Rest Day

Doctor Warns Against CrossFit; We Warn Against This

Every year, thousands of CrossFit athletes honor Lieutenant Michael Murphy with the "Murph" workout. But as the popularity of this workout explodes beyond CrossFit gyms, doctors are now warning about a dangerous trend: untrained athletes attempting this elite-level challenge and ending up hospitalized with "exploding biceps." After 18 years coaching Murph, long-time CrossFit coach Chris McDonald reveals what mainstream media gets wrong about CrossFit injuries and the CrossFit experience in general.

Find a gym near you:
View the CrossFit map

Murph

For time:
Run 1 mile
100 pull-ups
200 push-ups
300 air squats
Run 1 mile

Partition the pull-ups, push-ups, and squats as needed. If you’ve got a 14/20-lb vest or body armor, wear it.

Or

Hero workout of your choice

Review the list of Hero workouts and honor someone with an all-out effort.

Post your choice of workout and result to comments.

If you perform Murph, don’t forget to log your score in the Progress tab in the CrossFit app. You can also support the Murph Challenge by officially registering at themurphchallenge.com or by donating directly to the Lt. Michael P. Murphy Memorial Scholarship Foundation at murphfoundation.org.

Today’s workout was created in 2005 in memory of Navy Lt. Michael Murphy, 29, of Patchogue, New York, who was killed in Afghanistan on June 28, 2005. This workout was one of Murphy’s favorites, and he’d named it “Body Armor.” It is now referred to as “Murph” in honor of the focused warrior and great American who wanted nothing more in life than to serve this great country and the beautiful people who make it what it is.

Compare to 240527.

Stimulus and Strategy:
By design, most Hero workouts are meant to be extremely grueling, arduous, and mentally challenging. Many contain a very high volume of reps. Keep in mind that “challenging” is relative, and athletes should adjust workouts to align with their physical and psychological tolerances. If you are performing Murph, partition the pull-ups, push-ups, and squats as needed. Consider 20 sets of 5 pull-ups, 10 push-ups, and 15 air squats, or 10 rounds of 10 pull-ups, 20 push-ups, and 30 air squats. If you have completed Murph previously, consider performing the pull-ups, push-ups, and air squats unpartitioned. Beginner athletes should reduce the work to a level that is attainable yet challenging.

Scaling:
Reduce the repetitions of the pull-ups, push-ups, and air squats. Reduce the distance of each run.

To reduce the complexity of the pull-up, consider ring rows. For the push-ups, perform this movement from the knees or with your hands on a 30-inch box. For the air squats, perform this movement to a target that allows for a pain-free range of motion.

In case of injury or limitation, perform 1,600/2,000 meters on a rower (this should be a last resort) or 3,500/5,000 meters on an Echo bike.

Intermediate option:
For time:
Run 1 mile
50 pull-ups
100 push-ups
150 air squats
Run 1 mile

Partition the pull-ups, push-ups, and squats as needed. Head out for the second run no later than 25 minutes into your workout.

Or

Hero workout of your choice.

Review the list of Hero workouts and honor someone with an all-out effort.

Beginner option:
For time:
Run 800 meters

Then, 10 rounds of:
5 ring rows
10 push-ups with hands elevated on a box
15 air squats

Then, run 800 meters

Partition the pull-ups, push-ups, and squats as needed. Head out for the second run no later than 20 minutes into your workout.

Or

Hero workout of your choice.

Review the list of Hero workouts and honor someone with an all-out effort.

Coaching cues:
In the push-up, squeeze your thighs, glutes, and abdominals to move the body up and down as one unit.

Resources:
Running Workshop: Pose Alignment
The Kipping Pull-Up
The Push-Up
The Air Squat
The Ring Row.
Push-Up Tips

Guest Programmer – Christian Harris
June 24-July 7, 2024

Operation Red Wings

For time:

3/4-mile run (1,200 meters)

Then,

16 rounds for time of:
8 toes-to-bars
8 burpee box jump-overs

Then,

47 goblet squats

♀20-inch box and a 53-lb kettlebell
♂24-inch box and a 70-lb kettlebell

On June 28, 2005, an MH-47 Chinook helicopter carrying a Quick Reaction Force of eight Navy SEALs and eight Army Night Stalkers (members of the U.S. Army's 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment) were killed in action during Operation Red Wings in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. This part of the operation was an attempt to rescue Lt. Michael P. Murphy, Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Danny Dietz, Sonar Technician 2nd Class Matthew Axelson, and Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Marcus Luttrell, who had been cut off and outnumbered by Taliban fighters during a reconnaissance mission deep behind enemy lines. Three of the four SEALs on the ground were killed — Murphy, Axelson, and Dietz — with Luttrell being the lone survivor. The other eight SEALs and eight Night Stalkers were killed when the MH-47 Chinook, coming in to aid the ground team, was shot down by an enemy RPG and the helicopter broke apart, crashing down into the side of a mountain.

- ¾-mile run to commemorate the three out of four SEALs killed on the ground

- 16 rounds to commemorate the 16 service members killed during the rescue attempt

- 8 toes-to-bars to commemorate the eight Night Stalkers

- 8 burpee box jump-overs to commemorate the eight SEALs

- 47 goblet squats for the MH-47 Chinook that was lost

Scaling:
This workout is meant to be very grueling and mentally challenging. The workout begins with a ¾-mile (or 1,200-meter) run. From there, it’s a 16-round couplet of 8 toes-to-bars and 8 burpee box jump-overs. It’s a relatively small amount of work for 1 round, but it will compound over time. The redundancy will make this as much of a mental test as a physical one, so keep your head in it and find a way to keep yourself going. After the 16th round is complete, the workout finishes with 47 goblet squats. All athletes should reduce the work to a level that is attainable yet challenging.

Intermediate option:

For time:

3/4-mile run (1,200 meters)

Then,

12 rounds for time of:
6 knees-to-chest
6 burpee box jump-overs

Then,

47 goblet squats

♀20-inch box and a 35-lb kettlebell
♂24-inch box and a 53-lb kettlebell

Beginner option:
For time:

600-meter run

Then,

8 rounds for time of:
6 hanging knee raises
6 burpee box step-ups

Then,

47 air squats

♀12-inch box
♂20-inch box

Coaching Cues:
The figure-4 position is key to efficient running mechanics. To continue to develop running skills, practice standing with one leg up in a figure-4 hold.

Keep your shoulders over your hips, hips over your heel, and the heel of your lifted leg in line with the knee.

From there, work on quickly switching legs and holding the figure-4 without changing your overall body position.

Take these positions into your warm-up and workout for Operation Red Wings, and notice the difference in efficiency and speed!

Resources:
Running Workshop: Pose Alignment
The Kipping Toes-to-bar
The Burpee Box Jump-Over
More on Operation Red Wings

Find a gym near you:
View the CrossFit map

Murph

For time:
Run 1 mile
100 pull-ups
200 push-ups
300 air squats
Run 1 mile

*Partition the pull-ups, push-ups, and squats as needed.
*If you’ve got a 14/20-lb vest or body armor, wear it.

Or:

Hero workout of your choice

Review the list of Hero workouts and honor someone with an all-out effort.

Post your choice of workout and result to comments.

If you perform Murph, don’t forget to log your score in the Progress tab in the CrossFit app.

You can also support the Murph Challenge by officially registering at themurphchallenge.com or by donating directly to the LT Michael P. Murphy Memorial Scholarship Foundation at murphfoundation.org.

Today’s workout was created in 2005 in memory of Navy Lt. Michael Murphy, 29, of Patchogue, New York, who was killed in Afghanistan on June 28, 2005. This workout was one of Mike’s favorites, and he’d named it “Body Armor.” It is now referred to as “Murph” in honor of the focused warrior and great American who wanted nothing more in life than to serve this great country and the beautiful people who make it what it is.

Compare to 230529.

Scaling:
By design, most Hero workouts are meant to be extremely grueling, arduous, and mentally challenging. Many contain a very high volume of reps. Keep in mind that “challenging” is a relative term and athletes should adjust workouts to align with their physical and psychological tolerances. If you are performing Murph, partition the pull-ups, push-ups, and squats as needed. Consider 20 sets of 5 pull-ups, 10 push-ups, and 15 air squats or 10 rounds of 10 pull-ups, 20 push-ups, and 30 air squats. If you have completed Murph previously, consider performing the pull-ups, push-ups, and air squats unpartitioned. Beginner athletes should reduce the work to a level that is attainable yet still challenging.

Intermediate option:
For time:
Run 1 mile
50 pull-ups
100 push-ups
150 air squats
Run 1 mile

*Partition the pull-ups, push-ups, and squats as needed. Head out for the second run no later than 25 minutes into your workout.

Or:

Hero workout of your choice.

Review the list of Hero workouts and honor someone with an all-out effort.

Beginner option: For time:
Run 800 meters

Then, 10 rounds of:
5 ring rows
10 push-ups with hands elevated on a box
15 air squats

Then, run 800 meters

*Partition the pull-ups, push-ups, and squats as needed. Head out for the second run no later than 20 minutes into your workout.

Or:

Hero workout of your choice.

Review the list of Hero workouts and honor someone with an all-out effort.

Resources:
The Kipping Pull-up
The Push-up
The Air Squat
Murph Hero Workout
Memorial Day Murph: An Origin Story
Fallen But Not Forgotten: How CrossFit’s Hero Workouts Honor Fallen Service Members
Download the CrossFit Games app

Find a gym near you:
View the CrossFit map

Featured photo:
The Murph Challenge

Rest Day

Prepare for the upcoming Murph workout with CrossFit Affiliate Programming's free 6-week training program.

Murph was introduced as a CrossFit Hero workout on Aug. 18, 2005, and has become a long-standing tradition observed by CrossFit and a broader global community of athletes. Thousands of CrossFit gyms program Murph each year on Memorial Day as a way to honor Lt. Murphy and all others who have served.

Learn more about the Murph workout and Official 2024 Murph Challenge, and get the free 6-week training program at crossfit.com/heroes/murph-workout.

Find a CrossFit gym near you:
View the CrossFit map

Complete as many rounds as possible in 20 minutes of:
Run 400 meters
20 GHD sit-ups
95-lb. overhead squats, 10 reps

Post rounds completed to comments.

Compare to 160402.

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Related content:
• CrossFit WOD 170512 With Julie Foucher
• Midline Stabilization: The GHD Sit-Up
• The Overhead Squat

Run 5K

Post time to comments.

Compare to 110209.

"Cooking With Nick Massie: Thai Turkey Wraps", CrossFit Journal preview video [wmv] [mov]

"P-bar Man Test" at CrossFit Santa Clara - video [wmv] [mov]

"Burning Runner: An Inside Look Into CrossFit Culture" by T.J. Murphy, Competitor Magazine.

Five rounds for time of:
95 pound Thruster, 15 reps
15 Bar-facing burpees

Post time to comments.

"Tanya's Nana" CrossFit Journal preview video [wmv] [mov]

"To Gain Or Not To Gain" with Louie Simmons - video [wmv] [mov]

"Navy SEAL honored with warship bearing his name" for Lieutenant Michael Murphy.

Rest Day

"Developing the Behind-the-Neck Split Jerk With Coach B: Part 1" by Again Faster Equipment, CrossFit Journal preview video [wmv] [mov]

"Bringing CrossFit to Endurance Athletes" with T.J. Murphy and Brian Mackenzie by Again Faster Equipment, CrossFit Journal preview video [wmv] [mov]

The new CrossFit Risk Retention Group page.

The Home Gym with Keven Pauling, Peoria, Arizona - video [wmv] [mov]

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Piano Concerto No. 20 by Andras Schiff & Cappella Andrea Barca.

John Milton - When I Consider How My Light Is Spent.

"The Original Birth of Freedom" by Andre Glucksmann, City Journal.

Post thoughts to comments.

"Murph"

For time:
1 mile Run
100 Pull-ups
200 Push-ups
300 Squats
1 mile Run

Partition the pull-ups, push-ups, and squats as needed. Start and finish with a mile run. If you've got a twenty pound vest or body armor, wear it.

Post time to comments.

Compare to 070816.

Lt. Michael Murphy receives medal of honor.

Better Movements, CrossFit Journal Preview - video [wmv] [mov]

Rest Day

"Should Coercion Count?"- Daniel Klein, Liam Murphy, Edward Glaeser, and Richard Epstein; Cato Institute

Post thoughts to comments.

"Murph"

For time:
1 mile Run
100 Pull-ups
200 Push-ups
300 Squats
1 mile Run

In memory of Navy Lieutenant Michael Murphy, 29, of Patchogue, N.Y., who was killed in Afghanistan June 28th, 2005.

This workout was one of Mike's favorites and he'd named it "Body Armor". From here on it will be referred to as "Murph" in honor of the focused warrior and great American who wanted nothing more in life than to serve this great country and the beautiful people who make it what it is.

Partition the pull-ups, push-ups, and squats as needed. Start and finish with a mile run. If you've got a twenty pound vest or body armor, wear it.

Post time to comments.