Workout Description
4 Rounds (with a Partner) for Time
8 Man Makers (2x50/35 lb) / Plank Hold
20 Deadlifts (275/205 lb) / Wall Sit
24 One-Arm Dumbbell Thrusters (50/30 lb) / Scissor Kicks
Cash out:
500 Double-Unders / Row
Why This Workout Is Very Hard
This workout combines several challenging elements that compound each other: Man Makers (already fatiguing) lead into heavy deadlifts (275/205 is substantial), followed by high-volume single-arm thrusters. The partner format provides minimal rest due to the hold positions. The 500 double-under cash-out requires significant skill under accumulated fatigue. Most average CrossFitters will need to scale weights or modify movements.
Benchmark Times for Devil of Ramadi V2
- Elite: <12:00
- Advanced: 14:00-16:00
- Intermediate: 18:00-20:00
- Beginner: >30:00
Training Focus
This workout develops the following fitness attributes:
- Stamina (9/10): High rep thrusters, man makers, and deadlifts combined with isometric holds tax both local and global muscular endurance extensively.
- Endurance (8/10): Partner format allows some rest but holding positions while partner works plus high-volume movements and 500 double-unders create significant cardiovascular demand.
- Strength (7/10): Heavy deadlifts at 275/205 and challenging dumbbell loads for thrusters and man makers require significant strength capacity.
- Speed (7/10): Quick transitions between working and holding positions plus fast double-under requirement make speed crucial.
- Flexibility (6/10): Man makers and thrusters demand good mobility in hips, shoulders, and ankles. Deadlifts require proper hip hinge mechanics.
- Power (5/10): Thrusters and man makers have explosive elements, but fatigue will limit power output as rounds progress.
Movements
- Man Maker
- Plank Hold
- Deadlift
- Wall Sit
- Thruster
- Double-Under
- Row
Scaling Options
Man Makers: Scale to 35/25lb dumbbells, remove push-up, or use single dumbbell
Deadlifts: Reduce to 225/155lb or 185/135lb, maintain relative intensity at 65-75% 1RM
Thrusters: Scale to 35/20lb dumbbells, allow two-hand version
Holds: Reduce hold times or modify positions (knee plank, partial wall sit)
Cash-out: 250 singles + 1000m row, or 5 rounds of (50 singles + 200m row)
Scaling Explanation
Scale if unable to perform 5+ unbroken man makers, deadlift weight is above 75% 1RM, or thrusters cause significant form breakdown. Priority is maintaining steady movement with good form throughout all rounds. Target time range is 15-25 minutes - scale volume if exceeding this range. Athletes should be able to maintain work periods of 2-3 minutes before rest. Double-under efficiency should be 20+ unbroken for Rx version.
Intended Stimulus
Moderate-length glycolytic workout (15-25 minutes) with significant strength endurance demands. Partner format allows work-rest intervals but maintains elevated heart rate through static holds. Heavy deadlifts and complex dumbbell movements create significant muscular fatigue while the cash-out tests mental fortitude and skill endurance.
Coach Insight
Break up man makers early (4-4) to preserve grip strength for deadlifts. For deadlifts, sets of 5-7 reps are optimal - don't go unbroken. One-arm thrusters should be broken into sets of 6-8 per side with quick transitions. Active partner should maintain steady pace while holding partner performs isometric work. For cash-out, alternate 50 double-unders with 250m row intervals to maintain efficiency. Key focus: manage grip fatigue and maintain deadlift form as fatigue accumulates.
Benchmark Notes
Breaking down this partner workout:
Man Makers (8 reps x 4 rounds):
- 6-8 sec/rep = ~56 sec/round
- Partner holds plank during work
Deadlifts (20 reps x 4 rounds):
- Heavy load (275/205) requires singles/doubles
- 4-5 sec/rep with setup = ~90 sec/round
- Partner wall sit during work
DB Thrusters (24 reps x 4 rounds):
- Single-arm adds complexity
- 3-4 sec/rep = ~84 sec/round
- Partner scissor kicks during work
Cash out:
- 500 DUs: Elite 4-5 min, intermediate 6-8 min
- Partner rows during DUs
Base calculation:
- Work time per round: ~230 sec
- Transitions: ~20 sec/round
- 4 rounds = 1000 sec
- Cash out: 300-480 sec
Using DT (5 rounds of barbell complex) as primary anchor due to similar heavy barbell cycling volume, but adjusting +20% for additional gymnastics elements and longer cash out.
L10 targets:
Male: 12:00 (720 sec)
Female: 15:00 (900 sec)
L5 targets:
Male: 20:00 (1200 sec)
Female: 23:00 (1380 sec)
L1 targets:
Male: 30:00 (1800 sec)
Female: 35:00 (2100 sec)
Modality Profile
G movements (3): Plank Hold, Wall Sit, Scissor Kicks. M movements (2): Double-Under, Row. W movements (3): Man Maker, Deadlift, Thruster. Total 8 movements split roughly 40/20/40 based on movement count.