In a surprising move, this year’s CrossFit Online Qualifiers saw a complete omission of squatting movements, a decision that has left athletes and fans reflecting on its implications for the sport. With both the WFP Qualifier and Age Group Semifinals traditionally centered around fundamental CrossFit movements, the absence of squats raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about the programming direction.
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A Programming Oversight or a Strategic Shift?
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What could have been considered an oversight instead has ignited a debate about the future of programming in CrossFit. The clear absence of barbell squats, wall balls, and thrusters — staples in most CrossFit competitions — has led some to question whether this is an overcorrection or a necessary evolution to adapt to online competition logistics.
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Some athletes welcomed a break from the demanding squat-centric workouts. “I’m not mad—my knees are not mad about it,” remarked one athlete who voiced their contentment during a podcast discussion. On the other hand, critical voices arose, expressing concern that such a fundamental movement should not be disregarded when evaluating fitness standards.
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Insight Into the Decision
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Will B., the programmer behind the WFP, provided clarity on the reasoning for this choice. He explained that the complexity in standardizing judging for squat cleans contributed significantly to their removal. Specifically, the initial workout structure included squat cleans, but concerns over video judging accuracy led to that decision being undone.
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“The wall walk that went into the cleans was originally squat cleans,” Will noted. “But I removed that for judging standards and to ensure accuracy on video.” The aim, he emphasized, was to maintain fairness throughout the workout, considering that power cleans provided a clearer visual standard than their squat counterparts.
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Do Lunges Count as a Substitute?
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In place of squats, the qualifiers included heavy dumbbell lunges, prompting athletes to question whether these could serve as viable substitutes. “I still felt like I had done squatting,” one competitor shared, acknowledging that their legs felt similar fatigue. However, the lack of traditional squat mechanics led many to see lunges as an inadequate replacement, reinforcing the notion that squats were a missing element in both qualifiers.
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Programming Identity and New Approaches
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The CrossFit landscape is undergoing a transformation, with a growing influence from independent competitions like WFP. As diverse programming philosophies emerge among different organizers, the once unified approach to testing fitness standards is now more fragmented. Coaches from Training Think Tank pointed out that Will’s preference for endurance and threshold-based testing may have influenced the removal of traditional squat movements.
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Age Group Online Qualifier: Increased Barbell Focus
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While the Open focused heavily on bodyweight movements, the Age Group Online Semifinals shifted gears significantly. Athletes faced three demanding barbell workouts, including:
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- Row + Shoulder-to-Overhead
- Heavy Isabel
- Bar Muscle-Up + Clean Ladder
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This shift towards heavier lifting raised further questions about the absence of squatting movements, with some athletes feeling that repeating elements already seen in the Open might not add value. “Why not introduce ring muscle-ups or squat-based movements?” one athlete questioned.
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Scaling Improvements and Fairness
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On a positive note, the Age Group programming showcased improvements in scaling logic across divisions, meeting long-standing calls for adjustments. For instance, masters athletes saw lowered barbell loads and adaptive options for bar muscle-ups. This progression received praise, as it allowed athletes to showcase their skills, regardless of their fitness level.
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Scoring and the Future of Competitions
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Another pressing topic of discussion among athletes involves whether scores from earlier stages, like the Open, should carry forward into later qualifiers. While some argue it promotes a well-rounded fitness assessment, others believe it could unfairly penalize elite competitors who treat the Open as more of a formality.
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As the CrossFit season becomes increasingly segmented and subject to distinct programming philosophies, events like Crash Crucible offer athletes a chance to reconnect with the community spirit that can sometimes feel lost in online formats. Although these competitions don’t factor into qualifying, they serve as a reminder of the thrill and camaraderie that embodies the sport.
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While squats may very likely make a comeback in future in-person events, their absence in crucial qualifiers has left a mark on discussions about fitness programming. As the community continues to navigate these changes, the ongoing dialogue is vital to the evolution of the sport.
