WodBase

Open 18.5

For Time

The 2018 Open finale brought a Fran-style workout with chest-to-bar pull-ups. The 7-minute time cap ensures this remains a sprint test of thruster and pulling capacity.

CompetitionBenchmarkBarbellGymnasticsCouplet
The Workout

21-15-9 reps for time

  • 1Thrusters (95/65 lb)
  • 2Chest-to-Bar Pull-ups
Time Cap: 7 minutes
Equipment Needed
BarbellWeight platesPull-up bar
Target Time

Beginner

6-7 minutes

Intermediate

4-6 minutes

Advanced

3-4 minutes

Strategy & Tips

Open 18.5 is essentially Fran with chest-to-bar pull-ups instead of regular pull-ups. The 7-minute time cap makes this a sprint.

  • This is a sprint—go hard from the start
  • Break thrusters strategically (11-10 or 7-7-7 on the 21)
  • Chest-to-bar requires slightly more kip than regular pull-ups
  • The round of 9 should be unbroken if possible
  • Don't get capped—scale if you can't finish under 7 minutes

Pacing

All-out sprint with strategic breaks. This should feel maximal. If it feels comfortable, you're going too slow.

Scaling Options

Scaled

  • Thrusters (65/45 lb)
  • Chin-over-bar pull-ups

RX+

  • Thrusters (115/80 lb)
  • Bar muscle-ups
Benchmark Times

Elite

sub 3:00

Advanced

3:00-4:30

Intermediate

4:30-6:00

Beginner

6:00-7:00

Workout Variations

18.5 RX Lite

Regular pull-ups (Fran)

Heavy 18.5

Increased weight

18.5 Ascending

Inverted ladder

Related Workouts

Fran
For Time
21-15-9 reps for time

Thrusters (95/65 lb) • Pull-ups

Open 14.5
For Time
21-18-15-12-9-6-3 reps for time

Thrusters (95/65 lb) • Bar-Facing Burpees

Amanda
For Time
9-7-5 reps for time

Muscle-ups • Squat Snatches (135/95 lb)

Frequently Asked Questions