Workout Description
5 Rounds for Time
5 Push Presses (155/105 lb)
7 Deadlifts (225/155 lb)
19 Pull-Ups
18 calorie Row
Why This Workout Is Hard
While individual elements are moderate (155lb push press, 225lb deadlifts), their combination creates significant challenge. The pull-ups after deadlifts tax grip strength, and the row prevents full recovery between rounds. The workout hits multiple limiting factors (shoulder fatigue, grip endurance, cardiovascular capacity) and will take 15-20 minutes for most athletes, making sustained intensity difficult.
Benchmark Times for Foulks
- Elite: <6:00
- Advanced: 7:00-8:00
- Intermediate: 9:00-10:00
- Beginner: >16:00
Training Focus
This workout develops the following fitness attributes:
- Stamina (8/10): High-rep pull-ups combined with heavy deadlifts and push presses test muscular endurance, particularly in the posterior chain and upper body.
- Endurance (7/10): Five rounds of compound movements with rowing creates significant cardiovascular demand. The volume and movement combination challenges aerobic capacity throughout.
- Strength (6/10): Moderately heavy loads in push press and deadlift require significant strength, though not maximal. Weight selection indicates strength emphasis.
- Speed (6/10): Quick transitions between movements and maintaining rowing pace are crucial. Pull-up volume requires efficient cycling.
- Power (5/10): Push press is an explosive movement, while rowing and deadlifts can be performed explosively, though fatigue will impact power output.
- Flexibility (4/10): Push press requires overhead mobility, deadlifts test hip/hamstring flexibility, and pull-ups demand shoulder range of motion.
Movements
- Push Press
- Deadlift
- Pull-Up
- Row
Scaling Options
Push Press: 115/75 or 95/65 lb. Sub strict press if shoulder mobility limited. Deadlift: 185/125 or 155/105 lb. Pull-ups: Reduce to 12-15 reps, use bands or ring rows. Row: Reduce to 12-15 calories. Volume option: 3-4 rounds instead of 5. Time cap at 20 minutes.
Scaling Explanation
Scale if unable to perform 3+ unbroken push presses, 5+ touch-and-go deadlifts at prescribed weight, or 5+ strict pull-ups. Priority is maintaining consistent movement patterns and steady work rate throughout all rounds. Athletes should finish between 12-18 minutes while keeping intensity high but controlled. Scale load/volume to achieve this time domain while preserving intended stimulus of strength-endurance under fatigue.
Intended Stimulus
Moderate-length glycolytic workout (12-18 minutes) with mixed modal demands. Primary focus is on power endurance and capacity to maintain output across compound movements. The row provides active recovery while maintaining elevated heart rate. Heavy push press and deadlift test strength-endurance under fatigue.
Coach Insight
Break push presses into 3-2 from the start. Deadlifts should be touch-and-go or quick singles - avoid bouncing. Pull-ups can be broken into 10-9 or 7-6-6 sets early to preserve grip. Row at 1100-1200 cal/hr pace - resist urge to sprint. Transition quickly between stations but take 2-3 breaths before starting each movement. Most athletes fade significantly in rounds 4-5 - pace accordingly. Watch for deteriorating deadlift form when fatigued.
Benchmark Notes
This workout is most similar to DT (5 rounds of barbell cycling plus additional gymnastics/cardio). Using DT as our anchor (L10: 360-420s, L5: 540-660s, L1: 840-960s), we'll adjust up for:
1. Movement breakdown per round:
- Push Press (155/105): 2.5s × 5 = 12.5s
- Deadlift (225/155): 3s × 7 = 21s
- Pull-ups: 2s × 19 = 38s
- Row (18 cal): ~30s
Base round time: ~102s
Fatigue multipliers:
- Rounds 1-2: 1.0x
- Rounds 3-4: 1.2x
- Round 5: 1.3x
Transitions between movements: ~5s × 3 = 15s per round
Total time calculation:
Rounds 1-2: (102s + 15s) × 2 = 234s
Rounds 3-4: (122s + 15s) × 2 = 274s
Round 5: (133s + 15s) = 148s
Projected elite time: ~660s
This is about 50% longer than DT due to additional volume and higher loads, which aligns with our calculation.
Final targets (M/F):
L10: 360s/480s
L5: 600s/720s
L1: 960s/1080s
Modality Profile
Of the 4 movements: Pull-Up (G), Row (M), Push Press (W), Deadlift (W). This gives 1 gymnastics, 1 monostructural, and 2 weightlifting movements, resulting in a 25/25/50 split.