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In this episode of the Masters in Motion podcast, Jason Grubb and Rick Stevenson sit down with two-time CrossFit Games athlete Josh Boonstra to break down everything you need to know about CrossFit Open Workout 26.1.
Josh shares his unique path to the Games, the lessons he’s learned from competing at the highest level, and how those experiences shape his approach to programming and strategy today. This conversation goes beyond surface-level tips — it dives into what really determines performance in a workout like 26.1.
From managing heart rate under fatigue to navigating high-rep wall balls and box jumps, this episode is packed with practical insights for athletes looking to maximize their Open performance. If you’ve ever underestimated how quickly leg fatigue can derail your plan, this one will hit home.
They also unpack how body mechanics, relative strength, and movement efficiency play a bigger role than most athletes realize — especially in workouts that look simple on paper but demand sustained capacity.
Whether you’re trying to squeeze out a few more reps or just survive the workout with a solid plan, this episode gives you a smarter way to approach 26.1.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
* 26.1 is less about raw strength and more about sustained capacity
* Leg fatigue will dictate your pacing far more than you expect
* Heart rate management is critical — blow up early and it’s over
* Efficient movement patterns can save more time than faster transitions
* Relative strength and body mechanics play a bigger role than most athletes realize
* Breaking early and intentionally is often the smarter strategy
* Athlete awareness and pacing discipline separate good performances from great ones
* Simplicity in workouts often hides the biggest challenges
* Mental control under fatigue is just as important as physical ability
* Preparation for the Open should focus on repeatability, not just intensity
🧠 Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction and Guest Introduction03:28 – Josh Boonstra’s Background and Journey06:31 – Experiences at the CrossFit Games09:23 – Overview of CrossFit Open 26.112:01 – Strategy Breakdown for 26.115:00 – Heart Rate Management and Intensity Control17:44 – Final Thoughts on Workout Execution20:52 – Programming Philosophy and Strategy24:53 – The Art of Creative Programming29:26 – Athlete Strengths and Performance Analysis32:11 – Height, Leverage, and Movement Efficiency36:19 – Preparing for the Open: Mindset and Execution
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