The Rx Review: Reporting on Fitness and CrossFit News, John Michael Bric

The fifth and final week of the 2014 CrossFit Open is now officially over with the online leaderbaords finalised for 14.5.

In the final week of the Open athletes were presented with a descending ladder of thrusters and barbell facing burpees in 14.5. For the first time ever in an Open we had a workout ‘for time’ instead of the usual AMRAP!

In the end it was Josh Bridges and Sam Briggs who topped the leaderboards, posting the best times in both male and female divisions.

For the third time this year, Briggs was the standout performer, completing the workout in a time of 8:31 during the live announcement throwdown in San Francisco on Thursday. Her time was seven seconds faster than her nearest female rival, Julie Foucher (8:38).

Rich Froning led the way in the men’s half until Bridges made his submission on Sunday afternoon. His time of 7:49 was 37 seconds faster than the three-time Games champion and saw him finish the Open with a huge win, just as he did in 2013 and 2011.

In terms of the overall standings, Brigg’s finished first in the female’s Division, claiming her second straight Open victory. The reigning Games champion ended up on just 35 points, more than 100 more than second placed Camille Leblanc-Bazinet. Kaleena Ladeairous was third overall, Julie Foucher 14th, while two-time Games champion Annie Thorisdottir finished in 28th place overall after struggling in 14.5.

In the men’s half, Froning claimed victory. He never finished outside of the top 10 worldwide in any of the Open workouts (fourth, second, eight, first, third), and accumulated just 18 points over five weeks. Jason Khalipa finished second on 71 points, while Ben Smith is third overall. It is the exact podium placing as the 2013 CrossFit Games.

Games veteran Tommy Hackenbruck finished 11th overall and has confirmed he will be completing as an individual this year, while fellow Hack’s Pack UTE member Adrian Conway finished 40th and has also confirmed he’ll be going individual in 2014.

Bridges victory in 14.5 saw him jump to 72nd place overall.

With the Open now over, our attention turns to the CrossFit Regional events which kick off on May 9, 2014.

Until then, here is a look at the 14.5 results and how the leaderboards stand at the end of the 2014 CrossFit Open:

Men’s Leaderboard After Workout 14.5

Women’s Leaderboard After Workout 14.5

Teams Leaderboard After Workout 14.5

2014 CrossFit Open: 14.5 Results & Standings

The Rx Review: Reporting on Fitness and CrossFit News, John Michael Bric

Kristan Clever will not be competing as an individual at the 2014 CrossFit Games.

The 2010 Champion, and Spirit of the Games winner at last year’s event, has declined an invite to compete at the upcoming SoCal Regional.

At this stage, Clever could still compete at the 2014 Southern California Regional in the Team Division. She is currently still on the Valley CrossFit team roster, and with the Affiliate finishing the Open inside the top 10, it could very well be her intentions to go Team in 2014.

Clever is one of many big name athletes to decline individual invites this year. Former Games competitors Michelle Crawford, Pat Barber, Elyse Umeda, Chase Daniels, Brandon Phillips and Jeremy Kinnick have also declined the offer, choosing to compete with their affiliate Teams in 2014.

On the flip-side, a couple of well known athletes who have been competing in the Team Division for the past few years have decided to compete as individuals at this year’s regional events.

Hack’s Pack UTE captain Tommy Hackenbruck has accepted his individual invite, while former teammate Adrian Conway will also compete solo this year.

For more information on the upcoming regional events head to the CrossFit Games website, or check out the up to date leaderboards by clicking here.

Kristan Clever Declines Individual Invite for Regional

The Rx Review: Reporting on Fitness and CrossFit News, John Michael Bric

The 2014 Masters Qualifier is over, with the online leaderboards now closed for athletes across the globe.

For the first time ever, Masters athletes were put through an additional stage of qualifying this year, and couldn’t just rely on their performances in the Open to qualify for the CrossFit Games.

In 2014, more than 37,000 Masters athletes competed in the CrossFit Open, with the top 200 in each division advancing to the next qualifying stage – the Masters Qualifier, which took place from April 17-21.

Over the four day period, qualifying athletes were required to complete four workouts and submit their scores online. The four workouts were:

Event 1

1 Rep Max Clean

Event 2

Amanda

9-7-5

Muscle-Ups

Squat Snatches

Event 3

3 rounds of:

50 Calorie Row

15 Handstand Push-Ups

50 Double-Unders

Event 4

100 Pull-Ups

100 Wall Balls

With the 2014 Masters Qualifier now over, athletes will be ranked by their performances in the above four workouts, and their overall placing in the Open. The top 20 Masters athletes in each Division will be invited to compete at the 2014 CrossFit Games in Carson, California in July.

While submissions for the qualifier are now closed, the leaderboards are still changing with affiliates and the Games Team validating the scores submitted over the past four days. The leaderboards will finally become official at 5 p.m. PT on Wednesday, April 23.

2013 Masters Champion: Amanda Allen

This year we have a few familiar faces on top of the leaderboards already, including 2007 CrossFit Games champion James Fitzgerald, who is currently inside the top 20 in the 40-45 men’s division.

Other notable athletes to take part in the 2014 Masters Qualifier include Games competitors Cheryl Brost, Amanda Allen and Becky Conzelman. However, there were also a few big names who chose not to compete, including CrossFit’s Bill Grundler, who finished the Open in first place in the 45-49 men’s division.

We’ll have the list of qualifiers in each Masters Division when the leaderboards are made official on Wednesday.

Also, HQ has revealed the prize-money for the Masters competition has increased by US$120,000 with the winner of each age division to receive $10,000. Second place will take home $5,000 with the third in each division pocketing $3,000.

2014 Masters Qualifier: Leaderboards Closed

The Rx Review: Reporting on Fitness and CrossFit News, John Michael Bric

Make sure you set your alarm clocks for 10AM (Pacific Time) on Wednesday, April 30.

That’s when tickets to the 2014 CrossFit Games will officially be released to the public at AXS.com!

Last year, tickets sold out within minutes so be sure to get onto the website well before the 10AM rush, and for those outside of America, make sure you set your calendars to US standards so you don’t miss out.

Once again, there will be two types of passes on offer for the 2014 CrossFit Games with a limit of four tickets for purchaser:

Gold ($200 for a multi-day pass) - Access to all public areas during the Games including the soccer and tennis stadium.

Silver ($125 for a multi-day pass) - Access to all public areas during the Games excluding the tennis stadium.

Silver and Gold fans will have access to the beer garden, vendor village, CrossFit Experience and other spectator areas. Both passes provide three-day access to the StubHub Center from July 25-27.

Prices have risen slightly this year, with Gold and Silver tickets increasing by $50. However, they do include taxes and parking at the venue, which cost $45 for the three days in 2013.

Affiliates who had 50 or more people register for the CrossFit Open will have the opportunity to purchase two Gold passes in a pre-sale, while each competitor who qualifies for the Games will have the opportunity to buy passes for family and friends.

If you do miss out on tickets this year it doesn’t mean you can’t come down and watch some of the action. The 2014 CrossFit Games Masters Competition will once again be held at the StubHub Center from Tuesday through Thursday, July 22-24 with free admission for the public!

Tickets to 2014 CrossFit Games On Sale Wednesday!

The Rx Review: Reporting on Fitness and CrossFit News, John Michael Bric

The Day 1 individual workouts for the 2014 CrossFit Regionals have just been released.

HQ revealed the details a short time ago and just like last year, we will be seeing three Events on the first day of competition.

Events 1 & 2 will be held back to back with just a two-minute break in between both, while Event 3 will be later in the day.

Here is a closer look all all three workouts:

Event 1: 1-Rep-Max Hang Squat Snatch

Both men and women will be given three attempts to establish their heaviest 1-rep-max hang squat snatch. Once the Event begins athletes will have two minutes to load weight onto their bar and attempt their first lift. They are then not allowed to lift again until after the two-minute mark. Athletes will have another attempt to lift between the two and four-minute marks, and then once again after the four-minute mark. Athletes may not decrease the weight after a failed attempt.

After the six-minute time cap, there will then be two-mintues of rest before the commencement of Event 2.

Event 2: Max Distance Handstand Walk

Athletes will walk on their hands as far as possible in a three-minute time cap. Competitors will be given two ‘false starts’ if their feet touch the ground before they reach the 10 feet mark. If an athlete makes it the full 120 feet distance to the other side of the stadium, they will be allowed to come down onto their feet, turn around, and begin their return.

Event 3: Nasty Girls V2 – 3 Rounds for Time: 50 One-Legged Squats, 7 Muscle-Ups, 10 Hang Cleans (175/115lb)

Athletes must complete all reps in their designated lane within the 16-minute time cap.

HQ have also released full video demonstrations of the workouts. You can check them out below, or read the full workout descriptions by clicking here.

2014 CrossFit Regionals: Day 1 Workouts Released!

The Rx Review: Reporting on Fitness and CrossFit News, John Michael Bric

Day 2 Individual workouts for the 2014 CrossFit Regionals have now been released!

Unlike Day 1, which will include three Events, Day 2 will consist of just the two workouts.

Here is a closer look at Event 4 & 5 which will take place on Day 2 of the 2014 CrossFit Regionals:

Event 4: 21-15-9-6-3 reps for time of:
Strict Handstand Push-Ups
Front Squats, 195/125 lb.
Bar Facing Burpees

This workout has a 20-minute time cap and requires both men and women to complete the 21-15-9-6-3 rounds in their designated lanes. No kipping is allowed in the HSPUs. In the bar facing burpees, athletes must take off from both feet and land on both feet. One-footed jumping or stepping over is not permitted.

Event 5: 10 rounds for time of:
1 legless 14-foot rope ascent
200-foot sprint

Just like the ‘Legless’ workout at the 2013 CrossFit Games, Athletes will not be able to use their feet during the rope climbs. They will, however, be able to use their feet while descending from each climb. Jumping up to begin each ascent is allowed.

Full video demonstrations of the workouts have also been made public. You can check them out below, or read the full workout descriptions by clicking here.

2014 CrossFit Regionals: Day 2 Workouts Released!

The Rx Review: Reporting on Fitness and CrossFit News, John Michael Bric

Day 3 Individual workouts for the 2014 CrossFit Regionals have now been released!

Day 1 and Day 2 workouts were released over the past two days meaning the full individual programming for all Regional Events has now been made public.

Athletes will compete two workouts on the final day of competition. Here is a closer look at Event 6 & 7 which will take place on Day 3 of the 2014 CrossFit Regionals:

Event 6: For time:
50-calorie row
50 box jump overs, 24/18 in.
50 deadlifts, 180/120 lb.
50 wall-balls, 20/14 lb.
50 ring dips
50 wall-balls, 20/14 lb.
50 deadlifts, 180/120 lb.
50 box jump overs, 24/18 in.
50-calorie row

This workout has a 21-minute time cap and requires both men and women to complete all reps in their designated lanes. Athletes can complete their box jump overs however they wish as long as they begin with a two-foot jump off and do not use their hands. For the ring dips, athletes shoulders must pass below the top of the elbow at the bottom and the hips must travel below the rings.

Event 7: For time:
64 pull-ups
8 overhead squats, 205/135 lb.

Athletes will complete all reps in their designated lane with a six-minute time cap for the workout. Any type of pull-up is allowed as long as the requirements are met, this includes dead hang, kipping or butterfly pull-ups.

The full list of Events and the day of competition they will be held is noted in the image above.

Once again, full video demonstrations of the workouts have also been made public. You can check them out below, or read the full workout descriptions by clicking here.

What do you think of the programming for the 2014 CrossFit Regionals? What’s your favourite workout? What do you think the hardest Event is? Tell us in the comment section below!

2014 CrossFit Regionals: Day 3 Workouts Released!

The Rx Review: Reporting on Fitness and CrossFit News, John Michael Bric

Stacie Tovar has finished 2nd in the past two North Central Regionals

The 2014 North Central Regional takes place this weekend (May 9-11) in Chicago Ill.

Here’s a quick preview of the Region and a closer look at the top female and male athletes competing in the three day competition:

Men

Kyle Kasperbauer is the stand out performer in the men’s Division, having claimed the Regional title for the past two years. The 3rd place finisher at the 2012 CrossFit Games accepted his individual invite this year after finishing the Open in 11th place.

Justin Allen, who has claimed podium finishes at the past two North Central Regionals, will provide some tough competition, as will Alex Nettey (3rd place last year).

Youngster Bobby Noyce is the top qualifier in the Region, and will go into the weekend as the ‘smoky’ in the field. The 25 year-old finished the Open in 3rd place last year but didn’t compete in the Regional. He’s sure to provide some tough competition for the veterans like Kasperbauer, Allen and Phillip Kniep.

Other names to look out for include Joshua Page, Sam Dancer and Jared Stevens (4th place last year).

2013 Regional Results:

1. Kyle Kasperbauer
2. Justin Allen
3. Alex Nettey

Joshua Page

Women

The Women’s division in the North Central Region is arguably one of the toughest in the world. In the past two years all three female qualifiers have finished in the top 21 at the CrossFit Games.

10th place finisher at the 2013 Games, Elisabeth Akinwale, remains the woman to beat after claiming the past two Regional titles, however she has some tough competition from Games veteran Stacie Tovar who has finished runner-up two years in a row.

The big out this year is Deborah Cordner Carson who is pregnant and taking the year off. With the 2012 CrossFit Games Spirit of the Games winner not competing, the window is open for a new female competitor to make a name for herself.

Kelley Jackson, who has finished 5th and 6th at the past two North Central Regionals, is the top qualifier and will be one of the favourites to qualify for the Games.

2013 Regional Results:

1. Elisabeth Akinwale
2. Stacie Tovar
3. Deborah Cordner Carson

Predictions

Male Champion – Kyle Kasperbauer

Female Champion - Stacie Tovar

Team Winner - CrossFit Kilo

Surprise Packet - Bobby Noyce

2014 CrossFit Regionals: North Central Preview

The Rx Review: Reporting on Fitness and CrossFit News, John Michael Bric

Lucas Parker will be Aiming for Back-to-Back Regional Titles in 2014

The 2014 Canada West Regional takes place this weekend (May 9-11) in Vancouver, B.C. with two spots to compete at the CrossFit Games up for grabs in each division.

Here’s a quick preview of the Region and a closer look at the top female and male athletes competing in the three day competition:

Men

Lucas Parker has been the standout performer in Canada West over the past few years, claiming the 2011 and 2013 Regional titles and will once again be the man to beat in 2014.

However, the man with the beard faces a tough field this year which includes 2012 Champion Jeremy Meredith, 2013 Games qualifier Tyson Takasaki, and regional veteran Jason Cain.

This year has also seen a few new faces join the region including Brent Fikowski, a top 10 finisher at the 2013 Australia Regional. The 23 year old finished the Open in 2nd place in the region and will be aiming for another solid performance this weekend.

Jonathan Gibson, the top qualifier in the Region will also be someone to keep an eye on. So too is Michael Fitzgerald, the younger brother of 2007 CrossFit Games champion, James ‘OPT’ Fitzgerald.

2013 Regional Results:

1. Lucas Parker
2. Tyson Takasaki
3. Joey Lutz

Women

The female’s division is wide open in Canada West with last year’s Regional Champion Heather Gillespie taking the year off due to injury, and fellow 2013 Games qualifier Erin Light not competing either.

Jayde Quilty, who finished 6th at last year’s Regional is the top qualifier in the field and will be one of the favourites to finish on the podium. Third place finisher last year, Erica Livett is also expected to be one of the top performers.

Other names to keep and eye on include Emily Beers (3rd at 2012 Regionals), and top ten finishers last year, Whitney Darchuk and Nancy McKeage.

2013 Regional Results:

1. Heather Gillespie
2. Erin Light
3. Erica Livett

Predictions

Male Champion – Lucas Parker

Female Champion - Emily Beers

Team Winner - The CENTAURS

Surprise Packet - Brent Fikowski

2014 CrossFit Regionals: Canada West Preview

The Rx Review: Reporting on Fitness and CrossFit News, John Michael Bric

Orlando Trejo will be hoping to win his third straight Latin America Regional Title in 2014.

The 2014 Latin America Regional takes place this weekend (May 9-11) in Santiago, Chile with one spot to compete at the CrossFit Games up for grabs in each division.

Here’s a quick preview of the Region and a closer look at the top female and male athletes competing in the three day competition:

Men

Orlando Trejo has been the dominant male athlete in this Region over the past few years, having claimed the Regional title in 2012 and 2013.

However, the Peruvian wasn’t the top qualifier in the Region this year, with Leonidas Jenkins finishing the Open one spot ahead of Trejo in Latin America. Jenkins moved over the South West Region this year and is one of the  favourites to take out the Latin America title after his impressive performances in the 2014 Open.

Joel Bran and Conor Murphy, who rounded out the podium last year, are other names to keep an eye out for.

2013 Regional Results:

1. Orlando Trejo
2. Conor Murphy
3. Joel Bran

Women

With the winners of the past three Regional titles not competing in this year’s Latin America Regional (Tarasa Barnett & Courtney Modecki), we will see a new champion in 2014.

Wanda Brenton is the top individual qualifier in the Region and will be one of the favourites to claim the sole qualifying spot, as too will 6th place finisher at the 2013 Latin America Regional, Antonelli Nicole.

Other athletes to keep an eye out for include Marylin Rojas, who finished 4th last year, and 4th place finisher in the Open this year, Priscila Caceres.

2013 Regional Results:

1. Courtney Modecki
2. Tarasa Barnett
3. Solange Jean-Francois Mon
   

Predictions

Male Champion – Leonidas Jenkins

Female Champion - Anita Pravatti

Team Winner - CrossFit SP Hulks Team

Surprise Packet - Marylin Rojas

2014 CrossFit Regionals: Latin America Preview

The Rx Review: Reporting on Fitness and CrossFit News, John Michael Bric

The 2014 South East Regional takes place this weekend (May 9-11) in Jacksonville, Fla. with three qualifying spots for the CrossFit Games up for grabs in each division.

Here’s a quick preview of the Region and a closer look at the top female and male athletes competing in the three day competition:

Men

The men’s division is very open in the South East in 2014. Games veterans Brandon Phillips and Chase Daniels have both declined their invites to compete as individuals to go ‘team’, while last year’s Regional champion ZA Anderson will also not be competing in this year’s event.

As a result we will see a number of new athletes fight for the three qualifying spots in 2014.

Last year’s runner-up Travis Mayer is expected to be up their once again, as will be the region’s top qualifier in the Open, Julian Serna. Irving Hernandez, Guido Trinidad and Daniel Petro are also all capable of finishing on the podium in what appears to be a very even field.

2013 Regional Results:

1. ZA Anderson
2. Travis Mayer
3. Daniel Petro

Travis Mayer at the 2013 South East Regional

Women

Top 10 finisher at the past two CrossFit Games, Talayna Fortunato is the standout performer in the female’s half and is once again favourite to finish on top of the podium in 2014.

Emily Bridgers, who finished 4th and 5th at the past two South East Regionals, completed the 2014 Open in first place in the Region and is likely to provide some solid competition.

With last year’s Games qualifiers Anna Tunnicliffe and Emily Friedman both not competing at the Regional this year, the door is Open for a few emerging athletes like Lauren Brooks and Colleen Lehane to step up.

Another big name to keep an eye on is four-time Games competitor Shana Alverson, who qualified for this year’s Regional after finishing the Open in 36th place.

2013 Regional Results:

1. Talayna Fortunato
2. Anna Tunnicliffe
3. Emily Friedman

Predictions

Male Champion – Travis Mayer

Female Champion - Talayna Fortunato

Team Winner - CrossFit Adrenaline

Surprise Packet - Shana Alverson

2014 CrossFit Regionals: South East Preview

The Rx Review: Reporting on Fitness and CrossFit News, John Michael Bric

Emily Beers Finished 2nd at the Canada West Regional

The first week of the 2014 CrossFit Regionals has now wrapped up with a few surprises in both the male and female divisions.

All up, four Regional Events took place over the weekend with nine men, nine women and nine teams all qualifying for the CrossFit Games in July.

Here’s a closer look at all of the Regions and who finished on the podium.

North Central

The big surprise in the North Central Region was Games veteran Stacie Tovar failing to qualify for the Games. Tovar finished the weekend in sixth place, six points shy of a podium finish. We also saw a new female champion crowned with Alexandra LaChance upsetting the much fancied Elisabeth Akinwale in the final Event to claim first place overall.

In the men’s half, Kyle Kasperbauer secured another Regional crown, with former Games competitors Justin Allen and Jared Stevens failing to podium.

214 North Central Regional: Men’s Final Leaderboard

2O14 North Central Regional: Women’s Final Leaderboard

South East

We also had a new female champion in the South East Region with Emily Bridgers finishing nine points ahead of Talayna Fortunato on top of the leaderboard. Remarkably, Bridgers finished top two in six of the seven Events.

In the men’s half Travis Mayer secured another Games berth while Noah Olsen was the surprise packet, claiming his first Regional title.

2014 South East Regional: Men’s Final Leaderboard

2014 South East Regional: Women’s Final Leaderboard

Canada West

It was a close finish in the Men’s Division at the Canada West Regional with Lucas Parker, Tyson Takasaki and Brent Fikowski all fighting for two qualifying spots on the final day of competition. In the end Parker and Takasaki finished first and second, with Fikowski missing out on a Games berth by just one point.

In the female’s half it was the Emily’s on top, with Emily Abbott and Emily Beers both qualifying.

2014 Canada West Regional: Men’s Final Leaderboard

2014 Canada West Regional: Women’s Final Leaderboard

Latin America

All eyes were on Orlando Trejo at the Latin America Regional with the two-time Games athlete favourite to finish on top of the podium. However, a poor performance in Event 5 (42nd overall) saw him fall out of contention and finish in fourth place overall.

In the women’s half, Wanda Brenton was the overall winner, securing her first berth at the CrossFit Games.

2014 Latin America Regional: Men’s Final Leaderboard

2014 Latin America Regional: Women’s Final Leaderboard

2014 CrossFit Regionals: Week 1 Results

The Rx Review: Reporting on Fitness and CrossFit News, John Michael Bric

The 2014 Europe Regional takes place this weekend (May 16-18) in Copenhagen, Denmark with three more qualifying spots for the CrossFit Games up for grabs in each division.

Here’s a quick preview of the Region and a closer look at the top female and male athletes competing in the three day competition:

Men

Once again, the men’s division will be very open in Europe 2014 with a number of up and coming athletes pushing for a Games berth.

With 2009 Games champion Mikko Salo not competing due to another injury, and last year’s Regional winner Lacee Kovacs withdrawing due to health problems, we could see a new Europe champion crowned in 2014.

2012 Regional champ Frederik Aegidius will be one of the favourites to finish the weekend on the podium as will top qualifier in Europe Jakob Magnusson. 21 year-old Icelander Björgvin Karl Guðmundsson is another big name to keep an eye out for.

2013 Regional Results:

1. Lacee Kovacs
2. Mikko Salo
3. Frederik Aegidius

Frederick Aegidius will be aiming for another podium finish in 2014

Women

One of the highlights of the 2014 Europe Regional will be the head to head battle between Games champions Annie Thorisdottir and Sam Briggs.

Iceland Annie is back after a back injury forced her to withdraw from the 2013 season, while Briggs will be looking to go back to back after being crowned the Fittest Woman on Earth last year.

Last year’s Games qualifiers Caroline Fryklund and Katrin Davidsdottir will also be out to claim one of three qualifying spots, as will Martina Barbaro who finished second in the Region in this year’s Open.

2013 Regional Results:

1. Sam Briggs
2. Caroline Fryklund
3. Katrin Tanja Davidsdottir

Predictions

Male Champion – Frederik Aegidius

Female Champion - Sam Briggs

Team Winner - Team DC

Surprise Packet - Björgvin Karl Guðmundsson

2014 CrossFit Regionals: Europe Preview

The Rx Review: Reporting on Fitness and CrossFit News, John Michael Bric

With just 43 individual spots (men & women) up for grabs at the 2014 CrossFit Regionals, we were always going to see a few big names miss out on qualification for this year’s Games.

Over the past four weeks, 17 Regional competitions took place with plenty of surprises right across the globe.

Not only did we have several former Regional champions and ‘Games veterans’ fail to qualify for this year’s Games, but we also had a reigning CrossFit Games champion miss out on automatic qualification with Sam Briggs finishing fourth in the Europe Regional.

While it will be exciting to watch some new faces compete in Carson, California in July 2014, there will still be plenty of fans disappointed not to see some of their idols taking part in this year’s competition.

Here is a list of some of the big names to miss out on automatic qualification to the 2014 CrossFit Games:

Sam Briggs - Probably the biggest surprise out of all the Regional competitions. Briggs, the reigning CrossFit Games champion, finished fourth at the Europe Regional, dashing her hopes of defending her crown in 2014. Briggs missed out on a podium finish by six points, despite winning three events and finishing inside the top 8 in three others. In the end it was her poor performance (26th) in the handstand walks (Event 2) which cost her.

Graham Holmberg - The 2010 CrossFit Games champion failed to secure automatic qualification to this year’s Games by the barest of margins. Competing in the ultra-tough Central East Region, Holmberg finished fourth overall, missing out on a podium finish by just one point, despite winning two Events over the weekend.

Stacie Tovar - The Games veteran was one of the first big names to fail to qualify, after finishing 5th in the North Central Regional in the first week. Just like Briggs, Tovar’s 23rd place finish in the handstand walk (Event 2) put her too far back on the leaderboard. She still won two events over the weekend, but was six points shy of returning to the Games.

Stacie Tovar failed to qualify for the 2014 CrossFit Games.

Garret Fisher - The ‘man with the hair’ made a statement in 2013, finishing fifth in his first ever appearance at the CrossFit Games. But Fisher won’t be returning to Carson, California in 2014 as an individual, after finishing 5th at the NorCal Regional.

Lindsey Valenzuela - The podium finisher at the 2013 CrossFit Games was one of the big surprises at the SoCal Regional. In the lead up to the competition, many people predicted the workouts wouldn’t suit her, however, Valenzuela still finished inside the top 8 in all of the events. Unfortunately for her, some of her rival competitors were just as consistent, with Valenzuela finishing the weekend in fourth place overall, nine points outside a podium finish.

Spencer Hendel - Hendel missed out on qualifying for the 2013 CrossFit Games by just a handful of points, and this year it was a case of deja-vu with the games veteran finishing fourth again in the North East Region, 12 points shy of a podium finish.

Chad Mackay - The ‘Unit’ from Australia has finished in the top 12 in all of his three appearances at the CrossFit Games, and went into the 2014 Australia Regional as one of the favourites to win. However, Mackay never really looking himself throughout the weekend, finishing outside the top 10 in six of the seven Events to place 16th overall.

Chad Mackay failed to qualify for the 2014 CrossFit Games.

Marcus Hendren - The top 10 finisher at the past two CrossFit Games failed to podium in the Central East Region, despite finishing inside the top 10 in all but one of the Events. His fifth place finish was 13 points outside the top three.

Andrea Ager - It shouldn’t come as too much of a shock considering she has never competed as an individual at the CrossFit Games before, but Andrea Ager was one of the favourites to win the South West Regional in 2014. Despite a solid performance over the weekend, Ager finished 5th overall, 15 points outside the top three.

Austin Malleolo - For the first time in years, Austin Malleolo won’t be competing at the CrossFit Games. The veteran finished top 5 in five Events at the North East Regional but still missed out on a podium finish after poor results in the other two workouts.

Simon Paquette - The French Canadian was one of faves to claim one of the two qualifying spots at the 2014 Canada East Regional. However, after failing to register a valid lift in the opening event, Paquette’s dream of returning to the Games was all but over. While he performed well for the remainder of the weekend, he still finished 8th overall.

Mikko Aronpää - After crossing over from Europe to Asia, many expected Mikko Aronpää to take out the Asia Regional and return to the Games in 2014. But his experience wasn’t enough to get him over the line, and with a 32nd place finish in Event 5, Aronpää ended the weekend in 5th place overall.

Frederik Aegidius - In a region where plenty of impressive athletes are starting to appear, Aegidius missed out on automitic qualification to the Games, finishing fourth overall in Europe. The former Regional champion finished outside the top 10 in the final three Events, effectively ending his dream of a return trip to Carson, California.

Big Names Fail to Qualify for the 2014 CrossFit Games

The Rx Review: Reporting on Fitness and CrossFit News, John Michael Bric

The 2014 CrossFit Games are just a few weeks away as we countdown for the biggest week on the functional fitness calendar.

As is always the case leading up the competition, CrossFit HQ are remaining tight lipped on what to expect at this year’s competition with still no announcement on programming, or what to expect at the StubHub Center from July 25-27, 2014.

However, we have been given some details about this year’s event. Here’s what we know so far:

Individual & Teams to Start on July 23

Games Director Dave Castro made the announcement on CrossFit’s Instagram account a few days ago that the 2014 Reebok CrossFit Games will kick off on Wednesday, July 23, 2014, two days before competition begins at the StubHub Center. This continues the trend of past years.

First Event Will be at the Beach

The first Event of the 2014 CrossFit Games will be held at a beach in California, and is expected to involve a water discipline. The past two years we have seen a swim included in programming: Camp Pendleton in 2012 and The Pool in 2013.

Fans are already starting to speculate what the Event could include with suggestions including a swim, stand up paddle boarding (SUP) and kayacking.

Dave Castro’s Announcement on CrossFit’s Instagram Account

All Team Events in Soccer Stadium

This year, all team events will take place in the Soccer Stadium at the SubHub Center. Unlike previous years where the team events were spread out over different locations, in 2014 they will be based out of one arena, making it easier for fans to follow.

Silver ticket holders will have access to the complete team competition.

Tickets Still Available

While Gold Tickets have all sold out, Silver tickets are still available online for the 2014 CrossFit Games. Silver tickets give you access to all areas of the StubHub Center except for the Tennis Stadium.

You can buy tickets at the AXS website by clicking here.

2014 CrossFit Games: What We Know So Far

The Rx Review: Reporting on Fitness and CrossFit News, Michael McCoy

Photo courtesy of CrossFit, Inc.

CrossFit HQ have just announced the details of the first event of the 2014 Reebok CrossFit Games, which is a 1-rep maximum overhead squat.

As CrossFit states, “The individual competitors will get three chances to establish their max at the tennis stadium on Wednesday night, July 23.”

That said, it does not mean Dave Castro could still not surprise the athletes with an event prior to this.

It was just over a week ago when it was announced on CrossFit’s Instagram (see video below) the Games would be starting at the beach. So it’s likely the day will commence with a beach swim and end with the max overhead squat. What happens in between and or before both of these events is still unknown.

In any case, a 1-rep maximum overhead squat will certainly make for a fantastic spectator event. The Rx Review will be there live so make sure you check our site for all your Games info.

2014 Reebok CrossFit Games First Event Revealed!

The Rx Review: Reporting on Fitness and CrossFit News, John Michael Bric

CrossFit HQ has just announced the details of the first individual event to be held on Friday morning of the 2014 CrossFit Games.

On Friday, July 25, all individual competitors will be put through a workout consisting off:

3,000 metre row
300 double-unders
3-mile run

The event, called the ‘Triple 3′ will be held outside the track and soccer stadium and anyone with a Silver or Gold pass will be able to watch the event live.

The announcement comes just days after HQ revealed details of the 1-rep maximum overhead squat event, which will be held on Wednesday at the Tennis Stadium at the StubHub Center.

More details on all the Events can be found at the CrossFit Games website by clicking here.

The Rx Review will also be at the 2014 CrossFit Games so make sure you follow our site and all our social media channels for the latest updates on the competition.

2014 CrossFit Games: Friday Morning Event Revealed

The Rx Review: Reporting on Fitness and CrossFit News, John Michael Bric

Photo courtesy of CrossFit, Inc.

As it has over the past few days, CrossFit HQ has again announced the details of another event to be held at the 2014 CrossFit Games.

‘The Sprint Sled’ will be held on Friday, July 25, at the Soccer Stadium with all individual athletes taking part in a two separate scored events: Sprint Sled 1 and Sprint Sled 2. Both are 100-yard sled pushes for time.

At this stage we’re not sure what the sled will look like, although HQ has released a pic today (above) which gives us an idea. In addition, we also don’t know what weight will be added to the sled for male and female athletes.

It’s the third individual event announcement so far, after The Beach, Overhead Squat and Triple 3 events were released over the past week.

We can expect a few more announcements over the next few days too with still no details on what events will take place on the Saturday and Sunday at the StubHub Center.

More details on all the Events can be found at the CrossFit Games website by clicking here.

The Rx Review will also be at the 2014 CrossFit Games so make sure you follow our site and all our social media channels for the latest updates on the competition.

2014 CrossFit Games: Sprint Sled Event Announced

The Rx Review: Reporting on Fitness and CrossFit News, John Michael Bric

Chris Spealler retires. Again!

The 2014 CrossFit Games will see the career of one of the sport’s greatest competitors come an end.

Chris Spealler will compete at his seventh CrossFit Games in July, 2014, the most appearances yet by an individual athlete.

But the 35 year-old has announced, again, that this year will be his last as a competitors, with Spealler planning on ‘hanging up his shoes’ after the 2014 Games.

It’s not the first time Spealler publicly announced his plans to retire. In 2012 he told fans his 6th appearance at the Games would be his last, and received an emotional send off at the StubHub Center at the end of the final workout.

However, the next year he was back competing in the Open, eyeing another return to the global stage.

In 2013, when Spealler failed to qualify for the Games, finishing fourth at the South West Regional, many of us once again thought his time as a full-time competitor was up. However, the lure of one more Games appearance made him change his mind.

Now, having qualified for the CrossFit Games once again, Spealler is making it clear: this year will be his last.

The CrossFit legend featured in an exclusive interview with HQ recently where he spoke about his retirement plans and why he has decided to step away from the competitive side of the sport.

During the interview Spealler makes it clear that he won’t be changing his mind after this year.

You can check out the full video above.

Chris Spealler to Retire at End of 2014 CrossFit Games

The Rx Review: Reporting on Fitness and CrossFit News, Michael McCoy

Amanda Allen on the podium at the 2013 Reebok CrossFit Games

CrossFit HQ have just announced the final workout for the 2014 Reebok CrossFit Games Masters events, albeit minus the final event.

The Masters competition commences this Tuesday the 22nd of July through till Thursday the 24th. Here is how the the three day eight events of competition breaks down:

Tuesday, 22nd July, 2014

Event 1: DEADLIFT LADDER

Points Available: 100 points
Tuesday Morning

1-rep deadlift every 30 seconds with progressively heavier barbells.

Men 40-49: 325 / 355 / 385 / 415 / 435 / 455 / 475 / 495 / 515 / 535 lb.
Women 40-49: 195 / 215 / 235 / 255 / 275 / 295 / 315 / 335 / 355 / 375 lb.
Men 50-59: 295 / 325 / 355 / 385 / 405 / 425 / 445 / 455 / 465 / 475 lb.
Women 50-59: 185 / 205 / 225 / 245 / 265 / 285 / 305 / 315 / 325 /345 lb.
Men 60+: 265 / 295 / 315 / 335 / 355 / 375 / 395 / 415 / 435 / 455 lb.
Women 60+: 135 / 155 / 175 / 195 / 215 / 235 / 255 / 275 / 295 / 315 lb.

Event 2: MAX DISTANCE

Points Available: 100 points
Time Cap: 2 minutes
Tuesday mid-day

Men 40-49 and Women 40-49:
Max distance handstand walk in 1 attempt

Men 50-59 and Women 50-59:
Max distance handstand walk in 2 attempts

Men 60+ and Women 60+:
Max distance overhead walking lunge (50 / 30 lb. ball)

Event 3: SLED SPRINT

Points Available: 100 points
Time Cap: 2 minutes
Tuesday mid-day

For time:
100-yard sled drag

Event 4: RUN ROPE

Points Available: 100 points
Time Cap: 16 minutes
Tuesday afternoon

Men 40-49 and Women 40-49:
5 rounds for time of:
Run 400 meters
2 legless rope climb

Men 50-59 and Women 50-59:
5 rounds for time of:
Run 400 meters
2 rope climb

Men 60+ and Women 60+:
5 rounds for time of:
Run 400 meters
1 rope climb

Wednesday, July 23rd

Event 5: 2007

Points Available: 100 points
Time Cap: 16 minutes
Wednesday morning

Men 40-49 and Women 40-49:
For time:
Row 1,000 meters
then, 5 rounds of:
25 pull-ups
7 push jerks (135 / 85 lb.)

Men 50-59 and Women 50-59:
For time:
Row 1,000 meters
then, 5 rounds of:
20 pull-ups
7 push jerks (125 / 75 lb.)

Men 60+ and Women 60+:
For time:
Row 1,000 meters
then, 5 rounds of:
15 pull-ups
7 push jerks (115 / 65 lb.)

Event 6: MEDBALL BURPEE

Points Available: 100 points
Time Cap: 11 minutes
Wednesday afternoon

21-15-9 reps for time of:
Medicine-ball cleans (over the shoulder)
Burpees

Men 40-49: 80-lb. ball
Women 40-49: 50-lb. ball
Men 50-59: 70-lb. ball
Women 50-59: 40-lb. ball
Men 60+: 50-lb. ball
Women 60+: 30-lb. ball

Thursday, July 24th

Event 7: DOWN & BACK CHIPPER

Points Available: 100 points
Time Cap: 21 minutes
Thursday morning

Men 40-49 and Women 40-49:
For time:
50 box jumps (24 / 20 in.)
25 toes-to-bars
50 wall-ball shots (20 / 14 lb.)
25 ring dips
50 wall-ball shots (20 / 14 lb.)
25 toes-to-bars
50 box jumps (24 / 20 in.)

Men 50-59 and Women 50-59:
For time:
40 box jumps (24 / 20 in.)
20 toes-to-bars
40 wall-ball shots (20 / 14 lb.)
20 ring dips
40 wall-ball shots (20 / 14 lb.)
20 toes-to-bars
40 box jumps (24 / 20 in.)

Men 60+ and Women 60+:
For time:
40 step-overs (24 / 20 in.)
20 toes-to-bars
40 wall-ball shots (14 / 10 lb.)
20 bar dips
40 wall-ball shots (14 / 10 lb.)
20 toes-to-bars
40 step-overs (24 / 20 in.)

Event 8 Final:

TBA

2014 CrossFit Games Masters Workouts Released!