The first workout of the 2026 CrossFit Open has officially been released, and athletes around the world are already lining up to submit their scores. As always, the Open kicks off with a test that looks simple on paper but quickly challenges your pacing, engine, and mental toughness.
Open Workout 26.1 — The Details
The first Open workout of the year, Workout 26.1, has just been released and competitors are already lining up to give it their best effort.
This workout is for time with a 12-minute cap and features a high-volume wall-ball and box jump and step-over combination that will challenge both conditioning and pacing.
26.1 Full Workout
For time
Time cap: 12 minutes
20 wall-ball shots
18 box jump-overs
30 wall-ball shots
18 box jump-overs
40 wall-ball shots
18 medicine-ball box step-overs
66 wall-ball shots
18 medicine-ball box step-overs
40 wall-ball shots
18 box jump-overs
30 wall-ball shots
18 box jump-overs
20 wall-ball shots
Men
20-lb (9-kg) medicine ball, 10-ft target
24-inch box
Women
14-lb (6-kg) medicine ball, 9-foot target
20-inch box
26.1 consists of multiple increasing sets of wall-ball shots mixed with box jump-overs and medicine-ball box step-overs. The goal is simple: complete the sequence as fast as possible before the clock hits 12 minutes.
Movements like wall balls and box jumps are classic test pieces, forcing athletes to balance intensity with endurance, a hallmark of Open programming.
Workout Breakdown and Strategy
Workout 26.1 is a descending ladder that combines high-volume wall balls with explosive box jump-overs. The structure rewards smart pacing early on. Athletes who go out too hot on the first set of 21 often struggle to maintain consistency as fatigue builds.
Wall balls tax the legs and lungs, while box jump-overs elevate heart rate and demand coordination under pressure. The key is efficiency. Smooth sets on the wall balls, controlled breathing, and consistent box rhythm will outperform an all-out sprint for most athletes.
Transitions also matter. As the rounds get shorter, every second counts. Staying composed in the final sets can be the difference between finishing under the cap or getting stuck just short.
What Happens Next
You have until Monday, March 2 at 5 p.m. PT to log your score on the official CrossFit Games dashboard.
Next workouts, 26.2 and 26.3, will be announced on subsequent Thursdays throughout the Open.
Who Can Compete?
The CrossFit Open is one of the largest participatory fitness events in the world and is open to everyone, regardless of age or skill level.
Athletes can choose divisions such as RX, Scaled, or Foundations. There are also adaptive divisions for athletes with different abilities.
Whether you are chasing a PR, competing with friends, or joining for the community experience, the Open offers something for every CrossFitter.
The 2026 season has officially begun. Now the only question is: how will you attack 26.1?
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