Rest Day

Scientific Integrity Under Fire: A Point-by-Point Refutation of Misleading CrossFit Research

A recent peer-reviewed article about CrossFit appeared to offer scientific insights into training strategies; however, a closer examination reveals numerous fabricated statistics, misrepresented studies, and unsupported claims regarding injury rates. This systematic analysis exposes over a dozen factual errors that paint an unfairly negative picture of CrossFit's safety profile, echoing past controversies where false data was used to attack CrossFit’s reputation.

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Riley

For time:
2,400-meter run
150 burpees
2,400-meter run

If you’ve got a weight vest or body armor, wear it.

Post time to comments.

Compare to 140928.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Riley G. Stephens, 39, of Tolar, Texas, assigned to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), died Sept. 28, 2012, in Wardak, Afghanistan, of wounds caused by enemy small-arms fire. Stephens is survived by his wife Tiffany; children, Austin, Morgan, and Rylee Ann; parents, Michael and Joann; brother Ken; and several family members.

Stimulus and Strategy:
Today’s Hero workout is a longer-duration effort. This is meant to be a grind, so expect this workout to take up to 60 minutes. Each run and the burpees should take no more than 20 minutes to complete (each). Athletes who are capable of completing this workout in 35 minutes or less can consider adding a weight vest or body armor. Most athletes should attempt this workout using their own body weight. Work hard and have fun.

Scaling:
Reduce the distance of the run and the repetitions of the burpees.

To adjust the complexity of the run, instead of reducing the distance, consider using a movement substitution like a bike or a rower. Perform 5,500 meters on an Echo bike or 2,500 meters on a rower or ski erg. For the burpees, reduce the range of motion by performing an up-down.

In case of an injury or limitation, consider the running substitutions mentioned above. For burpees, perform up-downs, push-ups, or mountain climbers.

Intermediate option:
For time:
2,400-meter run
150 burpees
2,400-meter run

Beginner option:
For time:
1,200-meter run
50 burpees
1,200-meter run

Coaching cues:
When you are performing the burpees, focus on jumping your feet to your hands and landing in your heels. This will help maximize efficiency across your reps.

Resources:
CrossFit Hero and Tribute Workouts
Running | Change in Support Drill
The Burpee

Find a gym near you:
View the CrossFit map

Rest Day

Featured Article
Reigniting the Fire: How the CrossFit Community Helped Taylor Heim Take Back Her Life

If it weren’t for the endless supportive text messages from the members at Tarheel CrossFit, Taylor Heim would still weigh over 350 pounds.

If it weren’t for the coaches grabbing her by the hand and guiding her through recovery, Heim would still be fighting depression and an eating disorder.

If it weren’t for CrossFit, Heim would still be pre-diabetic.

“CrossFit genuinely saved my life,” she said.

At 15 years old, Heim was the fittest she had ever been. By her 20’s, she was fighting to take control of her life after facing domestic abuse.

But CrossFit helped lift Heim back up just when she felt she was at her lowest.

Rest Day

Recommended read: “Reigniting the Fire: How the CrossFit Community Helped Taylor Heim Take Back Her Life”

If it weren’t for the endless supportive text messages from the members at Tarheel CrossFit, Taylor Heim would still weigh over 350 pounds. If it weren’t for the coaches grabbing her by the hand and guiding her through recovery, Heim would still be fighting depression and an eating disorder. “CrossFit genuinely saved my life.” -Taylor Heim

Featured photo
Courtesy of Taylor Heim

CrossFit Certificate Courses & Credentials
Taylor Heim recently earned her Level 1 Certificate and hopes one day she can be a powerful motivator for women experiencing the same struggles she had.

Learn more about the CrossFit Level 1 Certificate Course →

Manion

7 rounds for time of:
Run 400 meters
29 back squats

♀ 95 lb
♂ 135 lb

Post time to comments.

Compare to 220429

Scaling:
Today’s Hero workout recognizes 1st Lt. Travis Manion. This workout is long, with a high volume of running and squats. The loading of the barbell should be relatively light, but expect the volume to add up across the workout. Scale load to enable you to perform a few rounds of squats unbroken and perform all rounds in 2 sets or less. Less-experienced athletes should reduce the rounds and load to keep the workout under 40 minutes.

1st Lt. Travis Manion, 26, of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, assigned to 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, based in Camp Pendleton, California, was killed by sniper fire on April 29, 2007, while fighting against an enemy ambush in Anbar Province, Iraq. He is survived by his father, Col. Tom Manion, mother Janet Manion, and sister Ryan Borek.

Intermediate option:
5 rounds for time of:
Run 400 meters
29 back squats

♀ 75 lb
♂ 115 lb

Beginner option:
4 rounds for time of:
Jog 400 meters
29 back squats

♀ 35 lb
♂ 45 lb

Resources:
The Back Squat
If Not Me, Then Who? — Honoring the Legacy of Travis Manion
The Travis Manion Foundation

Find a gym near you:
View the CrossFit map

Featured photo:
2022 NOBULL CrossFit Games Mock Affiliate

Meet Guest Programmer - Dale King: Nov. 6-19, 2023.

Liam
For time:
800-m plate run
100 toes-to-bars
50 front squats
10 rope climbs, 15 ft
800-m plate run

♀ 105-lb barbell, 35-lb plate
♂ 155-lb barbell, 45-lb plate

Partition the toes-to-bars, front squats, and rope climbs as needed. Start and finish with the run.

Post time to comments.

Compare to 170321

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Liam J. Nevins, 32, of Middlebury, Vermont, was killed by small arms fire while conducting combat operations in Paktia Province, Afghanistan, on Sept. 21, 2013. Nevins was assigned to Operational Detachment Alpha 9521, Bravo Company, 5th Bn., 19th Special Forces Group, based in Fort Carson, Colorado.

His friends remember him as a cut above when it came to fitness. He enjoyed hiking and running outdoors, as well as the full gamut of CrossFit movements, from Olympic lifting to gymnastics.

He is survived by his mother, Victoria; father, William; fiancée, Julie Huynh; and sisters, Maeve and Raven.

Scaling:
Reduce the distance and load for the runs to finish each in 5 minutes or less and the load of the squats to maintain sets of 5 or more. Reduce the volume and/or modify the toes-to-bars and rope climbs to minimize rest breaks.

Intermediate option:
For time:
800-m plate run
70 toes-to-bars
50 front squats
5 rope climbs, 15 ft.
800-m plate run

♀ 95-lb barbell, 35-lb plate
♂ 135-lb barbell, 45-lb plate

Beginner option:
For time:
600-m run
50 hanging knee raises
30 front squats
10 rope climbs, lying to standing
600-m run

♀ 35-lb barbell
♂ 45-lb barbell

Rest Day

Post thoughts to comments.

Larry
21-18-15-12-9-6-3 reps for time of:

Front squats
Bar-facing burpees
*200-m sandbag carry after each round

♀ 75-lb. squat, 50-lb. sandbag
♂ 115-lb. squat, 80-lb. sandbag

Post time to comments.

U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Larry D. Harris, Jr., 25, was killed in a fire fight on July 1, 2010, while serving as Fire Team Leader, 3d Squad, 81 Millimeter Mortar Platoon, Weapons Company, Third Battalion, First Marines, Regimental Combat Team 7, FIRST Marine Division (Forward), I MEF (Forward) in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

Harris was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for his bravery in action. As stated in his letter of commendation: “When the squad's machine gunner was shot in the leg, Corporal Harris immediately moved from his covered position while still under heavy fire, with complete disregard for his own safety ... . Corporal Harris unhesitatingly picked up the wounded Marine and carried him to the medical evacuation site, once again exposing himself to effective enemy fire from multiple directions. As he moved through a vineyard while carrying the wounded Marine, Corporal Harris struck an improvised explosive device, absorbing the majority of the explosion with his body. Although his injuries would prove fatal, Corporal Harris ultimately saved the life of the wounded Marine.”

Harris is survived by his wife, Stacia Janice Harris, and his parents, Bruce and Lora Merriweather.

Dork

6 rounds for time of:
60 double-unders
30 kettlebell swings
15 burpees

Men: 1.5-pood kettlebell
Women: 1-pood kettlebell

Scroll for scaling options.
Post time to comments.

Boston firefighter Michael Kennedy, 33, of Boston, Massachusetts, died fighting a nine-alarm fire on March 26, 2014. Kennedy served with the Boston Fire Department for six and a half years and was a Marine Corps sergeant who served a tour in Iraq before that.

He had a big presence in his local CrossFit community, coaching and training at several affiliates, including CrossFit Craic, CrossFit Florian, CrossFit Together and CrossFit HomeBase.

He is survived by his girlfriend, Sarah Wessman, and many other beloved friends and family members.

Related:
• The American Kettlebell Swing

Scaling
Reduce the reps and/or number of rounds in order to keep the volume manageable. Aim to complete the workout in less than 25 minutes.

Intermediate Option
4 rounds for time of:
60 double-unders
30 kettlebell swings
15 burpees

Men: 1.5-pood kettlebell
Women: 1-pood kettlebell

Beginner Option
4 rounds for time of:
60 single-unders
20 kettlebell swings
10 burpees

Men: 16-kg kettelbell
Women: 12-kg kettlebell

Rest Day

"Cigarette companies don't sponsor the Olympics. Why does Coca-Cola?" The Guardian.

Post thoughts to comments.

Scotty

Complete as many rounds as possible in 11 minutes of:
5 deadlifts, 315 lb.
18 wall-ball shots, 20-lb. ball
17 burpees, over the bar

Post rounds completed to comments.

Related content:
• CrossFit WOD 170616 With Rory McKernan
• The Deadlift
• The Wall Ball
• The Burpee

Scott “Scotty” Deem, 31, of San Antonio, Texas, was killed while responding to a four-alarm structure fire on May 18, 2017. Deem and his fellow firefighters were searching the building for survivors, but after 11 minutes, Deem sounded a Mayday call. Rescuers were unable to locate him in time.

Deem served with the San Antonio Fire Department for six years. The department is home to a non-profit CrossFit affiliate, where he worked hard to stay in peak physical health. His favorite workouts included The Chief, DT and Lynne.

Deem is survived by his wife, Jennifer; and children, Dakota, Tyler and Aubrey (due August 2017).

Pat

Wearing a 20-lb. vest, 6 rounds for time:
25 pull-ups
50-ft. front-rack lunge, 75 lb.
25 push-ups
50-ft. front-rack lunge, 75 lb.

Post time to comments.

Related content:
• CrossFit WOD 170529 With Julie Foucher
• The Kipping Pull-up
• The Front-Rack Lunge
• The Push-up

Army Sgt. Patrick Hawkins, 25, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, was killed on Oct. 6, 2013, while conducting a special operations mission in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. Hawkins was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment of Fort Benning, Georgia.

Hawkins’ friends and fellow service members remember his enthusiasm for CrossFit. He often used CrossFit training with his Fire Team and particularly enjoyed wearing weighted body armor during his workouts.

Hawkins is survived by his wife, Brittanie; and parents, Roy and Sheila.

Liam

For time:
Run 800 meters with a 45-lb. plate
100 toes-to-bars
155-lb. front squats, 50 reps
15-ft. rope climbs, 10 ascents
Run 800 meters with a 45-lb. plate

Partition the toes-to-bars, front squats and rope climbs as needed. Start and finish with the run.

Post time to comments.

Related content:
• CrossFit WOD 170321 With Pat Barber
• Front Squat Drill To Improve Torso Position With Cherie Chan

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Liam J. Nevins, 32, of Middlebury, Vermont, was killed by small arms fire while conducting combat operations in Paktia Province, Afghanistan, on Sept. 21, 2013. Nevins was assigned to Operational Detachment Alpha 9521, Bravo Company, 5th Bn., 19th Special Forces Group, based in Fort Carson, Colorado.

His friends remember him as a cut above when it came to fitness. He enjoyed hiking and running outdoors, as well as the full gamut of CrossFit movements, from Olympic lifting to gymnastics.

He is survived by his mother, Victoria; father, William; fiancée, Julie Huynh; and sisters, Maeve and Raven.

Nickman

With a 55-lb. and 35-lb. dumbbell, 10 rounds for time of:
200-meter farmers carry with both dumbbells
35-lb. weighted pull-ups, 10 reps
55-lb. dumbbell power snatches, 20 reps, alternating arms

Post time to comments.

U.S. Army Spc. Nicholas B. Burley, 22, of Red Bluff, California, died July 30, 2013, in Logar Province, Afghanistan, of injuries caused by indirect fire. Burley was assigned to 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia.

Burley is survived by his mother, Tammy Kneebone; father, Mike Burley; brothers, Michael Collins, Zachary Miller and Will Burley; and many other friends and family.

Maupin

4 rounds for time of:
Run 800 meters
49 push-ups
49 sit-ups
49 squats

Post time to comments.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Keith “Matt” Maupin, 24, of Batavia, Ohio, disappeared on April 9, 2004, when insurgents south of Baghdad attacked his convoy with small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades. His remains were found on March 20, 2008. Prior to his disappearance, Maupin served as part of the 724th Transportation Company in Bartonville, Illinois.

He is survived by his mother, Carolyn; father, Keith; a brother and sister; and many other friends and family members.

Bare Hands CrossFit: "Maupin"

Woehlke

3 rounds, each for time of:
4 jerks, 185 lb.
5 front squats, 185 lb.
6 power cleans, 185 lb.
40 pull-ups
50 push-ups
60 sit-ups

Rest 3 minutes between rounds.

Post times to comments.

Brian Woehlke, 29, of Detroit, Michigan, died at the scene of a fire in Westland, Michigan, on May 8, 2013. Woehlke graduated from the Schoolcraft Fire Program in 2008 and joined the Western Wayne Fire Authority in 2012.

He is survived by his wife, Jennifer; daughter, Ava; parents, William and Elizabeth; brothers, William, Robert and Bradley; and numerous other friends and family members.

Harper

Complete as many rounds as possible in 23 minutes of:
9 chest-to-bar pull-ups
135-lb. power cleans, 15 reps
21 squats
400-meter run with a 45-lb. plate

Post rounds completed to comments.

Scooter

On a 35-minute clock with a partner:
Complete as many rounds as possible in 30 minutes of:
30 double-unders
15 pull-ups
15 push-ups
100-meter sprint

Then, 5 minutes to find a 1-rep-max partner deadlift

For the AMRAP, have one partner work while the other rests, switching after a full round is completed. If you're performing without a partner, rest 60 seconds between each round, and find a regular 1-rep-max deadlift.

Horton

9 rounds for time with a partner of:
9 bar muscle-ups
11 clean and jerks, 155 lb.
50-yard buddy carry

Share the work with your partner however you choose with only one person working at a time. If you can't find a partner, perform 5 reps of each exercise per round and find a heavy sandbag to carry.

Kutschbach

7 rounds for time of:
11 back squats, 185 lb.
10 jerks, 135 lb.

Post time to comments.

For time:
Run 1 mile
100 sit-ups
100 back extensions
Run 1 mile

Mix and match back extensions and sit-ups as needed.

Post time to comments.

Compare to 110312.

"Crab Walk" from the CrossFit Gymnastics Trainer Course - [video]

Rest Day

"Fitness Under Fire" - CrossFit Journal [video]

"D.C.'s personal trainers should not need licenses," The Washington Post.

Rest Day

"A Sticky Story" - CrossFit Journal [article]

"Taxing Soda, Saving Lives," by Kate Kilpatrick.

Post thoughts to comments.

Deadlift 10-5-3-1-1-1-3-5-10 reps

Post loads to comments.

Compare to 150522.

"Big Soda Fires Back" - CrossFit Journal [article]

Is ABA vs. SF this century's Scopes Trial?

PK

5 rounds for time of:
225-lb. back squats, 10 reps
275-lb. deadlifts, 10 reps
400-meter sprint
Rest 2 minutes

Post time to comments.

Servais

For time:
Run 1.5 miles
Then, 8 rounds of:
19 pull-ups
19 push-ups
19 burpees
Then,
400-meter sandbag carry (heavy)
1-mile farmers carry with 45-lb. dumbbells

Post time to comments.

Rest Day

"CrossFit Leeds the Way" - CrossFit Journal [video]

"Bill Starr, 1938-2015" - CrossFit Journal [article]

Bowen

3 rounds for time of:
Run 800 meters
275-lb. deadlifts, 7 reps
10 burpee pull-ups
53-lb. single arm kettlebell thrusters, 14 reps (7 each arm)
20 box jumps, 24-inch box

Post time to comments.

For time:
15-foot L-sit rope climb, 4 ascents
15-foot legless rope climb, 8 ascents
15-foot rope climb, 12 ascents

Post time to comments.

"Super Bowl Burpees: Dave Castro vs. Dan Bailey" - [video]

"Nick's Zone: Greek Freak Salad with Halibut" - CrossFit Journal - [video] and [recipe]

Robbie

Complete as many rounds as possible in 25 minutes of:
8 freestanding handstand push-ups
15-foot L-sit rope climb, 1 ascent

Post rounds completed to comments.

U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Robert J. Miller died Jan. 25, 2008, in Bari Kowt, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when he encountered small-arms fire while conducting combat operations. The 24-year-old, of Oviedo, Florida, was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and served during Operation Enduring Freedom. In October of 2010, Miller was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his heroic actions in combat. Miller is survived by his parents, Philip and Maureen; brothers, Thomas, Martin and Edward; and sisters, Joanna, Mary, Therese and Patricia.

Riley

For time:
Run 1.5 miles
150 burpees
Run 1.5 miles

If you've got a weight vest or body armor, wear it.

Post time to comments.