx’d calls for chest-to-bar pull-ups, opting for jumping pull-ups or ring rows allows you to maintain intensity without excessive rest.

Focus on Movement Efficiency

Fatigue sets in quickly during Open workouts, so good form is key for maximising reps and conserving energy.

  • Use efficient breathing patterns.
  • Avoid rushing through reps with sloppy technique—this can lead to no-reps and wasted energy.
  • Work on consistent pacing rather than going out too hard and burning out early.

Play to Your Strengths

Even in a scaled division, strategising around your strengths will help boost your performance. If you’re strong in bodyweight movements, push the pace there, and if lifting is your weakness, focus on moving smoothly and steadily.

  • Tip: If a workout has multiple movements, break early on weaker ones and push harder on stronger ones to maintain consistency.

Train the Movements You’ll Likely See

Even scaled athletes should prepare for common Open movements, such as:

  • Scaled gymnastics: Jumping pull-ups, ring rows, knee push-ups
  • Scaled weightlifting: Lighter barbell or dumbbell variations (e.g., light snatches, cleans, thrusters)
  • Cardio movements: Rowing, burpees, box step-ups instead of box jumps

Practising common substitutions ahead of time will help you move efficiently when the Open workouts are announced.

Enjoy the Experience and Set Future Goals

The Open is a test of your fitness, but it’s also about having fun and learning. Whether it’s your first Open or you’ve competed before, use it to measure progress and set goals for next year.

  • If you’re close to Rx’d, work on improving skills like double-unders, toes-to-bar, or kipping pull-ups in training.
  • If you scaled this year, aim for one Rx’d workout next year!

Scaling isn’t about doing less—it’s about making the workout right for you. Smart scaling leads to better performance, fewer injuries, and more long-term progress. Give it your best, and enjoy the 2025 CrossFit Open experience! 🔥💪

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