Legion Strength & Conditioning Podcast

Getting stuck writing programmes on a Sunday night, with creative energy at zero, is an all too common occurrence for coaches and is probably where a lot of copy and pasted programming comes from. Writing programmes needs some creative input, but having systems in place to make it easier, and understanding the many small tasks involved in programming and stacking them together, can be really helpful. In this episode we talk about our ways of managing dips in creativity, where we get inspiration from, and how we batch certain tasks and programmes together. Check it out if you want to learn a few helpful tricks and tips, and a bit of a system behind how you're writing your programmes out. If you're not already subscribed to our newsletter, head over to www.legionsc.com to get a weekly selection of training tips and our favorite articles. We run online workshops for coaches as well. Find out when our next workshop is here: https://legionsc.com/program-design-workshops These podcasts are posted in video format on YouTube as well. Show Notes: [2:30] When programming requires more creativity [4:00] Batching similar programmes together [6:30] Differences with programming for less and more experienced athletes [7:40] Getting past a creative block with writing metcons [11:00] Making yourself be more decisive [15:00] Using templates to create constraints on the programme [17:45] Getting inspiration from CrossFit and CrossFit Linchpin [20:20] A framework for creating the programme [25:00] Looking at progressions on old programming blogs

The programme for a CrossFit affiliate's group class programme versus a CrossFit competitor is obviously going to look different, but does this mean the process for writing the programme has to be any different? We have spoken a lot on this podcast about the importance of templates, how to structure them and why this is how you should start a programme for a CrossFit competitor, and we have all written programming for a CrossFit affiliate in a similar way. However, there is still a large portion of affiliate programming that uses a very zoomed out method. This might work for balancing things like modalities and time domains, but it does so without any inherent structure to the training week. In this episode we talk about where to start when writing a template for a CrossFit affiliate, and how to programme for those who attend every day versus those who attend randomly. Check out the episode to learn more. If you're not already subscribed to our newsletter, head over to www.legionsc.com to get a weekly selection of training tips and our favorite articles. We run online workshops for coaches as well. Find out when our next workshop is here: https://legionsc.com/program-design-workshops These podcasts are posted in video format on YouTube as well. Show Notes: [1:30] Writing a template for affiliate programming [3:00] What is traditionally taught versus templates [6:00] The programming needs of a CrossFit affiliate [8:00] How Jon writes his programming for a CrossFit affiliate [10:00] The benefits of an A/B week [13:30] Staggered programming rotation [17:00] Where someone should start with all of this [19:15] The importance of feedback from those doing it [25:00] Levelling the gym programming

Weird and wonderful fitness races and challenges have been around for a while. Over the years, CrossFit has created a sport that provides the variety and spectacle we see in other sports, but now we are seeing many more styles of fitness races becoming very popular. Hyrox has gained a significant amount of momentum over the last couple of years and still seems to be on the way up. Athx is trying to create an event that sits somewhere between Hyrox and CrossFit, providing a one hour fitness race like Hyrox, spread across three different workouts that test strength, endurance and mixed modal fitness like CrossFit. Over the years, we have also seen different organisations and coaching companies create their own type of fitness race, such as the OPTathlon from OPT, now OPEX, and The Crucible from Complete Human Performance. In this episode, we talk about some of the key differences between these events, where they might complement each other, and what one type of event or race could learn from another. Listen to hear more and find out what we would include in our three event hybrid test. If you're not already subscribed to our newsletter, head over to www.legionsc.com to get a weekly selection of training tips and our favorite articles. We run online workshops for coaches as well. Find out when our next workshop is here: https://legionsc.com/program-design-workshops These podcasts are posted in video format on YouTube as well. Show Notes: [2:00] Has Hyrox hit its peak? [3:45] Is CrossFit accessible for recreational level athletes [7:00] The positives of more accessible events [8:00] Why competitive CrossFit is psychologically hard [10:30] Not having to train for fitness race events [15:30] Other types of hybrid tests and events [18:00] What would we put into a hybrid event

We often hear programming referred to as an art grounded in science, and learning to write good programming can take time. You get those with some academic background who struggle to match it with real world application, often leading to programming that is not feasible or that misses the forest for the trees. On the other hand, some coaches may struggle with the theory behind programming, which can create challenges in long term development or in understanding how to go deeper when training certain qualities. A combination of learning the essential theory, like learning basic multiplication, and then using tested and proven programming usually creates a good balance. In this episode we talk about our own experiences in learning how to programme, teaching others how to programme, and learning from our mistakes while trialling programming on ourselves. Check it out to hear more about Jon's first (wild) experience of carb loading as a teenager, tales of early internet training information on T-Nation, and our recommendations for coaches looking to learn how to programme. If you're not already subscribed to our newsletter, head over to www.legionsc.com to get a weekly selection of training tips and our favorite articles. We run online workshops for coaches as well. Find out when our next workshop is here: https://legionsc.com/program-design-workshops These podcasts are posted in video format on YouTube as well. Show Notes: [1:00] What's the best way to learn how to program [2:00] Learn the basics of sets and reps first [5:00] Using in digestible content and information first with programmes [7:00] When theory isn't quite practical [10:00] Learning through magazines and T-Nation [12:30] When making mistakes can be helpful [14:45] Programming for yourself [17:15] Applying energy system development to mixed work [20:15] Experimenting on yourself first

Enthusiastic coaches can be susceptible to focusing on the details or the shiny new coaching idea they come across rather than the basic, simple things that matter the most. This coaching catnip might come from a good place of curiosity and a desire to share information, but it neglects the big rocks. This week we talk about some examples of the coaching catnip you might see in a CrossFit gym or in remote coaching, and reflect on what is actually important and what truly moves the needle forward in coaching. Check out the episode to hear more about breathing drills, secret weightlifting drills and knowing your basic times tables in coaching. If you're not already subscribed to our newsletter, head over to www.legionsc.com to get a weekly selection of training tips and our favorite articles. We run online workshops for coaches as well. Find out when our next workshop is here: https://legionsc.com/program-design-workshops [1:00] Coaching catnip and focusing on the wrong things [3:30] Figuring out the most important thing to address when coaching someone [5:20] Secret weightlifting drills  [7:00] Learning how to simplify complex coaching concepts [11:30] Coaching catnip with programming and progressions  [14:15] Getting the reps in on very basic and simple training

While the goals, training, and purpose of training between a competitor and the general population may differ greatly, there are many skills a coach can develop by working more with the other group. Most would assume that the focus and attention to detail shown by a competitor are what would be transferable, but in fact, the opposite is often true. Competitors showcase what is important, what is possible, and in some cases simplify how a coach views training. Some of these athletes do everything "wrong" according to certain strength and conditioning textbooks, yet they still improve. Check out this week's episodes, where we talk about how good competitors help coaches see the bigger picture in training and highlight what really matters for long-term development in general population groups. If you're not already subscribed to our newsletter, head over to www.legionsc.com to get a weekly selection of training tips and our favorite articles. We run online workshops for coaches as well. Find out when our next workshop is here: https://legionsc.com/program-design-workshops These podcasts are posted in video format on YouTube as well. Show Notes: [2:00] Keeping the goals of the athlete in mind [4:00] With competitors the coach dictates the goals more [5:30] Many things don't matter as much as we are made to believe [7:00] More is better for beginners [9:00] Pushing gen pop clients more [10:30] Smaller details can matter more for gen pop than competitors [13:00] Coaches should coach and programme for athletes better than themselves [15:30] Good competitors show you how simple it can be [20:00] Why some gyms don't push gen pop as much [24:30] Just getting people to pay attention goes a long way

There are always a few class members who, after a while, begin to progress at a very slow rate or become stagnant in their performance. This is often met with frustration and sometimes inaction, which raises the question of whether some people actually want to improve or if they are content simply turning up. This week, we discuss how class members might be able to improve and progress without necessarily doing additional work. Sometimes, having better intention and pulling the right levers can go a long way. If you're not already subscribed to our newsletter, head over to www.legionsc.com to get a weekly selection of training tips and our favorite articles. We run online workshops for coaches as well. Find out when our next workshop is here: https://legionsc.com/program-design-workshops These podcasts are posted in video format on YouTube as well. Show Notes: [2:00] Do people need to do extras on top of class [4:30] When behaviours are not aligned with goals [6:45] You have to care enough to take action [9:30] Improving or just always doing new things [14:00] Factoring in someone's starting point [15:30] Many just need a bit of intention [22:30] Pros and cons of competitiveness

Moving into a phase of lower training volume as a competitor taking things less seriously can be a difficult transition. CrossFit demands a great deal, and when you're accustomed to putting in the work to improve and progress, letting go of some of that progress, or even just slowing the rate of improvement, can feel like a big ask. Is it possible to improve at a lower volume than competitors typically maintain in such a high-volume sport? Keeping intensity and strength doesn't require much, but the ability to tolerate the demanding nature of competition and qualifiers can fade quickly. It really is a use-it-or-lose-it quality. In this episode, we explore the concept of a minimum effective programme, whether such an approach can actually work, and discuss the changes in goals and pursuits we often see among former CrossFit competitors. If you're not already subscribed to our newsletter, head over to www.legionsc.com to get a weekly selection of training tips and our favorite articles. We run online workshops for coaches as well. Find out when our next workshop is here: https://legionsc.com/program-design-workshops These podcasts are posted in video format on YouTube as well. Show Notes: [00:00] Former competitors struggling to take it easier [03:30] Can you improve if you reduce your training volume [05:00] The time and volume required to compete in CrossFit [07:00] The general pursuit of improvement in training [10:50] Having diverse training goals while doing CrossFit [14:15] Does competing in CrossFit allow you to do other things [19:00] Focusing on mastering skills after competing [22:00] What elements of CrossFit do you keep or omit when not competing [25:00] The classic CrossFit Football training template [27:00] The health benefits of training at a lower volume after competing  

Hang around a CrossFit gym for ten minutes and you'll probably hear some coaching of hip extension going on. It might be "popping the hips" during a kipping movement, "finish the pull" in a snatch or clean, or the old "squeeze your butt" at the top of a squat or deadlift. All coaching cues have a degree of truth behind them, but some are overused to the point where they are unhelpful or even misleading. An overemphasis on hip extension in movement is definitely one of those cues that are overused. In this week's episode we discuss the use of coaching cues, rant a little about the ones we find misleading and explore some of the reasons why these cues are overused. Check out the episode to hear what we find are better cues, and ways of thinking about and coaching movement. If you're not already subscribed to our newsletter, head over to www.legionsc.com to get a weekly selection of training tips and our favorite articles. We run online workshops for coaches as well. Find out when our next workshop is here: https://legionsc.com/program-design-workshops These podcasts are posted in video format on YouTube as well. Show Notes: [0:45] 'Popping the hips' on a ring muscle-up is misleading [3:00] What we actually need in the ring muscle-up [5:00] Overemphasis on hip extension in athleticism and movement [7:00] Triple extension in the weightlifting [8:30] Overpulling coming from overcueing the pull [12:00] Transitional phases in movement and the idea of 'contract and relax' [16:00] Cueing body parts versus cueing actions with an external focus [18:00] Just repeating coaching cues without understanding them [23:00] Overcoaching in coaching certifications [25:00] When people have the wrong idea about a movement  

With hybrid training and events like Hyrox on the rise, more gyms are adapting—some diversifying their class offerings, others going as far as de-affiliating from CrossFit entirely. In this episode, we explore how the functional fitness landscape is shifting and what that means for gym owners. Todd draws a brilliant analogy between the spectrum of fitness offerings and doom metal. On one end, you've got the aggressive intensity of CrossFit, on the other, the more polished, accessible experience of a Barry's Bootcamp-style class. We discuss what makes a gym successful, how onboarding (or the lack of it) shapes the experience, and how location can make or break a business model. From small-town boxes with no local competition to city gyms surrounded by ClassPass options, this episode looks at the changing dynamics of functional fitness, and why doom metal might explain more than you'd think. If you're not already subscribed to our newsletter, head over to www.legionsc.com to get a weekly selection of training tips and our favorite articles. We run online workshops for coaches as well. Find out when our next workshop is here: https://legionsc.com/program-design-workshops These podcasts are posted in video format on YouTube as well. Show Notes: [0:00] Introduction [3:30] Doom metal and the functional fitness [7:00] The spectrum of functional fitness classes [9:30] Appealing to market trends [12:30] The business model of a CrossFit gym in a small town versus a big city [15:30] What makes a good business model for a CrossFit gym [21:00] CrossFit and maximising the square footage of a gym [23:00] The marketing message from CrossFit

As a competitor moves up the ranks, the experience they get from different competitions can vary drastically. At some competitions, the standard of the division matches really well with prior expectations and the qualification process. Whereas in a different competition, divisions are named the same as others, but it's a notch or two up or down when comparing. This difference can be very frustrating as an athlete and coach. It means that some competitions don't provide useful information to help with training and improving. It's going to be impossible to make everyone happy–for some it will be too hard and for others it will be too easy. But having some consistency across competitions will make for a much more streamlined process in both competing and training for athletes. In this week's episode, we explore potential ways of having some level of guidance or standardization, as well as discuss the realities for athletes competing at different divisions and progressing throughout their training and competing. If you're not already subscribed to our newsletter, head over to www.legionsc.com to get a weekly selection of training tips and our favorite articles. We run online workshops for coaches as well. Find out when our next workshop is here: https://legionsc.com/program-design-workshops These podcasts are posted in video format on YouTube as well. Show Notes: [1:00] Difference amongst divisions in different competitions [3:10] Can you keep all participants happy? [5:00] The Open is not longer the measure it was [7:30] Finding common benchmarking amongst competitions [15:20] Should divisions be policed by competition organisers? [23:30] Standardization or guidance [26:00] Level systems from back in the day  

Cheating in CrossFit has been around since the early days of the Open and online qualifiers. From athletes looping videos to some competitors being exposed year after year at Regionals, it's a persistent undercurrent in the sport. But how widespread is cheating and does it always happen intentionally? At one end of the spectrum, you have blatant rule-breaking, like switching out a medicine ball for a lighter one. At the other, you see more subtle infractions, such as a judge giving a warning for a squat that is just shy of full depth. Both technically count as cheating, but they are worlds apart in intent and impact. In this episode, we dive into the kinds of cheating we've seen over the years, some being very entertaining, and examine how the current CrossFit Games season, with its heavy reliance on virtual competition, creates even more opportunities for rule-bending. If you're not already subscribed to our newsletter, head over to www.legionsc.com to get a weekly selection of training tips and our favorite articles. We run online workshops for coaches as well. Find out when our next workshop is here: https://legionsc.com/program-design-workshops These podcasts are posted in video format on YouTube as well. Show Notes: [1:00] Cheating in online qualifiers [3:00] How many athletes are cheating in the open? [8:00] Cale Layman in this years open [10:15] Having to verify scores when athletes judge each other [13:00] Qualifying athletes to the games without in person competitions [16:10] When an athlete or judge might accidentally cheat [19:30] Is the 2025 season going to be a good test? [21:00] Team athletes making it to the games without basic skills

One of the classic clichés often repeated by coaches is that the best programme in the world, executed poorly, is far less effective than the worst programme executed well. While it's true that a poorly designed programme can still be ineffective, there is merit in the idea that how you train matters more than what's on paper. Teaching athletes how to train effectively and execute a programme to the best of their ability is one of the best leverage points for a coach. Much of this comes down to observing and interpreting training outcomes. These results often reveal whether the athlete is approaching training with the right intent, understands what truly matters, and knows which outcomes will most help their progress. In this week's episode, we explore some of the common areas where athletes tend to need more guidance in their training. We discuss motivation, the athlete's relationship with the training process, and share a few stories of interesting results we've seen over the years. If you're not already subscribed to our newsletter, head over to www.legionsc.com to get a weekly selection of training tips and our favorite articles. We run online workshops for coaches as well. Find out when our next workshop is here: https://legionsc.com/program-design-workshops These podcasts are posted in video format on YouTube as well. Show Notes: [2:30] Teaching athletes how to train [5:00] Picking up helpful ideas from training with others [8:00] Navigating feedback with training [10:00] When an athlete doesn't care that much [14:30] Communicating and processing results [17:30] Recording the results for conditioning [21:30] Recognising what results are important

One of the challenges in a highly varied sport like CrossFit is determining whether we're actually improving. Once an athlete has accumulated a significant amount of training volume, the classic test-retest approach on isolated elements of the sport becomes less effective.   We can spend weeks or even months working on a particular movement, only to struggle with it again when the context shifts slightly. Coaches can use tools such as variation, psychological momentum, and developing complementary areas to support progress—but what happens when an athlete hits a ceiling with a specific movement or combination?   In this week's episode, we explore strategies for programming that help athletes continue improving their weaknesses. We discuss when it's best to zoom out and focus on general adaptations, and when it's necessary to get tactical and hone in on the specifics. If you're not already subscribed to our newsletter, head over to www.legionsc.com to get a weekly selection of training tips and our favorite articles. We run online workshops for coaches as well. Find out when our next workshop is here: https://legionsc.com/program-design-workshops These podcasts are posted in video format on YouTube as well. Show Notes: [1:00] Test retest [3:20] Improvement through repetition [6:00] Using variation to help [10:00] Hitting your ceiling for progression [13:00] How do you actually measure physiological improvement [17:00] General versus specific adaptations [21:00] Working on major weaknesses longer term

Have you ever felt the urge to flip the table and completely change your training or someone else's programme? Maybe a few small competition experiences have made you feel like your training is heading in the wrong direction. Perhaps you're getting tired of working on the same things. Or maybe you want to change your training goal entirely. Whether you're making big changes to your training goals and what you train for, or you're shifting the direction and focus of your training while keeping the same goal, some of these changes can be reactionary and driven by frustration—this is where you need to be careful. In this week's episode, we discuss where these changes may come from, whether from an athlete or a coach, and how to manage some of the unhelpful tendencies behind them. Tune in to hear more about general programming strategies that help you stay agile and pivot your programme, when the programme actually doesn't matter that much, and why naming a training cycle is an essential programming skill. If you're not already subscribed to our newsletter, head over to www.legionsc.com to get a weekly selection of training tips and our favorite articles. We run online workshops for coaches as well. Find out when our next workshop is here: https://legionsc.com/program-design-workshops These podcasts are posted in video format on YouTube as well. Show Notes: [0:30] Introduction [2:45] Making changes to overall training goals versus training focus [4:45] More options to compete in fitness [7:30] Changes stemming from frustration [10:00] Minimum Viable Programme [13:00] How to communicate programming to athletes [15:30] When coaches make big changes to programming [18:00] Does programming actually make that much difference [24:00] Doing conditioning before strength

Having a formal education in sports science, kinesiology, or a similar field may seem beneficial for a CrossFit coach. However, you might end up learning a lot of technical information without any context or knowledge of how to apply it. Conversely, you may develop extensive coaching experience and navigate situations in the moment with ease but lack the technical knowledge or critical thinking skills to tackle more complex challenges. This week's episode is all about striking a balance between being book-smart and having the coaching experience to handle situations effectively. We discuss Jon's background with a sports science degree, the drawbacks of an overly mechanistic view on training, and the importance of knowing what to communicate to athletes—and how to do so effectively. If you're not already subscribed to our newsletter, head over to www.legionsc.com to get a weekly selection of training tips and our favorite articles. We run online workshops for coaches as well. Find out when our next workshop is here: https://legionsc.com/program-design-workshops These podcasts are posted in video format on YouTube as well. Show Notes: [1:00] Is book learning helpful in CrossFit [2:30] Jon's background doing a Sports Science degree [4:30] The gap between knowledge and a coaches eye [8:00] Being able to connect knowledge to context [10:00] Overly mechanistic view of biomechanics [12:30] Skepticism about biomechanical explanations [23:30] How to effectively filter your communication to athletes

When learning anything, it can be difficult to step back from the details, and this is especially true for CrossFit programming. Often, you'll find coaches who are highly focused on the means (the exercises, the sets and reps) rather than the methods (the programme, the desired stimulus, the weekly plan, etc.). As much as constructing a programme or workout based on the latest sports science information is considered the best approach, sometimes it doesn't hold up, and you need to rely on your own training or coaching experience to create something more contextual and effective. In this episode, we discuss some of our own self-reflection while programming, as well as other programme methods. We also explore how MGW and the programming information provided by CrossFit have their limitations. If you're not already subscribed to our newsletter, head over to www.legionsc.com to get a weekly selection of training tips and our favorite articles. We run online workshops for coaches as well. Find out when our next workshop is here: https://legionsc.com/program-design-workshops These podcasts are posted in video format on YouTube as well. Show Notes: [1:00] Being able to abstract workouts into bigger picture programming [2:00] Where CrossFit's programming methodology can lead you [3:30] Focusing on the details too much as an inexperienced coach [5:45] Writing programming in layers [8:45] Not seeing the higher order pattern when starting out programming [10:00] What is this workout going to feel like? [12:30] Programming more variance for experienced athletes [14:30] Using your own experience in training [17:00] Writing programming that is influenced only by the CrossFit world [20:00] Being self reflective in your programming [23:30] Treating all movements as equal through an energy system lens

In the past couple of months, a new type of fitness competition has been generating a lot of anticipation. Headed by multiple-time CrossFit Games athlete Will Moorad, the World Fitness Project is entering the competitive landscape in a year when the CrossFit Games is undergoing its biggest changes yet. The competition consists of two tour events and a finals event at the end of 2025. There are 20 professionally signed male and female athletes, along with 10 challengers at each event. Additionally, team and masters competitions will take place at these events. Overall, this competition appears to create a clear pathway for athletes to compete in the sport and make a living as professional fitness athletes. They have released a movement list for the season, already demonstrating standardisation we haven't seen in CrossFit. The WFP has signed many of the sport's top athletes, with several planning to compete in both the CrossFit Games and the WFP season. In this week's episode, we discuss what this could look like from a training perspective and whether it provides mid-tier competitors with a more structured and potentially rewarding outlet than what CrossFit has offered in the past. If you're not already subscribed to our newsletter, head over to www.legionsc.com to get a weekly selection of training tips and our favorite articles. We run online workshops for coaches as well. Find out when our next workshop is here: https://legionsc.com/program-design-workshops These podcasts are posted in video format on YouTube as well. Show Notes: [0:30] What is the WFP? [3:30] CrossFit lending itself to a tour-style sport [4:30] The challenge of making money from events [6:30] Streamlining competition for athletes [8:30] Frustrations with online competition [11:30] Getting structure in training through competition [14:30] Competing in person vs. focusing solely on qualifiers [18:00] Standardisation in competition [22:30] Will the WFP offer more structure than CrossFit? [24:30] The "no man's land" for many competitors [26:00] The importance of having direction from competition

There are a few qualities in CrossFit that can be quite difficult to improve for certain people. It's usually a mix of different problems that manifest in one or two specific styles of workouts in CrossFit. It's not quite this, but not quite that, either. One of those qualities is moderate-weight barbell conditioning pieces—typically something like a 135/95 barbell performed for high reps with a lot of other movements included in the workout. It's not a heavy barbell where strength is going to slow you down, but it's also not a lighter barbell where your breathing is going to be the main limiter. It is an endurance issue, but due to the movements this issue arises on, there is a strength element at play as well. The important thing with training this quality is not to let yourself blow up and reach that point of no return. You want to develop as much capacity and training volume below that point to try and push this further. Check out this episode to hear how we work on this issue, how we structure workouts for endurance limitations, and how this problem relates to other qualities required in the sport. If you're not already subscribed to our newsletter, head over to www.legionsc.com to get a weekly selection of training tips and our favorite articles. We run online workshops for coaches as well. Find out when our next workshop is here: https://legionsc.com/program-design-workshops These podcasts are posted in video format on YouTube as well. Show Notes: [0:30] The issue at hand [2:00] Adjusting traditional CrossFit metcons first and then going deeper if needed [5:00] Structuring workouts to target more enduring qualities [9:40] Hard workouts are easy to programme [11:00] Not a clear-cut route to improving this quality [12:30] 80/20 rule with pulling and pushing your training [14:15] Breaking the movement down to keep the athlete moving [16:00] Interval Weight Training [17:30] Is this a movement-specific problem? [20:00] Difference between barbell battery work and moderate-weight conditioning [21:15] Squatters versus hingers

Now that the Open is advancing significantly fewer athletes to the next stage of the CrossFit Games—online semi-finals—will we see athletes shifting their training to become more specialised? Looking at the numbers, only a very small number of athletes will make it into the top 1% of the Open. This means even the best of the best cannot afford a poor performance in any of the three weeks of competition. Given the constraints of needing to complete Open workouts in an affiliate —most likely able to be done in regular classes—we can make some educated guesses about how these workouts will be programmed. With three workouts, and potentially up to four scored events if there's a two-part workout, the variety of movements will be limited. This means the weighting of any single movement could become disproportionately important—especially if one of the events involves a max lift, which would be scored on a single movement. It's likely we'll see workouts designed with progressive skill levels, such as moving from pull-ups to chest-to-bar pull-ups, and then to bar muscle-ups. These factors point towards a particular style of CrossFit workout that athletes may need to focus on in their training. For example, those who struggle with movements like burpees, wall balls, or rowing will likely need to dedicate significant time to improving in these areas. But is it worth making such changes to your training? Considering the Games season is still evolving and will likely continue to undergo smaller changes and iterations in the coming years, it's possible that next season could demand a different skill set. In this week's episode, we continue our discussion about competition and the changes to the season. We take a closer look at how these changes might impact athletes' preparation and the decisions they'll need to make about their training. Listen to find out more about how these changes could impact athletes' preparation, whether the Open now comes down to the luck of the draw, how to allocate training time for different competition styles, and the shift towards local events. If you're not already subscribed to our newsletter, head over to www.legionsc.com to get a weekly selection of training tips and our favorite articles. We run online workshops for coaches as well. Find out when our next workshop is here: https://legionsc.com/program-design-workshops These podcasts are posted in video format on YouTube as well. Show Notes: [1:00] The structure of the new CrossFit Games season [2:20] Taking the top 1% from the Open [4:20] What does removing the Open do for athletes? [5:45] How many athletes will qualify for semi-finals? [6:30] Mistakes, penalties, and judging live or via video [10:20] Should people specialise just for the Open? [12:30] Will things change again? [13:30] Prioritising and allocating training time for different styles of competition [15:00] Is the Open now all about the luck of the draw? [18:30] The shift to local events [21:00] Archetypes of athletes making it through the Open