The influence of sex-division, experience, and pacing strategy on performance in the 2020 CrossFit® Open.

To observe workout pacing strategies and determine which best predicted performance, this retrospective study analyzed recorded efforts from a random selection of 160 high-ranking (top 10,000) men and women ( = 80 each) in the 2020 CrossFit® Open (CFO). Video recordings submitted to the official competition leaderboard for all five tests were analyzed to quantify overall test completion rates (and tie-break time for test 5 only) and within-test repetition completion rate (repetitions × sec) for each exercise, as well as the quantity of failed repetitions, break strategy (count and duration), and transition times. Each variable was aggregated into first-half, last-half, and total-test averages, slopes, and coefficient of variation; except on test 5 (total-test only).

Pacing Strategies Differ by Sex and Rank in 2020 CrossFit Open Tests.

This retrospective study collected video recordings of a random selection of eighty men and women ( = 160) completing all five tests of the 2020 CrossFit Open. All competitors were ranked within the top 10,000 overall but were sub-divided based on whether they ranked within the top 10% of their respective divisions. To examine the effect of sex and rank on pacing strategy, video analysis quantified the overall repetition completion rate on each test, as well as per minute (or round) repetition completion rates for each test's individual exercises, quantity of failed repetitions, break times, and transition times.

Predicting Maximal Oxygen Uptake Using the 3-Minute All-Out Test in High-Intensity Functional Training Athletes.

Maximal oxygen uptake (VO) and critical speed (CS) are key fatigue-related measurements that demonstrate a relationship to one another and are indicative of athletic endurance performance. This is especially true for those that participate in competitive fitness events. However, the accessibility to a metabolic analyzer to accurately measure VO is expensive and time intensive, whereas CS may be measured in the field using a 3 min all-out test (3MT).

The Relationship between CrossFit Performance and Laboratory-Based Measurements of Fitness.

To date, research has examined the physiological determinants of performance in standardized CrossFit (CF) workouts but not without the influence of CF familiarity. Therefore, the purpose of this present study was to examine the predictive value of aerobic fitness, body composition, and total body strength on performance of two standardized CF workouts in CF-naïve participants. Twenty-two recreationally trained individuals (males = 13, females = 9) underwent assessments of peak oxygen consumption (VO peak), ventilatory thresholds, body composition, and one repetition maximum tests for the back squat, deadlift, and overhead press in which the sum equaled the CF Total.

Physiological Performance Measures as Indicators of CrossFit Performance.

CrossFit began as another exercise program to improve physical fitness and has rapidly grown into the "sport of fitness". However, little is understood as to the physiological indicators that determine CrossFit sport performance. The purpose of this study was to determine which physiological performance measure was the greatest indicator of CrossFit workout performance.