Workout Description

Why This Workout Is Hard

While the movements are basic bodyweight exercises, the 5-minute runs create significant cardiovascular fatigue before each set of 50 reps. The continuous nature (no built-in rest) combined with the high-rep bodyweight sets under accumulated fatigue makes this deceptively challenging. The burpees particularly become brutal after 10 minutes of running. Most athletes will need to break up the sets significantly.

Benchmark Times for Domino

• Elite: <22:00
• Advanced: 24:00-26:00
• Intermediate: 28:00-30:00
• Beginner: >45:00

Training Focus

This workout develops the following fitness attributes:

• Endurance (9/10): Four 5-minute runs interspersed with bodyweight movements creates significant cardiovascular demand. The extended duration and running intervals make this primarily an endurance test.
• Stamina (7/10): High-volume bodyweight movements (200 total reps) combined with running tests muscular endurance, particularly in pushing and leg muscles.
• Speed (4/10): Moderate pace management required between runs and bodyweight movements. Not focused on sprint-speed repetitions.
• Flexibility (3/10): Basic mobility needed for squats, burpees, and push-ups. No extreme ranges of motion required.
• Strength (2/10): Exclusively bodyweight movements with no external load. Strength demands are minimal compared to endurance requirements.
• Power (2/10): Burpees provide some explosive elements, but the workout emphasizes sustained effort over power output.

Movements

• Air Squat
• Burpee
• Push-Up
• Run
• Sit-Up

Scaling Options

Running: Reduce to 3-minute intervals or substitute row/bike. Air Squats: Reduce to 30-40 reps or use box for depth. Burpees: Step-out version or reduce to 30-40 reps. Push-Ups: Knee push-ups or incline push-ups, reduce to 30 reps. Sit-Ups: Reduce to 30-40 reps, substitute V-ups or hollow rocks. Time cap can be adjusted to 35 minutes for scaled versions. Consider reducing all running intervals by 1-2 minutes while maintaining original bodyweight rep schemes.

Scaling Explanation

Scale if unable to maintain consistent running pace for 5 minutes or perform more than 15 unbroken reps of any bodyweight movement. Priority is maintaining steady movement with good form throughout - intensity should allow continuous work with minimal extended breaks. Target completion time is 35-40 minutes for scaled versions. Athletes should be able to speak in short sentences during runs (aerobic zone). Scale to preserve intended stimulus of sustained aerobic work with manageable bodyweight segments.

Intended Stimulus

Long-duration aerobic workout (35-45 min) with mixed modal elements. Primary focus is oxidative energy system development with glycolytic bursts during bodyweight movements. The extended time domain and running intervals create sustained cardiovascular demand while testing muscular endurance. Mental toughness is challenged through monotonous running segments and high-volume bodyweight movements.

Coach Insight

Break the 5-minute runs into consistent, sustainable paces - aim for 75-80% effort to preserve energy for bodyweight segments. For bodyweight movements, consider breaking sets into manageable chunks (10-15 reps) with minimal rest. Suggested rep schemes: Air Squats (20-15-15), Burpees (10x5), Push-Ups (10x5), Sit-Ups (25-25). Maintain good posture during runs to prevent form degradation. Common mistakes include starting runs too fast, not breaking up bodyweight movements early enough, and rushing transitions. Rest briefly between modalities to control heart rate.

Benchmark Notes

This workout has similarities to both Helen (3 rounds of running + other movements) and Angie (high-volume bodyweight movements), but with more running volume. Breakdown: - 4 x 5-min runs = 1200 sec base running time - Air Squats: 50 reps at ~1.5 sec/rep = 75 sec + fatigue - Burpees: 50 reps at ~3.5 sec/rep = 175 sec + significant fatigue - Push-Ups: 50 reps at ~1.5 sec/rep = 75 sec + accumulated fatigue - Sit-Ups: 50 reps at ~1.5 sec/rep = 75 sec Fatigue considerations: - Running segments maintain steady pace due to fixed time - Bodyweight movements show increasing fatigue: - Air Squats: minimal breaks - Burpees: 2-3 breaks for elite, 4-5 for intermediate - Push-Ups: 3-4 breaks due to accumulated fatigue - Sit-Ups: minimal impact from fatigue Transitions between movements: ~10-15 sec each Comparing to Helen (L10 ~8:30), this workout has ~2x the running volume and higher-volume bodyweight segments. Scaling up proportionally and accounting for fixed-time runs. Final targets: Male: L10: 22:00 (1320 sec) L5: 30:00 (1800 sec) L1: 45:00 (2700 sec) Female: L10: 24:00 (1440 sec) L5: 33:00 (1980 sec) L1: 45:00 (2700 sec)

Modality Profile

Of the 5 movements, 4 are gymnastics (Air Squat, Burpee, Push-Up, Sit-Up = 80%) and 1 is monostructural (Run = 20%). No weightlifting movements present.