Workout Description
4 Rounds for Time
250 meter Row
20 Kettlebell Swings (55/35 lb)
15 Double-Unders
100 meter Run
5 Burpees
Why This Workout Is Medium
While each movement is relatively simple and the loads are moderate, the combination creates steady but manageable fatigue. The row and run provide natural breaks between higher-intensity elements. KB swings and burpees will elevate heart rate, but 5 burpees is a low volume. Double-unders may be challenging when tired but 15 reps is manageable. Most CrossFitters can complete this in 12-15 minutes without scaling.
Benchmark Times for Burn the Bird
- Elite: <6:00
- Advanced: 6:30-7:00
- Intermediate: 8:00-9:00
- Beginner: >15:00
Training Focus
This workout develops the following fitness attributes:
- Endurance (7/10): Multiple cardio elements (row, run) combined with moderate-intensity movements create sustained cardiovascular demand across 4 rounds without full recovery.
- Stamina (6/10): Moderate rep schemes and multiple movement patterns challenge local muscular endurance, especially posterior chain and shoulders.
- Speed (6/10): Quick transitions between movements and fast cycling of double-unders create a moderate speed demand.
- Power (5/10): Kettlebell swings and double-unders are power-based movements, balanced with steady-state cardio elements.
- Flexibility (4/10): Hip hinge for KB swings and burpee positions require decent mobility, but nothing extreme.
- Strength (3/10): Kettlebell weight is moderate; other movements are primarily bodyweight-based without significant strength demands.
Movements
- Row
- Kettlebell Swing
- Double-Under
- Run
- Burpee
Scaling Options
Row: Reduce to 200m or substitute bike erg (12-15 cals)
KB Swings: Drop to 44/26 lb or 35/20 lb, maintain hip hinge pattern
Double-Unders: Sub 30-45 single unders or 15 alternating step-ups
Run: Reduce to 75m or substitute 30 sec march-in-place
Burpees: Step-back burpees or no push-up at bottom
Rounds: Reduce to 3 rounds for newer athletes
Target time cap: 20 minutes
Scaling Explanation
Scale if unable to maintain proper KB swing mechanics for sets of 10+ at prescribed weight, cannot perform 15+ double-unders unbroken, or if estimated completion time exceeds 20 minutes. Priority is maintaining consistent movement patterns and steady work rate across all rounds. Intensity should allow completion of all rounds with no more than 20% time difference between fastest and slowest rounds. Scale to achieve 12-18 minute finish time while keeping heart rate in sustainable zone (85-90% max).
Intended Stimulus
Moderate-length mixed modal workout targeting glycolytic and oxidative energy systems (12-18 minute time domain). Primary challenge is maintaining consistent work rate across varied movements while managing cardiovascular fatigue. The combination of monostructural cardio (row, run) with explosive movements (KB swings) creates a balanced conditioning effect.
Coach Insight
Break this workout into manageable chunks. Row at 85% effort (24-26 s/m pace) - avoid sprinting. Keep KB swings unbroken with powerful hip drive but controlled descent. Double-unders in sets of 15 or break into quick 8-7 sets. Use the 100m run as active recovery with steady pace. Burpees should be steady but deliberate - avoid rushing and getting sloppy. Key is maintaining consistent round times without significant drop-off. Transitions should be quick but controlled.
Benchmark Notes
This workout is most similar to Helen (3 rounds of running + KB swings + gymnastics), but with 4 rounds and different movement patterns. Breaking it down:
250m Row (~45-55s)
20 KB Swings (~35-40s)
15 Double-Unders (~10-15s)
100m Run (~15-20s)
5 Burpees (~15-20s)
Base round time: 120-150s fresh
Fatigue multipliers:
Round 1: 1.0x (120-150s)
Round 2: 1.0x (120-150s)
Round 3: 1.15x (138-173s)
Round 4: 1.25x (150-188s)
Transitions: 4-5 transitions per round at 5-10s each = 20-50s per round
Total projected time ranges:
Elite (L10): 6:00-7:00
Intermediate (L5): 9:00-10:00
Beginner (L1): 15:00-16:00
Compared to Helen anchor (7:30-8:30 elite), this workout should be slightly faster due to:
- Shorter run (100m vs 400m)
- Double-unders instead of pull-ups
- But 4 rounds vs 3 rounds balances this out
Final targets:
Male L10: 6:00-7:00
Male L5: 9:00-10:00
Male L1: 15:00-16:00
Female L10: 7:00-8:00
Female L5: 10:00-11:00
Female L1: 16:00-17:00
Modality Profile
Of the 5 movements: Burpee and Double-Under are Gymnastics (2/5), Row and Run are Monostructural (2/5), and Kettlebell Swing is Weightlifting (1/5). Rounded to nearest 10% for clean numbers: G=20%, M=40%, W=40%