Cardio Pyramid Scheme - Crossfit Workout

For time

30/35 cal Row
30 Leg behind Pistol / Pistol squats
30/35 cal Bike
30 Push ups
30/35 cal Ski

Directly into

25/30 cal Row
25 Leg behind Pistol / Pistol squats
25/30 cal Bike
25 Push ups
25/30 cal Ski

Directly into

20/25 cal Row
20 Leg behind Pistol / Pistol squats
20/25 cal Bike
20 Push ups
20/25 cal Ski

TC: 31

workout description

“For Time – The Triple Engine Ladder”

This multi-round chipper challenges engine capacity and unilateral strength in one flowing workout. Each round decreases in calories and reps, but effort must stay high across rowing, biking, skiing, pistols, and push-ups. You can scale pistols to leg-behind pistol squats demo for accessibility.

This pyramid format rewards strategic pacing and steady output. Legs and lungs will feel the burn first—smooth transitions are key to beating the clock.

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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?

  • leg behind pistol

    The leg-behind pistol is a scaled single-leg squat where the non-working leg crosses behind the standing leg instead of extending forward. Common in leg behind pistol workouts, this variation makes balance more manageable while still targeting unilateral strength and control.

    In this workout, leg-behind pistols develop glute, quad, and hamstring strength while improving knee tracking and ankle mobility. They’re ideal for building the strength and balance needed to progress toward full pistol squats—without the high mobility demands.

  • Row Erg

    Rowing is a low-impact, full-body movement that builds cardiovascular endurance, leg drive, and pulling strength. It’s a staple in many CrossFit workouts because it trains both aerobic capacity and muscular coordination.

    In this rowing workout, each effort helps develop power output, pacing control, and total-body stamina — all while being easy on the joints. Whether you're sprinting for calories or pacing for meters, rowing is one of the most effective tools for conditioning.

  • Ski Erg

    The SkiErg is a low-impact, high-intensity cardio machine that simulates double-pole skiing. It’s a favorite in many SkiErg workouts for building aerobic capacity, upper body endurance, and total-body coordination.

    In this workout, the SkiErg targets your lats, core, triceps, and legs, offering a unique way to train both power and pacing. Whether you're sprinting for calories or grinding out meters, the SkiErg delivers a serious conditioning challenge without stressing the joints.

  • bike erg

    The BikeErg is a fan-powered cycling machine that delivers a smooth, low-impact workout focused on leg power, aerobic endurance, and pacing control. Common in BikeErg workouts, it's perfect for both steady-state conditioning and high-intensity intervals.

    In this workout, the BikeErg builds quad and glute strength, while challenging your engine and recovery. Whether you're sprinting for calories or logging meters, the BikeErg is a versatile tool for improving cardiovascular fitness in a joint-friendly way.

  • 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.

  • push up

    The push-up is a foundational bodyweight movement that strengthens the chest, shoulders, triceps, and core. A staple in any push-up workout, it’s effective, scalable, and requires no equipment — making it perfect for all fitness levels.

    In this workout, push-ups develop upper body endurance, stability, and control, especially under fatigue. Whether performed strict, hand-release, or elevated, the push-up is a timeless movement that builds strength and resilience.

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