Rest Day

The Statin Paradox: Billions Sold, Millions Prescribed, But What's the Real Benefit?

The world's best-selling drug adds just three to 10 days to your life on average, yet pharmaceutical companies have turned statins into a $150+ billion blockbuster by manipulating statistics and using study designs that systematically exclude people who experience side effects. For low-risk patients, you're more likely to develop diabetes from taking a statin than you are to avoid a heart attack, but your doctor probably isn't telling you that, because the numbers they're shown don't reflect what happens in the real world.

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Complete as many rounds and reps as possible in 20 minutes of:
20-second ring-dip hold at the bottom
20-second ring-dip hold at the top
15/20-calorie row

Post rounds and reps to comments.

Stimulus and Strategy:
Today’s workout incorporates a bit of skill work and isometric holding. For each hold, accumulate the designated time. When we think about the ring dip, we are usually concerned with how quickly we can move between the top and bottom positions. However, for today, your challenge is the ability to stay active and hold these two positions. Pushing the pace on the rower will elevate your heart rate and make the holds more challenging, so push at your own risk.

Scaling:
Reduce the total time in the ring-dip positions. Reduce the calories on the rower.

To reduce the complexity of either of the ring-dip positions, set the rings to a height that allows you to put one or two feet on the ground and use your feet for assistance.

In case of injury or limitation, perform the holds on a straight dip bar. You may also consider holding the plank position at the bottom of a push-up — active and about 1 inch off the floor.

Intermediate option:
Complete as many rounds and reps as possible in 20 minutes of:
20-second foot-assisted ring-dip hold at the bottom
20-second foot-assisted ring-dip hold at the top
15/20-calorie row

Beginner option:
Complete as many rounds and reps as possible in 12 minutes of:
15-second plank hold from the knees
15-second push-up hold from the knees at the bottom (approximately 1 inch off the ground)
10/15-calorie row

Coaching cues:
For both ring-dip holds, focus on keeping the rings close to your body and rotating the hands so your thumb points forward.

Resources:
Ring Dip Hold | Top
Ring Dip Hold | Bottom
Rowing Technique Tips
Rowing | Body Position Tips
Rowing Tips

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4 rounds for time of:
2 rope climbs to 15 feet
12 back squats
120 double-unders

♀ 125-lb barbell
♂ 185-lb barbell

Post time to comments.

Stimulus and Strategy:
Today’s workout is a spicy triplet with a moderately loaded barbell. If available, take the barbell from a rack and try to complete your reps unbroken in each set. These may be slow and challenging, which is the intended stimulus. If the weight is relatively light for you, move more quickly, but don’t sacrifice form. Choose options for all three movements that allow you to complete a single round in 5 minutes or less.

Scaling:
Reduce the loading of the barbell. Reduce the reps or height of the rope climb. Reduce the reps of the jump rope.

To reduce the complexity of the rope climbs, reduce the height of the climb. For the double-unders, practice the movement for no more than 2 minutes or perform single-unders.

In case of injury or limitation, for the double-unders, consider performing lateral line hops or penguin taps. For the rope climbs, perform pull-to-stands, towel pull-ups, or strict pull-ups. For the back squats, perform box squats to a target that allows for a pain-free range of motion, goblet squats, or air squats.

Intermediate option:
4 rounds for time of:
2 rope climbs to 12 feet
12 back squats
48 double-unders

♀ 95-lb barbell
♂ 135-lb barbell

Beginner option:
4 rounds for time of:
2 pull-to-stands
12 back squats
48 single-unders

♀ 35-lb barbell
♂ 45-lb barbell

Coaching cues:
During your rope climbs, focus on achieving a secure foot hook before ascending up the rope.

Resources:
The Rope Climb (Basket)
The Rope Climb (Wrapping)
The Back Squat
The Double-Under
Pull-to-Stand | Rope Climb Scaling
The Single-Under

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42-30-18 reps for time of:
GHD sit-ups
Dumbbell shoulder-to-overheads

♀ 35-lb dumbbells
♂ 50-lb dumbbells

Post time to comments.

Stimulus and Strategy:
Today’s workout is a gymnastics and weightlifting couplet. The midline stabilization and lower-body fatigue created by the GHD sit-ups will make the dumbbell shoulder-to-overheads more challenging, so manage your reps accordingly. The loading for the dumbbells should be moderate, but expect it to feel heavier than you want following the GHD. You should be able to perform consistent sets of 10 reps.

Scaling:
Reduce the loading of the dumbbells. Reduce the repetitions of the movements.

If you are not familiar with or have not been training consistently on the GHD, minimize the complexity of the GHD sit-ups by reducing the range of motion to parallel.

In case of an injury or limitation, consider performing sit-ups, V-ups, or hollow rocks for the GHD sit-ups. For the dumbbell shoulder-to-overheads, consider performing seated dumbbell shoulder presses or single-arm dumbbell shoulder-to-overheads.

Intermediate option:
35-25-15 reps for time of:
GHD sit-ups to parallel
Dumbbell shoulder-to-overheads

♀ 20-lb dumbbells
♂ 35-lb dumbbells

Beginner option:
21-15-9 reps for time of:
AbMat sit-ups
Dumbbell shoulder-to-overheads

♀ 10-lb dumbbells
♂ 15-lb dumbbells

Coaching cues:
When performing the dumbbell shoulder-to-overheads, focus on keeping the biceps close to your ears as the dumbbells are pressed overhead.

Resources:
The GHD Sit-Up
The Dumbbell Push Press
The Dumbbell Push Jerk
The AbMat Sit-Up

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Rest Day

Cholesterol: Villain or Vital? Rethinking Heart Disease's Public Enemy No. 1

Cholesterol is an essential molecule that keeps your cells intact, your brain functioning, and even helps fight infections. It’s not the villain the media would like you to believe. The real story of heart disease risk lies not in your "bad" cholesterol levels, but in markers your doctor probably isn't checking, and the reason why might have more to do with what can be sold than what actually predicts your risk.

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For calories and load:
0:00-5:00
Max power clean

5:00-10:00
Max-calorie Echo bike

10:00-15:00
Max power clean

15:00-20:00
Max-calorie Echo bike

For your score, add both of your best lifts and total calories together.

Post score to comments.

Stimulus and Strategy:
Today’s workout is a bit of a choose-your-own-adventure, depending on how you feel from yesterday. That being said, today is an opportunity to lift heavy and push the intensity on the bike. Can you lift just as much weight on your second power clean attempt as you did on your first? Do you “game” the bike in an attempt to match your clean weight? Or do you hold nothing back and let the chips land where they may? Either way, work hard today and have fun.

Scaling:
To reduce the complexity of the power cleans, reduce the loading and focus on your technique. You may also consider performing hang power cleans.

In case of injury or limitation, perform your calories on any machine available. For the power cleans, consider dumbbell power cleans, Russian kettlebell swings, or even medicine-ball cleans.

Intermediate option:
Same as Rx’d.

Beginner option:
Same as Rx’d.

Coaching cues:
As the power cleans get heavier, the instinct is to try and “sneak” under the barbell. Instead, focus on standing up as tall as you possibly can, then pull yourself underneath the barbell.

Resources:
The Power Clean
Rogue Echo Bike

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Hortman

Complete as many rounds as possible in 45 minutes of:
800-meter run
80 air squats
8 muscle-ups

Compare to 150808.

Post rounds and reps to the comments.

U.S. Army Captain John D. Hortman, 30, of Inman, South Carolina, assigned to the 1st Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, based in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, died on Aug. 8, 2011, in Fort Benning, Georgia, in a helicopter accident during a military training exercise. He is survived by his mother Brenda Jones; sister Jill Hortman; and brother Andy Pierce.

Stimulus and Strategy:
Today’s workout is a longer-duration effort and is meant to be a grind. With a 45-minute clock, it may be difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Take this Hero workout one round at a time, and don’t pay attention to the clock. Focus on your reps, your technique, and the reason why you are doing this workout today. Whether you are capable of performing 8 muscle-ups unbroken or you need to perform singles, hit this as prescribed, if possible. If you don’t yet have a muscle-up, see the options below.

Scaling:
Reduce the distance of the run. Reduce the repetitions of the squats and muscle-ups. Reduce the overall duration of the effort.

To reduce the complexity of the ring muscle-ups, consider jumping ring muscle-ups or a challenging variation of a low-ring transition.

In case of injury or limitation, for the 800-meter run, perform 1,750/2,500 meters on the Echo bike or 800/1,000 meters on the rower. For the air squats, consider squatting to a target that provides a pain-free range of motion. Alternatively, consider reverse lunges or low box step-ups. For the ring muscle-ups, consider low-ring transitions or ring rows.

Intermediate option:
Complete as many rounds as possible in 45 minutes of:
800-meter run
80 air squats
5 jumping muscle-ups

Beginner option:
Complete as many rounds as possible in 20 minutes of:
400-meter run
20 air squats
8 low-ring muscle-up transitions

Coaching cues:
If you are performing low-ring transitions in this workout, remember that this is a leg-driven movement. Focus on using the legs to help drive your body up to the rings. To increase the difficulty, raise the height of the rings or decrease the involvement of the legs.

Resources:
CrossFit Hero and Tribute Workouts
Running Drills | High Knees and Butt Kickers
The Air Squat
The Kipping Muscle-Up
Kipping Floor Muscle-Up
Toe-Assisted Muscle-Up
Low-Ring Muscle-Up Scaling

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Rest Day

The Modern Epidemic of Heart Disease

Heart disease didn't exist as a medical diagnosis until 1912, yet within 40 years it became the world's #1 killer — claiming more lives than all cancers, accidents, and natural disasters combined. What changed in the modern era to spark this epidemic, and why did scientists spend decades blaming the wrong culprit while sugar industry executives quietly celebrated their success? This article spells it out.

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On a 2-minute clock:
20 hang power snatches
Max bar-facing burpees

Rest 2 minutes

On a 2-minute clock:
15 hang power snatches
Max bar-facing burpees

Rest 2 minutes

On a 2-minute clock:
10 hang power snatches
Max bar-facing burpees

Rest 2 minutes

On a 2-minute clock:
5 hang power snatches
Max bar-facing burpees

♀ 75 lb
♂ 115 lb

Your score is the total number of bar-facing burpees accumulated.

Post total reps to comments.

Stimulus and Strategy:
Today’s workout challenges you with cycling a light-to-moderate barbell, coupled with a gut check to finish each interval. The loading for the snatch should allow you to cycle at least sets of 5 reps, if not more, especially with the allotted rest between intervals. Remember that in each interval, the snatches decrease in reps. The goal is to finish the snatches as quickly as possible to give yourself maximal time on the burpees. Try to do one more burpee than you want to.

Scaling:
Reduce the loading of the barbell. Reduce the repetitions.

To reduce the complexity of the hang power snatches, perform hang muscle snatches or consider using a dumbbell to perform alternating hang dumbbell snatches. For the bar-facing burpees, perform regular burpees, not over a bar.

In case of injury or limitation, for the hang power snatches, perform kettlebell swings or hang power cleans if there is an overhead limitation. For the bar-facing burpees, consider up-downs.

Intermediate option:
On a 2-minute clock:
20 hang power snatches
Max bar-facing burpees

Rest 2 minutes

On a 2-minute clock:
15 hang power snatches
Max bar-facing burpees

Rest 2 minutes

On a 2-minute clock:
10 hang power snatches
Max bar-facing burpees

Rest 2 minutes

On a 2-minute clock:
5 hang power snatches
Max bar-facing burpees

♀ 55 lb
♂ 75 lb

Your score is the total number of bar-facing burpees accumulated.

Beginner option:
On a 2-minute clock:
20 hang power snatches
Max burpees

Rest 2 minutes

On a 2-minute clock:
15 hang power snatches
Max burpees

Rest 2 minutes

On a 2-minute clock:
10 hang power snatches
Max burpees

♀ 35 lb
♂ 45 lb

Your score is the total number of burpees accumulated.

Note: The Beginner version only has 3 rounds.

Coaching cues:
On the hang power snatches, think about the arms as straps attached to the barbell. The arms stay long as you jump, then pull and punch the barbell to the sky.

Resources:
The Hang Power Snatch
Bar-Facing Burpee
The Burpee

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For max reps:
Tabata calorie row
Tabata AbMat sit-ups
Tabata box jumps
Tabata calorie row

♀ 20-inch box
♂ 24-inch box

The Tabata interval is 20 seconds of work, followed by 10 seconds of rest for 8 intervals.

Post total reps to comments.

Stimulus and Strategy:
Today’s workout follows a classic Tabata structure. Move through all 8 intervals of a single movement before moving on to the next. Keep in mind, there is no additional rest between movements. Whether moving methodically or quickly, your goal is to keep working during the 20 seconds of work. Expect the sit-ups to tighten your hip flexors, so lift those legs a little higher than you want to on your first few box jumps. For the rows, push the pace and leave nothing on the floor.

Scaling:
Reduce the intervals for each movement. Instead of performing 8 intervals for each movement, consider 5 or 6.

To reduce the complexity of the AbMat sit-up, perform a foot-anchored sit-up. For the box jumps, reduce the height of the box as low as necessary to maintain the jumping stimulus.

In case of injury or limitation, perform your calories on any machine available. For the AbMat sit-ups, perform seated leg raises or single-leg raises. For the box jumps, consider box step-ups.

Intermediate option:
Same as Rx’d.

Beginner option:
For max reps:
Scaled Tabata calorie row
Scaled Tabata AbMat sit-ups
Scaled Tabata box step-ups
Scaled Tabata calorie row

♀ 12-inch box
♂ 20-inch box

The scaled Tabata interval is 20 seconds of work followed by 10 seconds of rest for 5 intervals.

Coaching cues:
On your box jumps, just like a squat, push your knees out as you prepare to jump onto the box.

Resources:
Rowing Technique Tips
The AbMat Sit-Up
The Box Jump
The Box Step-Up

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3 rounds for time of:
21 chest-to-bar pull-ups
15 strict handstand push-ups
9 deadlifts

♀ 185 lb
♂ 275 lb

Post times to comments.

Stimulus and Strategy:
Today’s workout is a triplet with some higher-skill gymnastics movements paired with a heavy barbell. With the gymnastics movements, choose options that allow you to complete each in 2 minutes or less. For the deadlifts, keep the weight to something you can complete in 1 minute or faster. All in, your goal is to finish this workout in 10 minutes or less. Manage your reps on the gymnastics movements and don’t push to failure; rather, opt for smaller sets with quicker breaks. If you can maintain larger chunks of reps, do it, but limit the longer rest periods.

Scaling:
Reduce the load of the deadlifts. Reduce the reps of the gymnastics movements.

To reduce the complexity of chest-to-bar pull-ups, perform chin-over-bar pull-ups. For the strict handstand push-ups, perform pike push-ups with your feet on a box or on the floor.

In case of injury or limitation, for the chest-to-bar pull-ups, consider jumping pull-ups or ring rows. For the strict handstand push-ups, perform standing dumbbell shoulder presses. For the deadlifts, perform sumo deadlifts or good mornings.

Intermediate option:
3 rounds for time of:
15 pull-ups
12 pike push-ups with feet on a box
9 deadlifts

♀ 155 lb
♂ 225 lb

Beginner option:
3 rounds for time of:
15 ring rows
12 dumbbell shoulder presses
9 deadlifts

♀ 55-lb barbell and 15-lb dumbbells
♂ 75-lb barbell and 20-lb dumbbells

Coaching cues:
When lifting the heavier barbell today, focus on the descent of the deadlift. Set your back, pull the barbell in tight to the body, and press the hips back as the barbell lowers down the body.

Resources:
The Kipping Chest-to-Bar Pull-Up
The Strict Handstand Push-Up
The Deadlift
The Kipping Pull-Up
Box Pike Push-Up
The Ring Row
The Dumbbell Shoulder Press

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Rest Day

Start So Small You Can't Fail

You've been told you need a powerful “why” to change your habits — but motivation fades, life intrudes, and suddenly you're right back where you started. There's a better way: start so small you can't fail. Master each step before moving forward, and let progress compound over months instead of collapsing in weeks.

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3 rounds for time of:
800-meter run
30 dumbbell hang squat cleans
200-meter dumbbell front-rack carry

♀ 20-lb dumbbells
♂ 35-lb dumbbells

Post times to comments.

Stimulus and Strategy:
Today’s workout is a bit of a grind, challenging your stamina, endurance, midline, and mental fortitude. Use a weight for the dumbbell hang squat cleans that allows you to complete your reps in 3 sets or less. If you can hang on for bigger chunks, do it. The dumbbell front-rack carry is meant to be mentally and physically tough. For the carry, don’t rest the dumbbells vertically on the shoulders. Instead, try to maintain a true dumbbell front-rack position with one head of the dumbbell resting on the shoulder, the hand on the handle, and the elbows up. Embrace your time spent with these dumbbells and have fun.

Scaling:
Reduce the weight of the dumbbells. Reduce the distance of the run and front-rack carry.

To reduce the complexity of the hang squat cleans, perform hang medicine-ball cleans, or reduce the reps and perform hang power cleans plus a front squat. For the front-rack carry, use a single dumbbell.

In case of injury or limitation, for the hang squat cleans, consider dumbbell or kettlebell goblet squats or air squats. For the front-rack carry, consider a farmers carry. For the 800-meter run, perform 1,750/2,500 meters on the Echo bike or 800/1,000 meters on the rower.

Intermediate option:
3 rounds for time of:
800-meter run
20 dumbbell hang squat cleans
200-meter dumbbell front-rack carry

♀ 15-lb dumbbells
♂ 25-lb dumbbells

Beginner option:
3 rounds for time of:
400-meter run
15 dumbbell hang squat cleans
100-meter dumbbell front-rack carry

♀ 10-lb dumbbells
♂ 15-lb dumbbells

Coaching cues:
In the dumbbell hang squat clean, focus on jumping and shrugging with straight arms before pulling the dumbbells to the shoulders and your body into the bottom of the squat.

Resources:
Running Drills | High Knees and Butt Kickers
The Dumbbell Hang Squat Clean
Double-Dumbbell Front-Rack Carry

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Complete as many rounds and reps as possible in 10 minutes of:
12/15-calorie row
10 push jerks

♀ 95-lb barbell
♂ 135-lb barbell

Post rounds and reps to comments.

Stimulus and Strategy:
Today’s workout is meant to be a pushing and pulling sprint, back and forth between the two movements. The calories on the rower are meant to be completed in a minute or less and the push jerks should be completed in unbroken sets for most of your rounds. This means the loading of the barbell should be light to moderate. The duration of this workout isn’t very long, so push the pace from the start and hold on.

Scaling:
Reduce the loading of the barbell. Reduce the calories on the rower.

To reduce the complexity of the push jerks, perform push presses.

In case of injury or limitation, for the push jerks, perform dumbbell push jerks (rack-position limitation), shoulder presses, or even push-ups to eliminate the loading. For the calories, use any machine available.

Intermediate option:
Complete as many rounds and reps as possible in 10 minutes of:
9/12-calorie row
10 push jerks

♀ 65-lb barbell
♂ 95-lb barbell

Beginner option:
Complete as many rounds and reps as possible in 10 minutes of:
6/9-calorie row
10 push jerks

♀ 35-lb barbell
♂ 45-lb barbell

Coaching cues:
In the push jerk, you aren’t pushing the barbell up away from your body. Instead, you are pushing your body underneath the barbell.

Resources:
Rowing
Rowing | Body Position Tips
The Push Jerk

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Rest Day

Forging Elite Fitness®: A Constitution for Health

Forging Elite Fitness® isn't branding — it's a declaration of independence from systems that profit from human decline. Here's why those three words represent more than a methodology; they're our constitution for health freedom.

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5 rounds for time of:
20 box step-ups
1 rope climb to 15 feet
10 alternating strict single-leg toes-to-bars
1 rope climb to 15 feet

♀ 20-inch box
♂ 20-inch box

Post times to comments.

Stimulus and Strategy:
Today’s workout slows down the intensity and puts your attention on some gymnastics skills. However, if you can move quickly and maintain good technique, continue to “dance” that line for as long as possible in this effort. A single round in this workout should take no longer than 4 minutes. If necessary, consider some of the scaling options below.

Scaling:
Reduce the total number of rounds. Reduce the height of the box.

To reduce the complexity of the rope climb, reduce the height of the climb. For the single-leg strict toes-to-bars, reduce the range of motion by bringing your foot up to a manageable height. You may even consider a slight kipping swing for momentum.

In case of injury or limitation, for the rope climbs, perform pull-to-stands or strict pull-ups. For the single-leg strict toes-to-bars, perform seated single-leg raises.

Intermediate option:
5 rounds for time:
20 box step-ups
1 rope climb to 12 feet
10 alternating strict single-leg toes-to-chest height
1 rope climb to 12 feet

♀ 20-inch box
♂ 20-inch box

Beginner option:
3 rounds for time:
20 box step-ups
2 pull-to-stands
10 alternating seated single-leg raises
2 pull-to-stands

♀ 12-inch box
♂ 20-inch box

Coaching cues:
In the strict single-leg toes-to-bar, control the descent of your legs and finish each rep with the feet slightly in front of the body. The combination of these two techniques will minimize the amount of uncontrolled swinging.

Resources:
The Box Step-Up
The Rope Climb (Wrapping)
The Rope Climb (Basket)
Rope Climb - J-Hook
Strict Single-Leg Strict Toes-to-Bar
Pull-to-Stand | Rope Climb Scaling

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21-18-15-12-9-6-3 reps for time of:
Bench presses
Calories on the Echo bike

♀ 125-lb barbell
♂ 185-lb barbell

Compare to 250513.

Post times to comments.

Stimulus and Strategy:
Today’s workout is a weightlifting and monostructural couplet. Use caution when pushing the pace on the bike. That strategy may make the bench presses more difficult than necessary. Instead, adjust your pace so you can maintain bigger chunks of reps on the bench. The loading of the barbell should be moderate to heavy and allow you to maintain consistent sets of 5-7 reps. Avoid pushing to failure on the bench presses unless you have a spotter. If you do not have a spotter, take extra time to rest between sets and only perform reps you know you can complete.

Scaling:
Reduce the loading and volume of the barbell. Reduce the calories on the bike.

To reduce the complexity of the bench presses, perform dumbbell bench presses or dumbbell floor presses.

In case of injury or limitation, perform the calories on any machine available. For the bench presses, perform single-arm dumbbell bench presses or push-ups.

Intermediate option:
21-18-15-12-9-6-3 reps for time of:
Bench presses
Calories on the Echo bike

♀ 95-lb barbell
♂ 135-lb barbell

Beginner option:
15-12-9-6-3 reps for time of:
Dumbbell bench presses
Calories on the Echo bike

♀ 15-lb dumbbells
♂ 20-lb dumbbells

Coaching cues:
To set your upper back into position for the bench press, think about pulling your lats down into your back pockets and turning your arms so the bony part of your elbows are facing away from you.

Resources:
The Bench Press
Rogue Echo Bike
Dumbbell Bench Press

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Back squat 3-3-3-3-3-3-3 reps

Compare to similar 240402.

Post loads to comments.

Stimulus and Strategy:
Today is a heavy day. Keep in mind, heavy is relative to each athlete's capacity and experience. As long as you are working to your limits, you will benefit from today’s effort. Experienced athletes should build to a heavy set of 3 and plan to go as heavy as possible across all sets. Another thought is to warm up to a heavy set of 3, then try to hold that load across all 7 sets. This is called a straight set and is geared more toward the advanced athlete. Newer athletes should start light, focus on mechanics, and slowly add weight as they are comfortable.

Scaling:
Reduce the loading of the barbell to maintain safety and the integrity of the lift.

To adjust the complexity of the lift, consider performing goblet squats with a dumbbell or kettlebell.

In case of an injury or limitation, consider squatting with a single dumbbell or kettlebell. You can also lunge with load or perform an unloaded air squat.

Intermediate option:
Same as Rx’d.

Beginner option:
Back squat 5-5-5-5-5 reps

Coaching cues:
As you stand up out of the bottom of the squat, focus on the shoulders and hips rising together while driving through your heels to stand.

Resources:
The Back Squat

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Rest Day

The Training Mindset: CrossFit Isn’t Just Exercise

Picture this: You've been doing CrossFit for years, hitting PRs and posting decent times, but something feels off; you're going through the motions instead of truly progressing. The difference between "exercising" (checking boxes and getting sweaty) and real "training" (deliberately practicing your craft under intensity) might be the missing piece that transforms you from someone who just works out into an athlete who masters their movement.

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3 rounds for time of:
30 alternating dumbbell snatches
30 burpee pull-ups

Set the pull-up bar 6 inches above your reach.

♀ 35 lb
♂ 50 lb

Post time to comments.

Stimulus and Strategy:
Today’s workout is a couplet with a bit of movement function interference. The loading of the dumbbell should allow you to maintain larger chunks of reps on the dumbbell snatches. If you can hang on and go unbroken through any of your sets, do it. For the burpee pull-ups, be smooth and methodical through your reps. Remember to breathe and pay attention to finishing the burpee directly underneath the pull-up bar, as this will increase efficiency and cycle times.

Scaling:
Reduce the load of the dumbbell. Reduce the reps of both movements.

To reduce the complexity of the dumbbell snatch, perform the movement from the hang position. For the burpee pull-ups, perform up-downs instead of burpees and lower the pull-up bar to allow you to use your legs more.

In case of injury or limitation, for the burpee pull-ups, perform up-downs in place of the burpees and ring rows for the pull-ups. For the dumbbell snatches, consider dumbbell cleans if there is an overhead limitation.

Intermediate option:
3 rounds for time of:
30 alternating dumbbell snatches
20 burpee pull-ups

Set the pull-up bar at your fingertips when your arms are extended overhead.

♀ 20 lb
♂ 35 lb

Beginner option:
3 rounds for time of:
15 alternating dumbbell snatches
15 burpee jumping pull-ups

Set the pull-up bar at the middle of your forearms when your arms are extended overhead.

♀ 10 lb
♂ 15 lb

Coaching cues:
In your burpees, pick a spot on the ground to put your chest. This spot should allow you to jump your feet or step your feet up directly underneath the pull-up bar.

Resources:
The Dumbbell Power Snatch
Burpee Pull-Up
Burpee Pull-Up Tips

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For time:
Ruck 3 miles

or

Run 4 miles

♀ 30 lb
♂ 45 lb

Compare to 240203.

Post time to comments.

Stimulus and Strategy:
Today’s workout is a longer-duration grind. Fill up a backpack and get outside. If you’re new to rucking or a newer athlete, move at a march pace and reduce the distance to complete the run or ruck in no more than 35 minutes. If you’re more experienced, feel free to pick up the pace. For the 4-mile run option, consider your recent 5K run effort and attempt to hold a slightly more manageable pace. For clarity, the run option is meant to be completed without load.

Scaling:
Reduce the loading of the ruck. Reduce the distance.

To reduce the complexity of the ruck, walk or jog without any weight.

In case of injury or limitation, perform 15,000 meters on an Echo bike, or 7,000 meters on a rower or ski erg.

Intermediate option:
Same as Rx’d.

Beginner option:
For time:
Ruck 1.5 miles

or

Run 2 miles

♀ 10 lb
♂ 15 lb

Coaching cues:
When rucking, ensure whatever you are carrying is close to your body. The looser and farther away from the body the load is, the more you can be pulled out of position, and more strain is put on the body.

Resources:
Running | Pulling in Place Drill
Running | Falling Forward Drill

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Rest Day

Creatine for the Brain? New Research Reveals Cognitive Benefits Beyond the Gym

Long celebrated as a powerhouse supplement for athletic performance, creatine is now showing surprising promise for brain health — boosting memory, mental sharpness, and cognitive resilience even in people with Alzheimer's disease. For CrossFit athletes and coaches, this research suggests creatine isn't just fuel for your next PR; it's an investment in lifelong mental performance.

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For time:
40 box jump-overs
40 kettlebell goblet squats
40 hand-release push-ups
30 box jump-overs
30 kettlebell goblet squats
30 ring dips
20 box jump-overs
20 kettlebell goblet squats
20 handstand push-ups

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

Post time to comments.

Stimulus and Strategy:
Today’s workout is a take on the Hero benchmark JT. Like the original workout, expect the pressing fatigue to be a real factor. However, you may experience fatigue of the hip flexors, which will make kipping the pressing movements more challenging. Manage your reps and avoid pushing to failure. The loading of the kettlebell should allow you to perform your squats in 2 sets or fewer.

Scaling:
Reduce the load of the kettlebell. Reduce the height of the box. Reduce the reps of each movement.

To reduce the complexity of the handstand push-ups, perform pike push-ups. For the ring dips, perform jumping or banded ring dips. For the push-ups, perform from the knees. For the box jump-overs, perform box step-overs.

In case of injury or limitation, for the handstand push-ups, perform seated dumbbell shoulder presses. For the ring dips, perform foot-assisted ring dips or straight bar dips. For the push-ups, perform these with your hands on an elevated surface like a 30-inch box. For the kettlebell goblet squats, perform air squats to a target.

Intermediate option:
For time:
40 box jump-overs
40 kettlebell goblet squats
40 hand-release push-ups
30 box jump-overs
30 kettlebell goblet squats
30 jumping ring dips
20 box jump-overs
20 kettlebell goblet squats
20 pike push-ups

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

Beginner option:
For time:
20 box step-overs
20 single-dumbbell goblet squats
20 push-ups from the knees
15 box step-overs
15 single-dumbbell goblet squats
15 foot-assisted ring dips
10 box step-overs
10 single-dumbbell goblet squats
10 seated dumbbell shoulder presses

♀ 10-lb dumbbells and a 12-inch box
♂ 15-lb dumbbells and a 20-inch box

Coaching cues:
On the push-ups, squeeze your thighs, glutes, and stomach throughout your reps. This will help your entire body move up and down as a unit.

Resources:
Box Jump-Over Variations
Kettlebell Goblet Squat
Hand-Release Push-Up
Kipping Ring Dip
The Kipping Handstand Push-Up
Box Step-Over
Ring Dip Scaling
Pike Push-Up

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For time:
50 power cleans

♀ 125 lb
♂ 185 lb

Post time to comments.

Stimulus and Strategy:
Today’s workout is straightforward — simply move through the power cleans as quickly as possible. The loading of the barbell is meant to be moderate to heavy. This means some may choose to perform singles for all their reps, while others may be able to complete several sets of touch-and-go reps. Either way, a good goal is aiming to complete 5 reps or more per minute. When you are taking a break, don’t let that bar sit there for too long; get your hands back on the bar quickly.

Scaling:
Reduce the load of the barbell.

To reduce the complexity of the power clean, perform a hang power clean or consider using dumbbells.

In case of injury or limitation, perform a sumo deadlift high pull or medicine-ball clean if there is a limitation with the rack position.

Intermediate option:
For time:
50 power cleans

♀ 95 lb
♂ 135 lb

Beginner option:
For time:
50 power cleans

♀ 35 lb
♂ 45 lb

Coaching cues:
On the power clean, after you finish your pull, focus on driving your elbows around the barbell as quickly as possible.

Resources:
The Power Clean

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For total reps:
4 minutes of Echo bike calories
1 minute of GHD sit-ups
1 minute of double-unders
3 minutes of Echo bike calories
1 minute of GHD sit-ups
1 minute of double-unders
2 minutes of Echo bike calories
1 minute of GHD sit-ups
1 minute of double-unders

Post reps to comments.

Stimulus and Strategy:
In today’s workout, the question is: How hard can you push the pace on the bike and still keep moving on the GHD sit-ups and double-unders? One strategy might be to hold a consistent RPM/cadence for each interval, while another strategy may be to increase the pace on the bike as the time goes down. For the GHD and the double-unders, aim to move for as much of the minute as possible.

Scaling:
Reduce the overall time of each movement.

If you are not familiar with or have not been training consistently with the GHD, reduce the complexity of the GHD sit-ups by reducing the range of motion to parallel. For the double-unders, perform single-unders.

In case of an injury or limitation, consider performing sit-ups, V-ups, or hollow rocks for the GHD sit-ups. For the double-unders, consider performing lateral line hops or penguin taps. For the bike calories, complete these on any available machine.

Intermediate option:
For total reps:
4 minutes of Echo bike calories
1 minute of GHD sit-ups to parallel
1 minute of double-unders
3 minutes of Echo bike calories
1 minute of GHD sit-ups to parallel
1 minute of double-unders
2 minutes of Echo bike calories
1 minute of GHD sit-ups to parallel
1 minute of double-unders

Beginner option:
For total reps:
4 minutes of Echo bike calories
1 minute of AbMat sit-ups
1 minute of single-unders
3 minutes of Echo bike calories
1 minute of AbMat sit-ups
1 minute of single-unders
2 minutes of Echo bike calories
1 minute of AbMat sit-ups
1 minute of single-unders

Coaching cues:
On the GHD sit-up, unlock your knees as you lay back. Then, as you sit-up, squeeze your thighs and drive your heels down toward the foot plate.

Resources:
The Rogue Echo Bike
The GHD Sit-Up
The Double-Under
GHD Sit-Up Progression
The AbMat Sit-Up
The Single-Under

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Rest Day

Beyond Calories In, Calories Out: Defending Nuanced Nutrition in a Black-and-White World

In a $200+ billion weight-loss industry drowning in noise and dogma, nuanced conversations about what actually works are being drowned out by tribal warfare and absolutism. CrossFit explores why experts like Dr. Jason Fung face fierce resistance for challenging conventional wisdom — and why maintaining a "white belt mindset" might be the key to cutting through the chaos and finding what truly works for sustainable health.

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Extended Helen

5 rounds for time of:
400-meter run
21 kettlebell swings
12 pull-ups

♀ 35 lb
♂ 53 lb

Compare to similar 250625.

Post times to comments.

Stimulus and Strategy:
Helen is a classic benchmark known for being a simple workout that packs a potent punch. Today’s variation extends the effort and tests your stamina with these movements. Can you maintain your standard Helen pace, or does fatigue set in and force you to slow down? The challenge lies in trying to hold the pace you would hold for the 3-round effort. Just like the original workout, complete the swings and pull-ups in 2 sets or fewer. More advanced athletes should aim to maintain unbroken swings and pull-ups for as many sets as possible.

Scaling:
Reduce the load of the kettlebell. Reduce the distance of the run.

To reduce the demands of the pull-ups, consider reducing the reps to 6-8, or complete jumping pull-ups. For the kettlebell swings, reduce the range of motion and perform Russian kettlebell swings.

In case of injury or limitation, for the 400-meter run, perform 900/1,250 meters on the Echo bike or 400/500 meters on the rower. For the kettlebell swings, consider single-arm Russian kettlebell swings or kettlebell deadlifts. For the pull-ups, perform ring rows.

Intermediate option:
5 rounds for time of:
400-meter run
15 kettlebell swings
6 pull-ups

♀ 26 lb
♂ 35 lb

Beginner option:
4 rounds for time of:
200-meter run
15 Russian kettlebell swings
9 jumping pull-ups

♀ 18 lb
♂ 26 lb

Coaching cues:
In the kettlebell swing, tighten the abdominals, glutes, and quads to avoid overextension of the trunk when the kettlebell is in the overhead position.

Resources:
Running | Pulling and Foot Tapping
The Kettlebell Swing
The Kipping Pull-Up
Russian Kettlebell Swing
Jumping Pull-Up Progression

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Complete as many reps as possible in 15 minutes of:
3 wall-ball shots
3 lateral burpees over the medicine ball
3-second L-sit hold

After each round, add 3 reps to the wall-ball shots and burpees, and add 3 seconds to the L-sit holds until time expires.

♀ 14-lb medicine ball to a 9-foot target
♂ 20-lb medicine ball to a 10-foot target

Post rounds and reps completed.

Stimulus and Strategy:
Today is a triplet of increasing repetitions and seconds. Expect the first few rounds to go quickly, and then slow down as the reps reach double digits. Use a weight for the medicine ball you can perform mostly unbroken. The burpees over the medicine ball are an added challenge because of the height of the ball, so make a conscious effort to jump a little higher than you normally would. On the L-sit hold, choose a variation that allows you to consistently hold for at least 10 seconds. What you perform your L-sit holds on is totally up to you — dumbbells, parallettes, boxes, or whatever you have available.

Scaling:
Reduce the loading of the medicine ball. Reduce the number of reps you increase each round by. Consider increasing by 1 or 2, instead of 3.

To reduce the complexity of the wall-ball shots, reduce the height of the target. For the burpees, step over the medicine ball or perform a regular burpee. For the L-sit hold, hold one leg straight with the other bent, or bend both legs.

In case of injury or limitation, for the wall-ball shots, perform medicine-ball front squats for an overhead limitation, or medicine-ball push presses for a squatting limitation. For the burpees, perform up-downs. For the L-sit holds, perform seated leg-raise holds with one or both legs.

Intermediate option:
Complete as many reps as possible in 15 minutes of:
3 wall-ball shots
3 lateral burpees over the medicine ball
3-second L-sit hold, both legs bent

After each round, add 3 reps to the wall-ball shots and burpees, and add 3 seconds to the L-sit holds until time expires.

♀ 10-lb medicine ball to a 9-foot target
♂ 14-lb medicine ball to a 10-foot target

Beginner option:
Complete as many reps as possible in 15 minutes of:
3 wall-ball shots
3 lateral burpees + step over the medicine ball
3-second seated leg raise hold, both legs bent

After each round, add 3 reps to the wall-ball shots and burpees, and add 3 seconds to the seated leg raise holds until time expires.

♀ 6-lb medicine ball to a 9-foot target
♂ 10-lb medicine ball to a 10-foot target

Coaching cues:
To encourage your body to raise your legs higher in the L-sit hold, try to bring your nose to your toes.

Resources:
The Wall-Ball Shot
The L-Sit Hold
L-Sit Scaling

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Rest Day

Stamina: The Cellular Superpower That Extends Your Life

Stamina isn't just about pushing through hard workouts; it's a measurable reflection of how efficiently your body produces and uses energy at the cellular level. Research shows that improvements in stamina markers, such as VO₂ max, can add years to your life, with each small gain reducing your risk of death by approximately 13%. The best part? CrossFit's constantly varied, high-intensity training is uniquely designed to trigger the cellular adaptations that build stamina, making you not just fitter today, but healthier for decades to come.

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7 sets, each for load:
1 deadlift
2 hang power cleans
3 front squats

Post loads to comments.

Stimulus and Strategy:
Today’s workout is an opportunity for you to lift a heavy load relative to your capacity. All 6 reps are meant to be performed unbroken as a complex, so once you pick up the barbell, don’t put it down. If you fail a set, you have two options: make a technique adjustment or reduce the loading to complete a successful set. Rest at least 3 minutes between sets. Make sure you are recovered and ready to attack the next set.

Scaling:
Reduce the load of the barbell.

To reduce the complexity of the complex, consider using dumbbells and doubling the reps to 2-4-6.

In case of injury or limitation, eliminate the movement or movements that are causing issues. For example, perform only the deadlift and hang power cleans if there is a squatting limitation. Or you might consider eliminating the deadlift and performing the hang power cleans and front squats from blocks if you are limited by pulling from the floor.

Intermediate option:
Same as Rx’d.

Beginner option:
Same as Rx’d.

Coaching cues:
In the hang power clean, focus on getting your elbows around the bar quickly. Doing this will increase your chances of receiving the barbell on your shoulders as opposed to lower on your body.

Resources:
The Deadlift
The Hang Power Clean
The Front Squat

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For time:
50 GHD hip extensions
800/1,000-meter row
25 GHD hip extensions
400/500-meter row

Post times to comments.

Stimulus and Strategy:
Get ready to find your posterior chain muscles today. Choose an option for the GHD hip extensions that allows you to complete consistent sets of 15 or more repetitions. Some athletes may even be able to go unbroken. On each row — especially the final one — don’t hold anything back. Push the pace faster than you want to. If you are not consistently working with the GHD, reduce the reps and range of motion to accommodate your capacity.

Scaling:
Reduce the reps of the GHD hip extensions. Reduce the distance on the rower.

To reduce the complexity of the hip extensions, perform with a reduced range of motion.

In case of injury or limitation, for the GHD hip extensions, perform Superman holds on the GHD. Accumulate no more than 2 minutes total. If you do not have a GHD or are not familiar with the equipment, consider performing good mornings, lightly loaded or unloaded. For the 800/1,000-meter row, perform 1,750/2,500 meters on the Echo bike or an 800-meter run. For the 400/500-meter row, perform 500/700 meters on the Echo bike or a 400-meter run.

Intermediate option:
For time:
30 GHD hip extensions
800/1,000-meter row
15 GHD hip extensions
400/500-meter row

Beginner option:
For time:
30 good mornings (banded or empty barbell)
400/500-meter row
15 good mornings
200/250-meter row

Coaching cues:
Throughout your reps on the GHD, imagine a string between your sternum and your belly button. Your focus is on keeping your string stretched tight.

Resources:
The GHD Hip Extension
Rowing Technique Tips
The Good Morning

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