Workout Description
12-9-6 Reps For Time
Deadlifts (275/185 lb)
Bench Presses (185/105 lb)
Chest-to-Bar Pull-Ups
Why This Workout Is Hard
The combination of moderately heavy deadlifts (275/185) with bench press and chest-to-bar pull-ups creates significant fatigue accumulation. The descending rep scheme (12-9-6) provides some relief, but the grip demands from deadlifts will impact pull-up performance, while the pressing volume taxes the upper body continuously. Most average CrossFitters will need to break up sets and may struggle to maintain intensity throughout.
Benchmark Times for Edward D’Atri
- Elite: <4:00
- Advanced: 4:30-5:00
- Intermediate: 5:45-6:30
- Beginner: >12:00
Training Focus
This workout develops the following fitness attributes:
- Strength (8/10): Heavy deadlifts and bench press loads represent significant percentage of max effort, requiring substantial strength capacity throughout.
- Stamina (7/10): Multiple compound movements targeting similar muscle groups creates significant local muscular fatigue, especially in pushing and pulling patterns.
- Flexibility (6/10): Chest-to-bar pull-ups demand good shoulder mobility, while proper deadlift form requires hip and hamstring flexibility.
- Endurance (5/10): Descending rep scheme with heavy loads creates moderate cardiovascular demand. Short enough to push pace but heavy enough to require brief recoveries between sets.
- Speed (5/10): Ability to transition efficiently between movements and maintain steady rep cycles is important, but heavy loads limit pure speed.
- Power (4/10): Some power needed for chest-to-bar pull-ups and maintaining bar speed on heavy lifts, but not primarily explosive movements.
Movements
- Deadlift
- Bench Press
- Chest-to-Bar Pull-Up
Scaling Options
Deadlift: Scale to 65-75% 1RM (225/155 or 185/135). Sub regular pull-ups or ring rows for chest-to-bar. Bench press can scale to 135/85 or dumbbells. Volume option: 9-6-3 rep scheme. Beginners consider 6-4-2 with lighter loads. Time cap at 15 minutes.
Scaling Explanation
Scale if unable to perform 5+ unbroken deadlifts at prescribed weight, 3+ strict chest-to-bar pull-ups, or if bench press is above 80% 1RM. Maintaining power output and proper positioning through all movements is critical. Athletes should finish between 6-12 minutes with consistent movement quality. Scale load or volume if grip becomes limiting factor or if back position deteriorates on deadlifts.
Intended Stimulus
Moderate-length glycolytic workout (6-12 minutes) combining heavy barbell cycling with gymnastic skill. Tests strength endurance and power maintenance across multiple muscle groups. Descending rep scheme allows initial power expression followed by sustained output under fatigue.
Coach Insight
Break deadlifts into 2-3 sets early (7-5, 5-4, 4-2) to preserve grip and back position. Quick singles acceptable on final round. Rest 2-3 breaths between movements. Keep bench press touch points consistent - consider 5-4, 5-4, 3-3 rep schemes. For pull-ups, kip efficiently but prioritize full lockout and chest contact. Most athletes fade on final 6 reps - stay composed on transitions.
Benchmark Notes
This workout is most similar to Elizabeth (21-15-9 clean + ring dips) but with heavier loads and chest-to-bar pull-ups instead of ring dips. Analysis:
1. Movement breakdown (fresh state):
- Deadlifts (275/185): 2.5-3.5s/rep at this load
- Bench Press (185/105): 2.5-3s/rep
- Chest-to-Bar Pull-Ups: 2-2.5s/rep
2. Set structure and fatigue:
Round 1 (12 reps each):
- Deadlifts: 3s × 12 = 36s
- Bench: 3s × 12 = 36s
- CTB Pull-ups: 2.5s × 12 = 30s
Transitions: 3 × 8s = 24s
Total: ~126s
Round 2 (9 reps each):
- All movements 1.2x fatigue multiplier
- Deadlifts: 3.6s × 9 = 32s
- Bench: 3.6s × 9 = 32s
- CTB Pull-ups: 3s × 9 = 27s
Transitions: 3 × 10s = 30s
Total: ~121s
Round 3 (6 reps each):
- All movements 1.3x fatigue multiplier
- Deadlifts: 3.9s × 6 = 23s
- Bench: 3.9s × 6 = 23s
- CTB Pull-ups: 3.25s × 6 = 20s
Transitions: 3 × 12s = 36s
Total: ~102s
Base time: 349s
Compared to Elizabeth benchmark (L10: 160-200s male), this should be ~25% slower due to:
- Heavier deadlift (+140 lbs)
- Heavier pressing movement
- CTB pull-ups vs ring dips
Final targets:
Male:
L10: 240s (4:00)
L5: 390s (6:30)
L1: 720s (12:00)
Female (15-20% slower):
L10: 285s (4:45)
L5: 450s (7:30)
L1: 840s (14:00)
Modality Profile
Of the 3 movements: Chest-to-Bar Pull-Up is gymnastics (G), while Deadlift and Bench Press are both weightlifting (W) movements. With 1 G movement and 2 W movements, this creates a 33/67 split between G and W, with no M component.