Workout Description

Why This Workout Is Hard

While individual elements aren't extreme, the 23-minute AMRAP with double kettlebells creates significant challenges: 1) Unbroken requirement forces continuous work with heavy bells, 2) Grip fatigue accumulates across movements, 3) Complex sequence hits multiple muscle groups without rest, 4) Double KB front rack position is taxing during lunges/squats. The combination and duration make this deceptively challenging.

Training Focus

This workout develops the following fitness attributes:

• Stamina (8/10): High local muscular endurance demands on shoulders, grip, and legs. Unbroken requirement with heavy kettlebells tests muscular stamina extensively.
• Endurance (7/10): 23-minute AMRAP with double kettlebells creates sustained cardiovascular demand through compound movements. Unbroken requirement increases heart rate and breathing demands significantly.
• Strength (6/10): Double 24/16kg kettlebells provide significant loading, especially in strict press and clean movements. Extended time domain reduces pure strength emphasis.
• Flexibility (5/10): Lunges, front squats, and kettlebell movements require good hip, ankle, and shoulder mobility. Clean positions demand thoracic mobility.
• Power (4/10): Power cleans and kettlebell swings require explosive hip drive, but controlled pace needed for sustainability over 23 minutes.
• Speed (3/10): Unbroken requirement and heavy implements necessitate measured pacing rather than quick cycling. Transitions must be deliberate with heavy bells.

Movements

• Kettlebell Swing
• Strict Press
• Power Clean
• Lunge
• Clean
• Front Squat

Scaling Options

Reduce kettlebell weight to 20/12kg or 16/8kg. For newer athletes, use single kettlebell variations and alternate sides each round. Scale lunges to step-backs or reduce to 6 each leg. For clean to front squats, can separate movement into clean + front squat. Time cap can be reduced to 15-18 minutes for scaled versions. Remove unbroken requirement if needed - allow strategic breaks.

Scaling Explanation

Scale if you cannot maintain overhead control of kettlebells when fatigued or if lunges show significant balance issues with load. Priority is maintaining proper positioning and core control throughout all movements. Athletes should be able to complete 4-6 rounds with good form. If grip gives out before 12-15 minutes, reduce weight or allow breaks. Target RPE should be 7-8/10 with ability to maintain consistent round times.

Intended Stimulus

Moderate-length oxidative workout (23 minutes) focusing on kettlebell control and unilateral stability. Primary challenge is maintaining technique and grip endurance while managing fatigue. The unbroken requirement creates a strength-endurance demand that forces athletes to work at a sustainable pace.

Coach Insight

Start at 70-75% of max sustainable pace. The unbroken requirement means you can't rush early rounds. Keep kettlebells close during lunges - don't let them pull you forward. For bent rows, maintain neutral spine and squeeze lats. During clean to front squats, use the natural momentum of the clean to help initiate the squat. Rest 15-20 seconds between rounds to maintain quality. Watch grip fatigue - it will be the limiting factor for most.

Benchmark Notes

Analysis based on 23-minute AMRAP with double kettlebell complex: Base movement timing (fresh): - 2 KB Swings: 4s - 2 Strict Press: 6s - 5 Bent Rows: 12s - 1 Power Clean: 3s - 18 Lunges: 36s - 6 Clean to Front Squat: 24s Total movement time: ~85s per round Transitions between movements with same equipment: ~2-3s elite, 4-6s intermediate Total transition time per round: ~15-20s Initial round time: ~100-105s Fatigue factors: - Grip fatigue from KB work compounds each round (+10-15% by round 5) - Shoulder fatigue from pressing/cleaning (+15-20% on upper body) - Leg endurance from lunges/squats (+10-15% on lower body) Projected round breakdown: Rounds 1-3: 105s Rounds 4-6: 115s Rounds 7-9: 125s Rounds 10+: 135s Comparing to Cindy (20min AMRAP) but adjusting for: - Longer time domain (+3min) - Heavier loading with KBs - More complex movement pattern Projected targets: L10 (Elite): 11-12 rounds L5 (Intermediate): 7-8 rounds L1 (Beginner): 3-4 rounds

Modality Profile

Of the 7 movements, only Lunge is gymnastics (bodyweight). The remaining 6 movements (Kettlebell Swing, Strict Press, Bent Over Row, Power Clean, Clean, Front Squat) are all weightlifting movements involving external loads. No monostructural movements present. Rounded to nearest 10% gives G:10/M:0/W:90 split.