John Jenkins

Most of us assume that when it comes to strength training, more must be better. A study just published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine following over 147,000 people for up to 30 years, suggests otherwise: 90 to 120 minutes of strength training a week was linked to a 13% lower risk of death from any cause, with no extra benefit found beyond that. Turns out the "right" dose is more achievable than most people think.

What does your Open result actually tell you? Whether it confirmed the training is working or surfaced a gap worth paying attention to, the Open is one of the best tools we have for honest self-assessment. John shares his annual reflection on what the Open is really for and why the quiet consistency between now and February 2027 matters more than any single score.

The 2026 CrossFit Open runs Feb 26 – Mar 23. Here's why it's the perfect fitness checkpoint—and how to join from Wellington.