Workout Description

AMRAP in 21 minutes 21 calorie Assault Air Bike 21 Kettlebell Swings (53/35 lb) 21 AbMat Sit-Ups

Why This Workout Is Medium

Using a 21-minute AMRAP, estimated 7 rounds yields ~294 weighted units (21 cals×0.5 + 21 KB×1.0 + 21 sit-ups×0.5 = 42 units/round) ÷ 21 min ≈ 14 units/min, mapping to 20 density points. Average movement complexity is ~26.7 (basic/moderate mix) and time domain scores 65. Base score ≈ 35.5. No modifiers apply. Overall: steady but manageable aerobic triplet.

Training Focus

This workout develops the following fitness attributes:

  • Endurance (8/10): A 21-minute continuous effort emphasizes aerobic capacity and sustainable breathing on the bike while keeping transitions tight across movements without long breaks.
  • Stamina (7/10): High total reps with repeat sets of 21 require muscular endurance in grip, hips, and midline, especially as fatigue builds in later rounds.
  • Speed (5/10): Faster cycling helps, yet success hinges on consistent cadence and minimal downtime rather than pure sprint speed or frantic transitions.
  • Power (4/10): You can add short surges on the bike and snap the hips in swings, but the workout rewards steady output more than all-out explosiveness.
  • Strength (2/10): No heavy elements; the kettlebell is light-moderate and the other movements are bodyweight or monostructural, limiting maximal strength demands.
  • Flexibility (2/10): Standard ranges of motion: overhead extension in swings and spinal flexion/extension in sit-ups. No advanced mobility positions are required.

Movements

  • Air Bike
  • Kettlebell Swing
  • Sit-Up

Scaling Options

Scale to: 15/12 cal bike • 21 Russian KB Swing (35/26 lb) • 15-15-15 reps

Scaling Explanation

Adjusting calories, range of motion, and loading preserves the intended steady aerobic feel and repeatable sets while preventing grip blow-up or form breakdown.

Intended Stimulus

Smooth, sustainable engine piece with repeatable round times. The bike should feel controlled but purposeful, swings mostly unbroken with crisp hip drive, and sit-ups steady without resting. Aim for consistent splits from round two onward, leaving a small push in the final three minutes.

Coach Insight

Pace the bike at a repeatable wattage you could hold for 30 minutes; no hero bursts early. Most important: keep the swings unbroken by managing your breathing—exhale at the top and relax the grip. Avoid flying out too hot on round one, death-gripping the bell, or pausing between sit-ups. Quick, calm transitions win.

Benchmark Notes

This is a 21-minute AMRAP with three movements per round: 21 cal Assault Bike, 21 KB Swings (53/35), and 21 AbMat Sit-Ups. Total reps per round: 63. **ANCHOR REFERENCE**: This workout is most similar to **Cindy** (AMRAP 20: 5 pull-ups + 10 push-ups + 15 air squats = 30 reps/round). Cindy benchmarks: L10 25-30 rounds, L5 15-18 rounds, L1 6-8 rounds. However, this workout has 21 minutes (vs 20), higher reps per round (63 vs 30), and includes a monostructural element (Assault Bike) which is more taxing than bodyweight movements. **MOVEMENT-BY-MOVEMENT BREAKDOWN**: *Round 1 (Fresh):* - 21 cal Assault Bike: Elite ~35-40 sec, Intermediate ~50-60 sec, Novice ~75-90 sec - Transition: 3-5 sec (elite), 5-8 sec (intermediate), 8-12 sec (novice) - 21 KB Swings (53/35): 1.5-2 sec/rep fresh = 32-42 sec (elite), 42-52 sec (intermediate), 52-65 sec (novice) - Transition: 3-5 sec - 21 AbMat Sit-Ups: 1-1.5 sec/rep = 21-32 sec (elite), 28-38 sec (intermediate), 35-45 sec (novice) - Transition back to bike: 3-5 sec *Round 1 Total:* Elite ~95-105 sec, Intermediate ~135-160 sec, Novice ~180-220 sec *Fatigue Progression:* - Round 2: 1.05x multiplier = Elite 100-110 sec, Intermediate 142-168 sec, Novice 189-231 sec - Round 3: 1.10x multiplier = Elite 105-116 sec, Intermediate 149-176 sec, Novice 198-242 sec - Round 4: 1.15x multiplier = Elite 109-121 sec, Intermediate 155-184 sec, Novice 207-253 sec - Round 5: 1.20x multiplier = Elite 114-126 sec, Intermediate 162-192 sec, Novice 216-264 sec - Round 6: 1.25x multiplier = Elite 119-131 sec, Intermediate 169-200 sec, Novice 225-275 sec - Round 7: 1.30x multiplier = Elite 124-137 sec, Intermediate 176-208 sec, Novice 234-286 sec - Round 8: 1.40x multiplier = Elite 133-147 sec, Intermediate 189-224 sec **CUMULATIVE TIME CALCULATIONS** (21 minutes = 1260 seconds): *Elite (L10):* - Rounds 1-7: ~770-850 sec - Round 8 partial: ~410-490 sec remaining = ~3.0-3.7 additional rounds worth - **Total: 7.0-7.5 rounds** *Advanced (L8-L9):* - Slightly slower pace, more fatigue - **L9: 6.4-7.0 rounds** - **L8: 5.8-6.4 rounds** *Intermediate (L5):* - Rounds 1-4: ~600-688 sec - Round 5: ~162-192 sec (total ~762-880 sec) - Remaining time: ~380-498 sec = ~2.0-3.1 additional rounds - **Total: 4.8-5.3 rounds** *Novice (L2-L3):* - Rounds 1-3: ~567-693 sec - Round 4 partial: ~567-693 sec remaining = ~2.2-3.3 additional rounds - **L3: 3.8-4.3 rounds** - **L2: 3.2-3.8 rounds** *Beginner (L1):* - Significantly slower pace, frequent breaks - Round time: ~240-280 sec by round 3 - **Total: 2.5-3.2 rounds** **COMPARISON TO CINDY**: Cindy L10 achieves 25-30 rounds in 20 min (40-48 sec/round). This workout's elite pace is ~105-120 sec/round (2.5-3x slower), which makes sense given 63 reps vs 30 reps per round and the inclusion of Assault Bike calories. The ratio of rounds completed (7-7.5 vs 25-30) aligns with the increased work per round. **FINAL BENCHMARKS RECAP**: - **L10 (Elite):** 7.0+ rounds - **L9:** 6.4-7.0 rounds - **L8:** 5.8-6.4 rounds - **L7:** 5.3-5.8 rounds - **L6:** 4.8-5.3 rounds - **L5 (Median):** 4.3-4.8 rounds - **L4:** 3.8-4.3 rounds - **L3:** 3.2-3.8 rounds - **L2:** 2.5-3.2 rounds - **L1 (Beginner):** <2.5 rounds

Modality Profile

About half the time is spent on the Assault Bike (monostructural). The remainder splits between kettlebell swings (weightlifting) and sit-ups (gymnastics). Proportions are estimated by typical time per station rather than strict rep count.

Similar Workouts to Blackjack (Assault)

If you enjoy Blackjack (Assault), you might also like these similar CrossFit WODs:

  • Assault Quest (91% similar) - 5 Rounds for Time 5 Handstand Push-Ups 10 Box Jumps (24/20 in) 15 Sumo Deadlift High-Pulls (95/65 lb...
  • Assault Bulldozer (90% similar) - AMRAP in 20 minutes 20 calorie Assault Air Bike 15 Wall Ball Shots (20/14 lb) 10 Sumo Deadlift High ...
  • Ghost (90% similar) - 6 Rounds for Total Reps in 23 minutes 1 minute of Rowing (calories) 1 minute of Burpees 1 minute of ...
  • Open 18.1 (89% similar) - AMRAP in 20 minutes 8 Toes-to-Bars 10 Dumbbell Hang Clean-and-Jerks (50/35 lb) 14/12 calorie Row...
  • Ache (89% similar) - AMRAP in 22 minutes 20 Power Cleans (95/65 lb) 40 Toes-to-Bar 60 calorie Air Bike 80 Wall Ball Shots...
  • 6 Pack (89% similar) - 5 Rounds for Time 30 calorie Assault Air Bike 25 Sit-Ups 20 Lunges 15 Kettlebell Swings (60/45 lb) 1...
  • Chief Daryl Rollins (89% similar) - 5 Rounds for Time 20 Kneeling Medicine Ball Slams (30/20 lb) 20 Plate Sit-Ups (45/25 lb) 20 calorie ...
  • AGQ 22.5 (88% similar) - 3 Rounds for Time: 50 calorie Row 15 Handstand Push-Ups 50 Double-Unders Time Cap: 20 minutes...

These WODs similar to Blackjack (Assault) share comparable training demands, time domains, and movement patterns.

Training Profile

AttributeScoreExplanation
Endurance8/10A 21-minute continuous effort emphasizes aerobic capacity and sustainable breathing on the bike while keeping transitions tight across movements without long breaks.
Stamina7/10High total reps with repeat sets of 21 require muscular endurance in grip, hips, and midline, especially as fatigue builds in later rounds.
Strength2/10No heavy elements; the kettlebell is light-moderate and the other movements are bodyweight or monostructural, limiting maximal strength demands.
Flexibility2/10Standard ranges of motion: overhead extension in swings and spinal flexion/extension in sit-ups. No advanced mobility positions are required.
Power4/10You can add short surges on the bike and snap the hips in swings, but the workout rewards steady output more than all-out explosiveness.
Speed5/10Faster cycling helps, yet success hinges on consistent cadence and minimal downtime rather than pure sprint speed or frantic transitions.

AMRAP in 21 minutes 21 calorie 21 (53/35 lb) 21

Difficulty:
Medium
Modality:
G
M
W
Stimulus:

Smooth, sustainable engine piece with repeatable round times. The bike should feel controlled but purposeful, swings mostly unbroken with crisp hip drive, and sit-ups steady without resting. Aim for consistent splits from round two onward, leaving a small push in the final three minutes.

Insight:

Pace the bike at a repeatable wattage you could hold for 30 minutes; no hero bursts early. Most important: keep the swings unbroken by managing your breathing—exhale at the top and relax the grip. Avoid flying out too hot on round one, death-gripping the bell, or pausing between sit-ups. Quick, calm transitions win.

Scaling:

Scale to: 15/12 cal bike • 21 Russian KB Swing (35/26 lb) • 15-15-15 reps

Your Scores:

Training Profile

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