DT is a barbell-only triplet totaling 135 reps at a heavy 155/105 lb. Work density is moderate, but movement complexity is advanced due to cycling hang cleans and jerks. Most finish in 7–12 minutes, with grip and barbell stamina as primary limiters. The load, cycle speed, and time domain create significant stress without extreme volume, placing it firmly in the Hard tier.
Scaling suggestions available
Moderate barbell weight cycled repeatedly, simple bodyweight movements, and high total volume across 15 minutes of work make this a classic hard benchmark. The short 3-minute intervals push aggressive pacing, but sustaining 3–4 rounds per cycle taxes muscular stamina and conditioning. The key limiter is push-up endurance and clean cycling under fatigue rather than maximal strength.
Scaling suggestions available
Fran blends high-cycling thrusters at a moderate load with bodyweight pull-ups, creating solid work density. Complexity averages a high-skill thruster (80) and a moderate pull-up (40) to ~60. Typical finish times sit in the 5–8 minute range (5–12 min domain). With the 21-15-9 descending rep modifier (×0.95), the overall mapping lands squarely in the Hard category, consistent with benchmark calibrations.
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The Bear Complex mixes heavy barbell cycling with unbroken sets that progressively increase in load. Density is moderate due to necessary rest and plate changes, but complexity and sustained tension are high. The 20–30 minute time domain, combined with accumulating fatigue in the legs, shoulders, and grip, creates a demanding strength-stamina challenge. Ascending weight further elevates difficulty.
Scaling suggestions available
Twenty minutes of continuous barbell cycling drives muscular stamina and aerobic demand. The load is light-moderate but repeated through five positions that stress posterior chain, front rack, and shoulder endurance. Movement complexity is moderate; volume can exceed 200 reps for capable athletes, making it a grinding, high-output effort rather than a sprint.
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Heavy, relative loads across three barbell lifts with 55 total reps per movement create significant strength-endurance demand. The bodyweight bench and 1.5x BW deadlift are limiting for many, while repeated cleans challenge power and grip. Transitions between three bars add fatigue and time pressure, pushing this well beyond classic couplets in difficulty.
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Heavy barbell triplet with 165 total reps under a tight 17-minute cap. The deadlift and bench press are near-strength loads for many athletes, while squat cleans demand repeated explosive pulls from the floor. Muscular stamina and barbell cycling under fatigue are critical. Movement complexity is moderate, but load and density make this feel like a strength-endurance sprint.
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High-skill gymnastics (HSPU), heavy barbell loading for thrusters and deadlifts, and significant grip demands stack up over 7 rounds and 49 total reps per movement. Most athletes face 35–60 minutes of work with minimal rest. The combination of volume, loading, and skill places this firmly in the “extremely hard” category, demanding robust stamina and pacing.
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Grace is a fast barbell sprint: 30 clean-and-jerks at 135/95 lb. Work density is moderate at this load, movement complexity is advanced (clean and jerk), and most athletes finish between 3–8 minutes, with elites far faster. No special modifiers apply. These factors combine to a solid Hard rating, consistent with benchmark expectations.
Scaling suggestions available
Light-moderate loads and simple movements, but sustained for 15 minutes of work with minimal rest. Five stations target different muscle groups while keeping heart rate high. The test rewards pacing, quick transitions, and muscular endurance. High total-rep potential with significant fatigue accumulation makes it challenging for most athletes yet broadly accessible with simple scaling.
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This chipper mixes 300 total reps with mostly bodyweight and light loading, producing relatively low work density but steady fatigue. Movement complexity averages moderate with a few advanced skills (double-unders, knees-to-elbows, burpees). The expected 20–30 minute time domain keeps heart rate elevated while requiring sustainable pacing. Overall, it challenges stamina and coordination without heavy strength demands, fitting a solid medium difficulty.
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Donny is a heavy barbell-and-burpee couplet with 180 total reps and 90 deadlifts at 225/155 lb. It blends posterior-chain stamina with high heart rate from burpees. Most athletes will work 12–20 minutes, with grip and back fatigue limiting speed. The repeated 9s in the center punish pacing errors, making consistent sets and smart breaks essential.
Scaling suggestions available
