The Downward Spiral - Crossfit Workout

For time

16-14-12-10-8-6-4-2
Deadlift - @45/60 Intermediate: @60/80 RX: @70/100
Ring rows/pull ups
Pistol squat on a bench / Pistol squats
Burpee over bar

TC: 16

workout description

"For Time – The Descending Grind"

Reps:
16-14-12-10-8-6-4-2 of:
Deadlifts @45/60 kg
Intermediate: @60/80 kg
RX: @70/100 kg
Ring Rows / Pull-Ups
Pistol Squats on a Bench
Demo
or Full Pistol Squats
Burpee Over Bar

Time Cap: 16 minutes

This workout is all about maintaining movement quality under volume fatigue. Each round descends in reps but maintains difficulty through compound effort. The deadlift-pullup pairing loads your posterior chain and grip, while the pistols test single-leg control. Burpees over bar keep your engine taxed and transitions sharp.

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What is a "for time" workout?

A for time workout is a classic CrossFit format where the goal is to complete a set list of exercises as fast as possible. Your time becomes your score, making each for time CrossFit workout a race against the clock — and yourself.

In a typical for time workout, you'll perform a fixed number of reps or rounds of movements (e.g., squats, push-ups, burpees, or barbell lifts) and finish them as quickly as you can while maintaining good form. This format pushes you to work hard, manage fatigue, and develop both conditioning and mental toughness.

Why Try a "For Time" CrossFit Workout?

  • Builds intensity and urgency into your training

  • Encourages better pacing, efficiency, and recovery awareness

  • Easy to track progress over time — beat your previous score!

  • Works well for individual or group competition-style workouts

Whether you're doing a short sprint or a long chipper, the for time CrossFit workout format is a powerful way to test your limits and stay motivated in your training.

What kind of exercises are in this workout?

  • Pistol Squats on a Bench

    Pistol squats on a bench are a scaled variation of the full pistol squat, where the athlete lowers onto and rises from a bench or box on one leg. In pistol squat on bench workouts, this movement builds single-leg strength, balance, and mobility—while offering more control and support than the full version.

    In this workout, pistol squats on a bench improve hip and ankle mobility, knee stability, and unilateral coordination. They’re perfect for developing strength toward full pistols, correcting imbalances, and training the lower body with minimal equipment.

  • Pull up

    The pull-up is a foundational bodyweight movement that builds upper body strength, focusing on your back, shoulders, arms, and core. A staple in almost every pull-up workout, it's key for developing gymnastics capacity and functional pulling power.

    In this workout, pull-ups challenge your grip, coordination, and endurance — especially under fatigue. Whether strict, kipping, or butterfly, the pull-up remains one of the most effective and scalable exercises in CrossFit.

  • Deadlift

    The deadlift is one of the most effective strength movements in any fitness program. It targets the posterior chain — including your glutes, hamstrings, back, and core — making it a cornerstone of any deadlift workout.

    In this workout, deadlifts develop raw strength, posture, and pulling power. Whether you're lifting light for speed or going heavy for strength, the deadlift builds a solid foundation for both performance and injury prevention.

  • Burpee over bar

    The burpee over bar adds an explosive jump over your barbell after each burpee, increasing intensity and coordination. It’s a common feature in burpee over bar workouts, combining cardio, agility, and full-body conditioning in one simple movement.

    In this workout, burpees over the bar challenge your endurance, mental toughness, and pacing — especially under fatigue. Whether you’re jumping laterally or forward-facing, the burpee over bar is guaranteed to elevate your heart rate and test your focus.

  • ring rows

    The ring row is a scalable bodyweight pulling movement that strengthens the upper back, arms, and core. Common in ring row workouts and as a progression toward pull-ups, it builds horizontal pulling strength with full range of motion and control.

    In this workout, ring rows help develop grip, scapular stability, and posture, especially when performed with tempo or high volume. Whether you're scaling pull-ups or working strict strength, the ring row is a valuable movement for all fitness levels.

  • pistol squat

    The pistol squat is a challenging single-leg movement that builds leg strength, balance, mobility, and core control. Frequently featured in pistol squat workouts, it’s a true test of bodyweight control and unilateral stability.

    In this workout, pistol squats improve coordination, ankle flexibility, and muscular endurance, especially under fatigue. Whether performed RX or scaled with assistance or to a box, the pistol squat adds intensity and precision to any functional fitness session.

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