Workout Description
21-15-9
T2B
Burpee to target
Why This Workout Is Medium
This workout combines two bodyweight movements in a moderate volume descending ladder. T2B requires grip strength and core endurance, while burpee to target demands full-body conditioning. The 45 total reps per movement creates manageable fatigue accumulation. Most average CrossFitters can complete this as prescribed, though grip fatigue from T2B may force small breaks. The movements don't significantly interfere with each other, and the descending rep scheme provides natural pacing relief.
Benchmark Times for Toes to the Sky, Burpees Don't Lie
- Elite: <3:15
- Advanced: 3:45-4:20
- Intermediate: 5:00-5:40
- Beginner: >10:00
Training Focus
This workout develops the following fitness attributes:
- Stamina (8/10): Toes-to-bar and burpees both heavily tax muscular endurance, particularly grip strength, core stamina, and overall body fatigue across 45 total reps each.
- Endurance (7/10): The 21-15-9 format with high-rep bodyweight movements creates significant cardiovascular demand, especially as grip fatigue accumulates and breathing becomes labored.
- Flexibility (6/10): T2B requires significant shoulder and hip flexibility, while burpee to target demands good overhead mobility and hip flexion range of motion.
- Speed (6/10): The descending rep scheme encourages fast transitions and quick movement cycling, with minimal rest between exercises to maintain intensity.
- Power (4/10): Burpee to target has explosive jumping component, while T2B requires some power for kipping, but overall more endurance-focused than power-dominant.
- Strength (3/10): Primarily bodyweight movements requiring moderate relative strength, with T2B demanding more pulling strength than basic bodyweight exercises.
Scaling Options
Reduce T2B to hanging knee raises or lying leg raises. Lower burpee target height or remove target completely. Consider 15-12-9 rep scheme for newer athletes. Use straps for T2B if grip strength is severely limiting.
Scaling Explanation
Scale if you can't perform 5+ consecutive T2B or if grip strength fails completely in first round. Priority is maintaining movement quality and intended time domain. Goal is 4-10 minute completion with consistent movement patterns throughout.
Intended Stimulus
High-intensity glycolytic sprint lasting 4-8 minutes. Tests grip strength endurance, core stability, and ability to maintain power output through fatigue. Primary challenge is muscular endurance with significant cardiovascular demand.
Coach Insight
Break T2B early and often - consider 11-10, 8-7, 5-4 to preserve grip. Focus on hollow body position and controlled descent. For burpees, establish steady rhythm - don't sprint early rounds. Jump and reach for target rather than jumping then reaching. Quick transitions between movements are key. Expect grip to be limiting factor.
Benchmark Notes
This 21-15-9 T2B + Burpee to Target workout follows the classic Fran format but with different movements. Using Fran as the primary anchor (L10: 120-140s, L5: 320-360s, L1: 540-660s), I adjusted for movement differences. T2B are slightly slower than pull-ups (1.5-2.5s vs 1-2s per rep), and burpee to target adds overhead reach complexity compared to thrusters, making them 4-5s per rep vs 2-3s for thrusters. Round 1: ~90-150s, Round 2: ~60-120s with 1.1x fatigue, Round 3: ~45-90s with 1.2x fatigue. The grip-intensive T2B into burpees creates significant interference, adding 20-30% time in later rounds. Total volume of 45 reps per movement with transitions yields the calculated ranges.
Modality Profile
Both Toes-to-Bar and Burpee To Target are bodyweight gymnastics movements, resulting in 100% gymnastics modality