Workout Description

Why This Workout Is Very Hard

Helton is a long grinder: 2,400 meters of running, 90 dumbbell squat cleans with two dumbbells, and 90 burpees. The loading is moderate but accumulates huge volume, driving heart rate and leg fatigue. Expect 30–50 minutes for most. Movement complexity is low, but sustained aerobic and muscular endurance demands push this into a very hard benchmark.

Benchmark Times for Helton

• Elite: <27:00
• Advanced: 30:00-33:00
• Intermediate: 36:00-39:00
• Beginner: >55:00

Training Focus

This workout develops the following fitness attributes:

• Stamina (9/10): Ninety dumbbell squat cleans and ninety burpees are high-volume, repetitive efforts that tax local muscular endurance in legs, hips, and shoulders with minimal opportunities for full recovery.
• Endurance (8/10): Three 800 m runs plus steady burpees require sustained aerobic output. Most athletes will sit near threshold for 30–45 minutes, demanding consistent breathing and pacing across all three rounds.
• Power (4/10): Squat cleans need hip explosiveness rep-to-rep, but the long time domain shifts emphasis from peak power to repeatable submaximal force production.
• Speed (3/10): This rewards smooth, steady cycling and controlled transitions rather than all-out sprints. Too much speed early typically backfires in later rounds.
• Strength (3/10): The dumbbell loading is moderate, not maximal. Strength helps with clean efficiency and posture, but no heavy singles or max efforts are required.
• Flexibility (2/10): Standard squat depth and overhead/hip extension ranges are required. No advanced mobility positions, but consistent depth and neutral spine under fatigue are necessary.

Movements

• Burpee
• Dumbbell Squat Clean
• Run

Scaling Options

Scale to: 3 rounds: 600 m Run, 20 DB Squat Cleans (2x35/25 lb), 20 Burpees • 3 rounds: 800 m Run, 20 DB Squat Cleans (2x50/35 lb), 20 Burpees • 2 rounds: 800 m Run, 25 DB Squat Cleans (2x35/25 lb), 25 Burpees

Scaling Explanation

These options preserve the triplet structure and cardio-muscular grind while adjusting distance, load, and volume to maintain steady movement without extended rest.

Intended Stimulus

A steady, punishing grind. You should move almost the entire time with short, planned breaks on the dumbbell cleans and smooth, unbroken burpees at a conversationally hard pace. Runs are controlled, not sprints. Expect legs and lungs to burn while you manage fatigue to keep round-three pace close to round one.

Coach Insight

Pace the first run conservatively—about your 10K effort—so you can pick up the dumbbells quickly. Break the cleans early into small, reliable sets (e.g., 6x5 or 5x6). Biggest tip: Keep burpees smooth and rhythmic. No pauses on the floor, stand and step or jump right back down. Avoid redlining on cleans, sloppy squat depth, and sprinting the first run. Consistency wins here.

Benchmark Notes

Times are finish targets from beginner (55:00) to elite (27:00). L5 is about 39:00. If your pace projects beyond the time cap or well above your level, scale load, distance, or reps to keep the intended aerobic grind without excessive rest.

Modality Profile

Weightlifting dominates due to 90 dumbbell squat cleans taking the largest chunk of time. Running provides steady monostructural work across 2,400 meters. Burpees add significant gymnastics volume. The blend emphasizes weighted cyclical work, with aerobic running and bodyweight conditioning as consistent anchors.

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If you enjoy Helton, you might also like these similar CrossFit WODs:

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These WODs similar to Helton share comparable training demands, time domains, and movement patterns.