Workout Description
15 Minute CAP
Find 3RM Front Squat.
Then,
20 Minute AMRAP:
30 Double Under
6 Power Clean @ 70% of 3RM of Front Squat
20 Sit Ups
Why This Workout Is Hard
The 15-minute strength segment allows proper recovery, but the AMRAP creates significant cumulative fatigue. Power cleans at 70% of 3RM (~185-205 lbs for average athletes) become increasingly difficult as the 20 minutes progress, especially with double-unders taxing the calves beforehand. The continuous format with no built-in rest makes the moderate-heavy barbell cycling progressively more challenging, requiring most athletes to break up movements significantly.
Training Focus
This workout develops the following fitness attributes:
- Stamina (8/10): High volume of sit-ups and repeated power cleans at moderate weight will test muscular endurance, particularly in the posterior chain and core.
- Strength (8/10): Finding a 3RM front squat is a significant strength test, and power cleans at 70% of that weight maintain heavy loading throughout.
- Endurance (7/10): The 20-minute AMRAP creates significant cardiovascular demand, especially with double unders providing continuous aerobic challenge throughout the workout.
- Power (7/10): Power cleans are inherently explosive, and double unders require quick, coordinated power output from calves and shoulders throughout the AMRAP.
- Flexibility (6/10): Front squats and power cleans require good ankle, hip, and thoracic mobility, while double unders need shoulder and wrist flexibility.
- Speed (6/10): Double unders demand quick rope turnover, and efficient transitions between movements become crucial for maximizing rounds in the time cap.
Movements
- Front Squat
- Double-Under
- Power Clean
- Sit-Up
Scaling Options
Reduce front squat load to find challenging 5RM instead. Scale double unders to 60 singles or 15 double unders. Reduce power clean weight to 60-65% of front squat max or use empty barbell. Modify sit-ups to anchored version or reduce to 15 reps. Consider 15-minute AMRAP for newer athletes.
Scaling Explanation
Scale front squat if athlete lacks front rack mobility or squat depth. Scale double unders if athlete can't string together 10+ consistently. Scale power clean weight if technique breaks down or athlete can't maintain singles. Goal is 4+ rounds for scaled athletes, maintaining movement quality throughout the 20 minutes.
Intended Stimulus
Two-phase workout combining maximal strength development with moderate-intensity glycolytic conditioning. Phase 1 targets CNS recruitment and front squat strength. Phase 2 is a 20-minute mixed modal test emphasizing power endurance, coordination, and metabolic conditioning across phosphagen and glycolytic systems.
Coach Insight
For 3RM front squat: Take 3-5 minutes between heavy attempts, focus on tight core and upright torso, work up methodically over 12-13 minutes. For AMRAP: Aim for 5-7 rounds total. Break double unders into 15+15 or 20+10 when fatigued. Power cleans should be singles or doubles - prioritize speed over touch-and-go. Keep sit-ups unbroken early, break to sets of 10 later. Transition quickly between movements.
Benchmark Notes
This is a 20-minute AMRAP with 3 movements: 30 Double Unders (15 seconds fresh), 6 Power Cleans at 70% of 3RM Front Squat (18 seconds fresh), and 20 Sit Ups (20 seconds fresh). Base round time is 53 seconds fresh. Round-by-round breakdown: Rounds 1-2 (53-55 sec/round), Rounds 3-4 (58-64 sec/round with 1.1-1.2x fatigue), Rounds 5-6 (64-69 sec/round with 1.2-1.3x fatigue), Rounds 7-8 (69-80 sec/round with 1.3-1.5x fatigue), Rounds 9+ (80-106 sec/round with 1.5-2.0x fatigue). Power cleans at 70% 3RM will require set breaking after round 4-5. Double unders become inconsistent with fatigue, adding trip-up time. Sit ups maintain pace better but suffer from accumulated core fatigue. Elite athletes (L10) complete 12+ rounds with minimal breakdown, while beginners (L1) struggle to maintain movement standards and complete 3-4 rounds. The 20-minute time domain allows for significant volume accumulation with progressive fatigue patterns.
Modality Profile
4 movements total: 2 Gymnastics (Double-Under, Sit-Up) and 2 Weightlifting (Front Squat, Power Clean). Equal split between G and W modalities.