2025 CrossFit Games Recap: Tia-Clair Toomey-Orr Makes History, Jayson Hopper Claims First Title in Albany

August 6, 2025

Fitness history was made and witnessed on Aug. 1-3 in Albany, NY, at the 2025 CrossFit Games, where some of the best athletes in competitive fitness gathered to see who would earn the title as “Fittest on Earth.” This competition goes back to 2007 and has featured some of the greatest moments in sports.

Ten individual events were held throughout the three days for 30 men and 30 women on the individual competitions, and the athletes scored points based on their performance. The athlete with the most points by the end of the weekend would leave New York as the CrossFit Games champion.

Tia-Clair Toomey-Orr Dominates The 2025 CrossFit Games For the 8th Time

The women’s side of the field left little drama and speculation because Tia-Clair Toomey Orr once again showed why she is considered the greatest CrossFit athlete of all time. The now eight-time world champion claimed the championship with a 180-point plus victory over runner-up Lucy Campbell of the United Kingdom.

With the exception of Toomer-Orr’s struggles on the pegboard as part of the third individual event and losing the leader jersey briefly after the fourth event, the champ showed why she is considered the G.O.A.T. by taking four individual wins out of ten.

It was neither the most wins she earned in a single Games, nor was it the most dominant, but considering that she trained most of the year for HYROX, then officially entered the Games with six weeks to prepare, Toomer-Orr’s greatness was both obvious to and appreciated by the fans watching. No other woman in history had won more than two, and Toomey-Orr now has four times that number.

In her 10 years of competition, she has never finished below second and only missed 2023 after becoming a mother. Her daughter got to witness her from the stands this year, and seeing her mom on the jumbo screen made for a viral social media moment.

The Top Five Finishers of the 2025 Crossfit Games

1. Tia-Clair Toomey-Orr 902 points

2. Lucy Campbell: 720

3. Olivia Kerstetter: 678

4. Danielle Brandon: 662

5. Arielle Loewen: 631

Jayson Hopper Wins His First Men’s 2025 Crossfit Title

There was a lot of uncertainty on the men’s side, which made it even more entertaining for the audience. Since the retirement of five-time champion Mat Fraser in 2020, three men have been on top – Justin Medeiros, (2021-2022), Jeffrey Adler (2023), and James Sprague (2024).

Six men were in contention to take the overall win going into the day, with Jayson Hopper in the lead. Ricky Gerard was just 18 points behind him, and defending champion Sprague was also in hot pursuit in third place. Prior to 2025, Hopper had never finished higher than fourth at the Games in five tries.

The day culminated with the final event, “Atlas.” This was a timed event that included thrusters, rope climbs, then 100-feet of Overhead Walking Lunges with 135 pounds. Two-time champion Justin Medeiros would claim the win in that event, and Sprague took second place. However, Hopper finished in the top three and managed to secure the overall title by 14 points. Gerard was second on the podium, and Sprague finished with bronze.

1. Jayson Hopper: 787 points

2. Ricky Garard: 773

3. James Sprague: 772

4. Dallin Pepper: 757

5. Austin Hatfield: 746

Crossfit Oslo Kriger Take Team Title

History was made in the Team competition when CrossFIt Oslo Kriger became the first team from Europe to win the overall title of Fittest Team on Earth. Team captain Oda Lundekvam, Tola Morakinyo, Ingrid Hodnemyr, and Games rookie Victor Helsinghof made up the original lineup, but Hodnemyr suffered an injury and could not compete. Kristin Holte stepped in, and the result was gold in Albany. CrossFit Mayhem claimed silver, and bronze went to Camel City CrossFit. Results for each event for the teams, men’s and women’s competitions can be seen on the CrossFit Games website.

1. CrossFit Oslo Kriger: 675 points

2. CrossFit Mayhem: 660

3. Camel City CrossFit: 595

4. CrossFit Butcher’s Lab Vanløse: 585

5. CrossFit Franco’s EMOM Co: 520

WODAPALOOZA IS APPROACHING QUICKLY

The athletes have some time to recover both physically and mentally, but the competitive season rolls on with several events coming up later this year. One of those is TYR Wodapalooza SoCal, which will take place in Huntington Beach, California on Sept. 19-21. Over 2,500 athletes in total are expected to be there ready to compete and show out for the audience, which will include fans from over 40 different countries.

Fans that will be pulling up to see that event will not only see incredible fitness action, but they will also see popular brands such as Rogue Fitness, 5.11, Reign, and many more showing their support. The beachside backdrop combined with the inspiration provided by the athletes will make it an unforgettable weekend. Muscle & Fitness will be showing more about Wodapalooza leading up and during the big weekend in Ssouthern California.

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2025 CrossFit Games Recap: Tia-Clair Toomey-Orr Makes History, Jayson Hopper Claims First Title in Albany, 2025-08-06 15:49:00

By Fysical FitnessIn best bodyweight exercises, bodyweight compound exercises, calisthenics, compound movements, EMG Studies, Exercise Tips, home workouts, muscle activation, pull-ups muscle activation, push-ups bodyweight percentage, strength training

Top 5 Compound Exercises that Use the Most Bodyweight

August 6, 2025

When it comes to efficient strength training, bodyweight compound exercises offer a powerful combination of muscle engagement and convenience. Compound movements work multiple joints and muscle groups at once, improving coordination, strength, and muscular endurance. Even better, some bodyweight exercises recruit a significant percentage of your total body mass—making them highly effective for building strength without equipment.

Top 5 Bodyweight Compound Exercises

1. Pull-Up (~95–100% of Bodyweight)

The pull-up is one of the most demanding and rewarding bodyweight exercises. It primarily targets the latissimus dorsi, biceps, and forearms, while also engaging the core. According to a biomechanical analysis published in the Journal of Human Kinetics, a standard pull-up uses nearly 100% of a person’s body weight depending on grip and range of motion (Jakobsen et al., 2013). It’s a gold-standard for upper body strength.

2. Push-Up (~65% of Bodyweight)

Push-ups target the chest, triceps, and anterior deltoids. A study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research showed that a standard push-up uses around 64% of bodyweight, while an elevated-feet variation increases that load to about 75% (Cogley et al., 2005). It’s a foundational movement for upper body strength with many variations for progression.

3. Bulgarian Split Squat (~85–100% of Bodyweight)

Though performed unilaterally, this lower-body powerhouse activates the quads, glutes, and hamstrings. One leg supports nearly the full body weight, making it a great compound movement for leg strength and stability. EMG studies show high glute and quad activation, rivaling heavy bilateral squats (Speirs et al., 2016).

4. Dips (~95% of Bodyweight)

Dips, performed on parallel bars, are a brutal test of triceps, chest, and shoulder strength. Most of the body’s weight is supported by the arms, with only minimal assistance from the lower body. They are highly effective for upper-body hypertrophy and strength, often used in calisthenics progressions.

5. Pike Push-Up (~75–85% of Bodyweight)

This push-up variation targets the shoulders, especially the deltoids, in a vertical pressing motion that mimics a handstand push-up. Studies suggest it loads about 75–85% of bodyweight depending on angle and position (Youdas et al., 2010). It’s ideal for building overhead strength without weights.

Final Thoughts

Bodyweight training isn’t just for beginners—it’s a powerful method to build muscle and strength when done right. Focusing on compound exercises that recruit a high percentage of your bodyweight gives you maximum return for effort, even in a home or minimalist gym setting.

Jefit: Your Ultimate Strength Training Companion

If you’re committed to building muscle, gaining strength, and tracking your progress effectively in 2025, the Jefit strength training app is the essential tool to help you crush your fitness goals. With over 20 million downloads and 12+ million active users, Jefit ranks among the best strength training apps available today. Named the Best Fitness App of 2024 and featured in Men’s Health, PC Magazine, and USA TODAY, Jefit combines expert-built workout programs, advanced gym performance tracking, and a supportive community to help you stay accountable and motivated. Whether you’re looking to follow a scientifically-backed muscle-building plan, monitor your lifting progress, or optimize your training intensity, Jefit gives you everything you need — all in one place.

References

Jakobsen, M. D., Sundstrup, E., Krustrup, P., & Aagaard, P. (2013). Muscle activity during knee-extensor strength training with elastic resistance and conventional weight machines. Journal of Human Kinetics, 36, 87–95.
Cogley, R. M., Archambault, T. A., Fibeger, J. F., Koverman, J. W., Youdas, J. W., & Hollman, J. H. (2005). Comparison of muscle activation using various hand positions during the push-up exercise. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 19(3), 628–633.
Speirs, D. E., Bennett, M. A., Finn, C. V., & Turner, A. P. (2016). Unilateral vs. bilateral lower-body resistance and speed training in adolescent soccer players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 30(6), 1534–1539.
Youdas, J. W., Amundson, C. L., Cicero, K. S., Hahn, J. J., Harezlak, D. T., & Hollman, J. H. (2010). Surface electromyographic analysis of core trunk, hip, and thigh muscles during 2 traditional and 5 alternative suspension exercises. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 24(11), 3052–3060.

Michael Wood, CSCS, is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist and Content Manager for JeFit app. Michael is a former Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach at the University of Connecticut and Exercise Physiologist at the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University. He is the Founder of Michael Wood Fitness, named twice to “Top 100 Trainers in America” by Men’s Journal and voted Best of Boston by Boston Magazine. Michael previously taught at the University of Connecticut and Boston University. He is the author of TBC30: 6 Steps to a Stronger, Healthier You.

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Top 5 Compound Exercises that Use the Most Bodyweight, 2025-08-06 13:02:00

By Fysical FitnessIn From our Partners

The Ultimate Home Gym: RitFit M1 PRO Review + Leg & Back Exercises Included

August 5, 2025

You shouldn’t have to sacrifice performance, style, or functionality when it comes to building your home gym. If space, versatility, and value are at the top of your wish list, the RitFit M1 PRO Multi-Functional Smith Machine with Cable Crossover System and Squat Rack deserves your attention. Seasoned lifters will appreciate their professional-grade build and commercial gym aesthetic, while those newer to strength training will love how it elevates the home workout experience.

With the ability to support up to 1,600 pounds, the M1 PRO is more than just durable; it’s built for serious strength. But what truly sets it apart from other Smith and cable machines is its smart, space-conscious design. Taking up just 22.5 square feet, it delivers full-scale functionality without overwhelming your home or garage gym. Picture a Smith machine, a cable crossover system, a pull-up bar, dip handles, and built-in storage all seamlessly integrated into one sleek, compact unit.

“From the frame quality to the fluidity of movement, everything about the M1 PRO feels like it belongs in a high-end training facility,” says Jeniffer De Souza, Editor at Muscle & Fitness. “You’re not just buying equipment, you’re investing in long-term performance.”

Whether it’s leg day, back day, or a full-body circuit, the M1 PRO is engineered to support your goals seven days a week. It’s the kind of investment that transforms your space and your training.

Full Body On the RitFit M1 PRO: A Walkthrough

The beauty of the M1 PRO is in how seamlessly it supports a full-body training regimen,” says Jeniffer, Editor at Muscle & Fitness. “You’re not just lifting; you’re flowing through an entire workout without having to reset or switch stations. It turns your home gym into a personal training zone where every movement has purpose, and every muscle group gets attention.

When it comes to pushing limits and demanding more from your training, Jimmie Moore (@jmoorethanever) leads by example. As a high-level athlete and fitness coach, he puts the RitFit M1 PRO through its paces, showcasing the strength, balance, and precision this machine brings to every rep.

One of the standout advantages of the M1 PRO is that it allows you to complete a workout without stopping to reconfigure equipment or change rooms. Squats, cable flyes, pull-ups, rows, and more, all flow within the same compact footprint. This isn’t just smart design; it’s the kind of training versatility that saves time while keeping intensity high and momentum steady.

As Jimmie transitions from upper to lower body work, the RitFit M1 PRO proves it’s built for both everyday athletes and elite performers alike. The commercial-grade build holds steady through explosive lifts and controlled negatives, allowing you to train hard with confidence. For those serious about transforming their space and their results, this machine isn’t just an upgrade. It’s a game-changer.

Ready to transform your training? Visit www.ritfitsports.com to bring the M1 into your home.

This article is a paid advertisement provided by our sponsor. The views and claims expressed are those of the sponsor and do not necessarily reflect those of Muscle & Fitness or its editorial staff.

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The Ultimate Home Gym: RitFit M1 PRO Review + Leg & Back Exercises Included, 2025-08-05 16:46:00

By Fysical FitnessIn Interviews

Seth Rogen on ‘Platonic’ Season 2, Mental Health & the Power of Real Friendship

August 5, 2025

Seth Rogen is back as ‘Will’ for the second season of the hit Apple TV+ comedy, Platonic, but while his on-screen relationship with Rose Byrne’s character, ‘Sylvia’ provides plenty of laughs, there’s a serious mental health element within the plot as well. Sitting down with M&F, Rogen explains why meaningful connections and working hard not to isolate ourselves are essential for a longer, happier life —even if that includes sharing a beer or two with friends.

Primarily known for his comedy, Rogen has taken on his his fair share of action scenes during a career that includes playing The Green Hornet and performing most of his own stunts in Pineapple Express, but rather than hire a personal trainer or martial expert for his role as Will in Platonic, Rogen instead learned from a bona fide brewmaster in order to play a divorced beermaker who co-runs a bar with his buddies and seeks a more fulfilling companionship with his best gal pal. “It’s very complicated,” Rogen tells M&F of developing the perfect bewski. “Far outside my grasp. I could probably shoot a gun better,” he jokes.

Seth Rogen has learned that physical health requires balance Now 43, this television and movie star has been around the Hollywood fitness fads for more than 25 years, but he’s come to the conclusion that taking care of his health requires a balanced approach rather than an unsustainable lifestyle. “I don’t eat a lot of sugar in general,” shares the star. “I think that, for me, (it’s) something that I mostly just find makes me gain weight the fastest, if I find myself eating dessert a lot. But yeah, I think everything in moderation. The older I get, the more I realize I have to generally eat healthy so I can eat unhealthy every once in a while, and not derail my entire life as a result of it.”

‘Platonic’ Season 2 Highlights the Health Benefits of Real Friendships

Platonic, Season 2, continues the evolving relationship between Will and Sylvia, two best friends from their youth, who are reunited as complicated adults. In the show, Will is recovering from a divorce while Sylvia is feeling stranded as a stay-at-home mom. Rather than tease romance however, it is camaraderie that they both crave.

Loneliness is rarely the basis for comedy, and yet some of the moments that these characters share, and the platonic chemistry on display between Rogen and Byrne as they go from one hapless adventure to another, reminds us that human beings are truly social creatures. The World Health Organization states that social connections are linked to “improved health and reduced risk of early death” and studies also show that lonely people are significantly more likely to suffer with dementia, and from an earlier age too.

Reducing the suffering associated with dementia is a subject that is very close to Seth Rogen’s heart. He co-founded the Hilarity for Charity initiative with wife, Lauren, to care for families impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and to help fund bean health research and education. Rogen is very much aware of the link between a lack of meaningful connections and negative mental health outcomes.

“Especially in today’s world with technology, it’s very easy to isolate yourself and it’s very easy to feel like you’re having kind of meaningful connections with people that literally might not even be real people,” says the star. “Someone was just telling us that someone they know is essentially in a relationship with like an AI chat bot, and they just sit in their apartment, like chatting with an AI bot all day. And I think here’s a lot of, like, surrogates for connections out there these days, that are maybe easier in some ways than actually leaving the house and hanging out with people and talking to people, but I think ultimately yes, it’s much better for you to be around actual people and to actually converse with people and to go out in the world and do things.”

He adds: “I think it is aspirational, in some ways, even as dysfunctional as Will and Sylvia’s friendship is, they really do a lot of stuff together, and they leave a very active, engaged life together, you know? And, I think to me, there’s something very fun and exciting about it.”

Rogen advocates pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone, just like Will has, to reap the benefits of making those meaningful connections. “I’m lucky, because my lifestyle keeps me out of the house a lot. It keeps me doing a lot of things,” he acknowledges. “But I see people who very easily can fall into the pattern of just like never doing anything. And it’s really easy to fall into that. So, I think you’ve got to purposely pull yourself out of it, or gravity will pull you into it, you know?”

In Platonic, social situations often revolve around a few beers, so what type of beer would Rogen reach for in real life? “I don’t like IPAs. Period. End of Story,” he reveals to M&F in a shocking contrast to his character that would have his brewmaster seeking new connections of his own. “I think I prefer a lager,” he explains. “I don’t need any crazy flavors in my beer,” adds the comedian, noting that he’s not a fan of overly complicated concoctions. Instead, “a nice golden larger,” is something that Seth Rogen would enjoy with friends… in moderation, of course.

The 10-episode second season of Platonic premieres globally on Apple TV+ on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, with the first two episodes, followed by a new episode weekly until Oct. 1.

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Seth Rogen on ‘Platonic’ Season 2, Mental Health & the Power of Real Friendship, 2025-08-05 15:06:00

By Fysical FitnessIn News

Study Finds Walking Faster for Just 15 Minutes a Day Can Help You Live Longer

August 5, 2025

Gym memberships and Pilates classes are a fine way to stay fit, but for those of us with no budget, little time, and even less inclination to join-in with organized exercise, science may have the answer—and it’s as simple as walking faster, according to a new study. The breakthrough work, published recently in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, wanted to build on the obvious fact that walking is good for our health by investigating how picking up the pace could boost our longevity while protecting our wallets. Is it better to walk slower for longer, or could a bit of fast fitness pay dividends? Science has the answer.

How Was the Study Carried Out?

With much of the published research on the benefits of walking being gathered from middle-to-high income white populations, Wie Zheng, MD, PhD, who was the study’s lead investigator from Vanderbilt University, wanted to find out if picking up our walking pace could be a smart answer for everyone—from underserved communities, through to those who are simply time poor. To figure this out, Dr Zheng’s team analyzed data from a Southern community cohort study involving almost 80,000 predominantly low-income and Black individuals from 12 southeastern states.

The participants had provided information to the experts such as how many minutes per day they generally spent doing slow walking tasks like moving around the house or making light exercise, as well as information on their time spent doing faster walking activities such as walking upstairs, brisk walking, or more vigorous exercise. The statisticians then cross references the cohorts and their level of walking activity against those who went on to develop ailments such as cardiovascular disease and those who later died from any cause.

What Were the Results?

While those who performed more than three hours per day slow walking experienced a small reduction in mortality rates, those who walked fast for as little as 15 minutes per day received a massive 20% reduction.

The protective effects of faster walking were particularly pronounced in cardio health outcomes, but why would this be? Heart efficiency was improved for those faster walkers, likely because a quicker walking pace is an aerobic exercise that supercharges cardio health by increasing oxygen delivery and providing a better pump. The faster walkers were also associated with better body composition, staving off obesity related scourges like hypertension.

“Our research has shown that fast walking as little as 15 minutes a day was associated with a nearly 20% reduction in total mortality,” explained Dr Zheng. “This benefit remained strong even after accounting for other lifestyle factors and was consistent across various sensitivity analyses.”

Interestingly, the study made no distinction between walking purely for exercise, leisure, or work, meaning that you can decide how your fast walking sessions are scheduled. If you live a sedentary office-based lifestyle, a 15-minute brisk walk during your lunch break could make all the difference. Or maybe you could take the stairs rather than the elevator if working or living in high rise buildings. Walking is one of the most accessible, low impact methods of staying fit, and it doesn’t cost a penny.

“Public health campaigns and community-based programs can emphasize the importance and availability of fast walking to improve health outcomes,” suggested Lili Liu, who also served as the study’s lead author. “Furthermore, the findings of the reduced mortality associated with fast walking pace were supported by previous studies conducted in middle- and upper-middle-income populations. Individuals should strive to incorporate more intense physical activity into their routines, such as brisk walking or other forms of aerobic exercise.”

The take home message, according to these experts? When it comes to getting your steps in, aim for quality over quantity and choose faster sessions with a quicker pace over longer sessions with a bigger step count. And this advice is fit for everyone, regardless of bank balance.

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Study Finds Walking Faster for Just 15 Minutes a Day Can Help You Live Longer, 2025-08-05 14:35:00