Author: Karie Patzer

It is very common for Crossfit workouts to have names. We can easily associate it to what the workout was. Fran is a popular one consisting of 21-15-9 thrusters and pullups. “DT” and “Murph” are popular hero workouts which are named after fallen first responders or members of the military who died while serving honorably in the line of duty.

There are many benchmark workouts named after women in Crossfit history. Very similar to storms having a female name as well. They come with a force and always come back. They help you become more prepared. You may have become stronger and smarter and also more humble. These forces aren’t to be reckoned with. You give 100% you can to see where you stand. Then the next time they come around, you have a better understanding of what to do.

Benchmark workouts are great to retest at least once a year. They are a test to see if you have gotten fitter, stronger, or maybe changing the way you approach it may lead to a better outcome. One thing is for sure, they sting. They are also very useful in regards to our programming. We see the scores off of benchmarks and use them for later workouts. If we see a fast time, we may make the weight a bit heavier for certain movements to help people become stronger. Maybe increase gymnastics to help a better Cindy score. Or keep the weights lighter to keep everyone moving faster.

A name can easily strike up a conversation if you know the workout with a name. For example:

“Twix”

30-20-10

Deadlifts 225/155

Bar facing burpees

How would you break up the deadlifts? Sets of 5? Big sets to go for less and slow the burpees down? And then after you are done, you and your workout neighbor can exchange how it went. Even bringing up a workout from a few months ago can lead to a bigger talk. It opens up the exchange and the common factor that everyone suffers together, no matter the weight or break up scheme. It can give new ideas to help with workouts  later on. And helps fuel that motivation fire.