Workout Description

For Time 40 Kettlebell Snatches (24/20 kg) 20 calorie Ski 40 Kettlebell Goblet Squats (24/20 kg) 20 calorie Ski 40 Kettlebell Clean-and-Presses (24/20 kg) 20 calorie Ski 40 Kettlebell Swings (24/20 kg) 20 calorie Ski

Why This Workout Is Hard

This workout combines significant volume (160 total KB reps) with moderately heavy kettlebell work and cardio intervals. The ski erg provides brief recovery between KB movements, but grip fatigue accumulates significantly across the workout. The progression from technical movements (snatches) to simpler movements (swings) is smart, but 40-rep sets with a 24/20kg bell create substantial local muscular fatigue. Expected time domain of 20-25 minutes adds to the challenge.

Benchmark Times for Ski Bells

  • Elite: <14:00
  • Advanced: 15:00-16:00
  • Intermediate: 18:00-20:00
  • Beginner: >30:00

Training Focus

This workout develops the following fitness attributes:

  • Stamina (9/10): 160 total kettlebell reps plus 80 calories of skiing tests muscular endurance across multiple movement patterns and muscle groups with minimal rest.
  • Endurance (8/10): High-volume kettlebell work combined with ski intervals creates sustained cardiovascular demand. The ski erg provides active recovery while maintaining elevated heart rate throughout.
  • Flexibility (7/10): Kettlebell snatches and clean-and-press movements demand good overhead mobility, while goblet squats test hip and ankle range.
  • Power (7/10): Explosive hip drive needed for snatches and swings, plus power production on ski erg. Volume prevents maximal power output.
  • Strength (6/10): Moderate-heavy kettlebell loads (24/20kg) require significant strength, especially in the clean-and-press and snatch portions, though not maximal loads.
  • Speed (6/10): Quick cycling of kettlebell movements and maintaining ski erg pace is important, but fatigue management prevents all-out speed.

Movements

  • Kettlebell Goblet Squat
  • Kettlebell Swing
  • Ski Erg
  • Kettlebell Clean and Press
  • Kettlebell Snatch

Scaling Options

Reduce KB weight to 16/12kg or 12/8kg based on experience. Sub DB movements if KB technique is inconsistent. For newer athletes: reduce to 30 reps per movement and 15 cal ski intervals. Alternative movement options: KB deadlifts instead of snatches, front squats instead of goblet squats, strict press instead of clean-and-press. Maintain full range of motion even when scaled.

Scaling Explanation

Scale if unable to perform 10+ unbroken KB snatches or if form deteriorates significantly under fatigue. Priority is maintaining proper KB technique and full ROM throughout. Target completion time is 15-25 minutes - scale load/volume if estimated time exceeds this. Signs to scale: grip giving out early, excessive rest needed, inability to maintain midline control, or shoulder fatigue compromising overhead position.

Intended Stimulus

Moderate-length glycolytic workout (15-25 minutes) with oxidative elements. Primary focus is on kettlebell efficiency and posterior chain endurance. The ski erg intervals provide active recovery while maintaining elevated heart rate. Tests grip endurance and midline stability across multiple KB movement patterns.

Coach Insight

Break KB work into sets of 10-15 reps before grip fatigue sets in. Rest 10-15 seconds between sets to maintain quality. Pace ski erg at 80% effort - around 1000-1200 cal/hour. For KB movements: keep bell close to body, utilize hip drive, and avoid excessive arm pulling. Common mistakes include rushing early sets, poor KB rack position, and inefficient ski erg technique. Consider breaking KB work as: 15-15-10 or 12-12-8-8.

Benchmark Notes

Breaking down this kettlebell-focused chipper: 1. KB Snatches (40 reps) - Fresh state: 2.5-3s per rep - Elite sets: 15-12-13 - L5 sets: 10-10-10-10 - Base time: 100-160s 2. First Ski (20 cal) - Fresh state: 30-45s - Fatigue from snatches: +10% - Time: 35-50s 3. KB Goblet Squats (40 reps) - 2s per rep baseline - Some leg fatigue from ski - Sets of 15-10-15 (elite) or 10-10-10-10 (L5) - Time: 90-120s 4. Second Ski (20 cal) - More leg fatigue: +15% - Time: 40-55s 5. KB C&P (40 reps) - 3-4s per rep - Shoulder fatigue significant - Smaller sets needed - Time: 140-180s 6. Third Ski (20 cal) - Heavy fatigue: +20% - Time: 45-60s 7. KB Swings (40 reps) - 2s per rep but high fatigue - Time: 100-140s 8. Final Ski (20 cal) - Maximum fatigue: +25% - Time: 50-65s Transitions: 7 transitions at 5-10s each = 35-70s total This workout is most similar to DT in volume and mixed modal nature, but with slightly lighter loads and more cardio elements. Using DT as anchor (L10: 360-420s male, 430-510s female) but scaling up ~2x for doubled volume and added cardio. Total time estimates: L10 (Elite): 14:00 (840s) L5 (Intermediate): 20:00 (1200s) L1 (Beginner): 30:00 (1800s) Female times adjusted +15-20% due to heavier relative KB weight and typical gender differences in upper body volume capacity.

Modality Profile

Of the 5 movements: Kettlebell Snatch (W), Ski Erg (M), Kettlebell Goblet Squat (W), Kettlebell Clean And Press (W), Kettlebell Swing (W). 4 movements are weightlifting (80%) and 1 is monostructural (20%).

Similar Workouts to Ski Bells

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

  • Michael Otten (84% similar) - For Time 21-18-15-12-9-6-3 reps of: Back Squats (135/95 lb) Wall Ball Shots (20/14 lb)...
  • Sharpshooter (84% similar) - For Time 21-18-15-12-9-6-3 reps of: Kettlebell Thrusters (24/16 kg) Kettlebell Explosive Deadlifts (...
  • Lima (84% similar) - For Time 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 Reps of: Deadlifts (225/155 lb) Alternating Dumbbell Snatches (50/35 l...
  • tttTD7 (84% similar) - For Time 50 Alternating Dumbbell Power Snatches (50/35 lb) 100 foot Single Arm Overhead Dumbbell Wal...
  • Speedy (84% similar) - AMRAP (with a Partner) in 40 minutes Every 2 minutes, perform: 8 Wall Ball Shots (20/14 lb) 8 Deadli...
  • One Arm Bandit (84% similar) - 3 Rounds for Time 10 Dumbbell Snatches, Left (50/35 lb) 10 Dumbbell Overhead Lunges, Left (50/35 lb)...
  • Miracle Mile (84% similar) - 4 Rounds for Time: 400 meter Run Then, 3 cycles of the Barbell complex: 3 Power Cleans (135/95 lb) ...
  • Lumpy (84% similar) - 3 Rounds for Time 250 meter Row 6 Power Cleans (135/95 lb) 6 Thrusters (135/95 lb) 9 Deadlifts (135/...

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

Training Profile

AttributeScoreExplanation
Endurance8/10High-volume kettlebell work combined with ski intervals creates sustained cardiovascular demand. The ski erg provides active recovery while maintaining elevated heart rate throughout.
Stamina9/10160 total kettlebell reps plus 80 calories of skiing tests muscular endurance across multiple movement patterns and muscle groups with minimal rest.
Strength6/10Moderate-heavy kettlebell loads (24/20kg) require significant strength, especially in the clean-and-press and snatch portions, though not maximal loads.
Flexibility7/10Kettlebell snatches and clean-and-press movements demand good overhead mobility, while goblet squats test hip and ankle range.
Power7/10Explosive hip drive needed for snatches and swings, plus power production on ski erg. Volume prevents maximal power output.
Speed6/10Quick cycling of kettlebell movements and maintaining ski erg pace is important, but fatigue management prevents all-out speed.

For Time 40 Kettlebell Snatches (24/20 kg) 20 calorie Ski 40 Kettlebell Goblet Squats (24/20 kg) 20 calorie Ski 40 Kettlebell Clean-and-Presses (24/20 kg) 20 calorie Ski 40 Kettlebell Swings (24/20 kg) 20 calorie Ski

Difficulty:
Hard
Modality:
M
W
Stimulus:

Moderate-length glycolytic workout (15-25 minutes) with oxidative elements. Primary focus is on kettlebell efficiency and posterior chain endurance. The ski erg intervals provide active recovery while maintaining elevated heart rate. Tests grip endurance and midline stability across multiple KB movement patterns.

Insight:

Break KB work into sets of 10-15 reps before grip fatigue sets in. Rest 10-15 seconds between sets to maintain quality. Pace ski erg at 80% effort - around 1000-1200 cal/hour. For KB movements: keep bell close to body, utilize hip drive, and avoid excessive arm pulling. Common mistakes include rushing early sets, poor KB rack position, and inefficient ski erg technique. Consider breaking KB work as: 15-15-10 or 12-12-8-8.

Scaling:

Reduce KB weight to 16/12kg or 12/8kg based on experience. Sub DB movements if KB technique is inconsistent. For newer athletes: reduce to 30 reps per movement and 15 cal ski intervals. Alternative movement options: KB deadlifts instead of snatches, front squats instead of goblet squats, strict press instead of clean-and-press. Maintain full range of motion even when scaled.

Time Distribution:
15:30Elite
21:00Target
30:00Time Cap
Your Scores:

Training Profile

Performance Levels
L1
L2
L3
L4
L5
L6
L7
L8
L9
L10
RookieNoviceIntermediateAdvancedPro/Elite