benchmark_wod

Blackjack (Assault) - Crossfit Workout

AMRAP 21

21 Calorie Assault Air Bike
21 Kettlebell Swings – @24/35 lb
21 AbMat Sit-Ups

Execution and Focus

AMRAP 21 is an intense benchmark workout known as Blackjack (Assault), structured around the decreasing rep scheme of 21-18-15-12-9-6-3. This workout challenges athletes with a combination of movements designed to test both cardiovascular fitness and muscular endurance. The workout begins with 21 calories on the Assault Air Bike, pushing your aerobic capacity right from the start. Following this, you'll execute 21 kettlebell swings, which engage the posterior chain and enhance grip strength. Finally, complete 21 AbMat sit-ups to target core stability and endurance. The varied movements in Blackjack (Assault) demand versatility and can be scaled for athletes at different skill levels, making it an effective benchmark WOD for many.

Strategy and Finish

To tackle the Blackjack (Assault) workout effectively, begin with a consistent, manageable pace during the initial rounds to prevent early fatigue. Each set should take between 60-90 seconds to complete, allowing for efficient transitions between movements. Aim to maintain unbroken kettlebell swings and active recovery during sit-ups to maximize performance. As you approach the later rounds, consider increasing your effort on the Assault Air Bike, leveraging your energy reserves for a strong finish. The final moments of this workout are crucial; push through the last few rounds with urgency, as small gains here can significantly impact your overall score on the leaderboard.


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How do you perform the Blackjack (Assault) workout

Learn how to crush this benchmark workout

For the benchmark workout AMRAP 21, start with 21 calories on the Assault Air Bike, ensuring a steady pace to maximize output. Once completed, transition directly to 21 kettlebell swings. Keep your core engaged and drive through your hips for powerful swings, aiming for eye level or above.

After the kettlebell swings, move on to 21 AbMat sit-ups. Focus on a full range of motion, ensuring that your shoulders touch the ground and your torso rises above the hips at the top. This sequence continues with decreasing reps of 18, 15, 12, 9, 6, and finally 3, maintaining form and intensity throughout.

An image showing someone explaining how to perform the Blackjack (Assault) benchmark workout
An image showing someone getting ready to scale the Blackjack (Assault) benchmark workout

How do you scale the workout

The benchmark wod "Blackjack (Assault)" can be done by everyone

For scaling the AMRAP 21 workout, consider lowering the calorie count on the Assault Air Bike to 15–18 calories. This ensures that you can maintain intensity without fatigue. Scale kettlebell swings to a weight of 8–12 kg, or opt for lighter if needed, focusing on form and control.

Adjust the AbMat sit-ups by performing them to a decreased depth or switching to a basic crunch if the full range is challenging. If the full set feels overwhelming, you can also reduce the reps to a 15-12-9-6-3 scheme, allowing for quicker completion and maintaining a fast-paced rhythm.

Lastly, consider a total workout time of 14 minutes to keep the session effective yet manageable.

How do you score the WOD

See if you beat your friends in the benchmark wod "Blackjack (Assault)"

Your score for the AMRAP 21 workout of Blackjack consists of the total number of complete rounds you finish, followed by any additional repetitions performed after your last full round.

Begin by tracking the number of rounds completed. As you progress through the workout, count each cycle of the 21-18-15-12-9-6-3 format.

For instance, if you finish 5 full rounds and then complete an additional 7 calories on the Assault Air Bike, 8 kettlebell swings, and 5 sit-ups, your score would be calculated as follows: 5 rounds + 7 + 8 + 5 = 25 total reps.

Remember, only complete repetitions count toward your final score.

An image showing someone explaining how to score the Blackjack (Assault) benchmark workout
An image showing two athletes getting the tips and strategy for the Blackjack (Assault) benchmark workout

What are the tips and strategy to use

Here is how to gain an edge in the "Blackjack (Assault)"

Begin with a steady pace; don’t go too hard in the initial rounds. Focus on maintaining consistent effort throughout the sets. Transition quickly between exercises to maximize your AMRAP time. If you feel fatigue in your grip, break up the kettlebell swings into smaller sets to avoid losing form.

Utilize efficient breathing techniques to keep your heart rate in check, especially during the AbMat sit-ups. Aim for a powerful leg drive on the kettlebell swings to lessen the load on your shoulders. As you approach the final rounds, stay mentally focused and push through the challenge. Remember, the goal is endurance, not speed, so pace yourself accordingly.

What is a good score for the Blackjack (Assault) workout

Check out how you did in the "Blackjack (Assault)"

For the workout Blackjack, which is an AMRAP 21, a good score can be determined by the number of rounds completed in the designated time frame. Intermediate athletes typically achieve around 9–11 rounds, while advanced individuals might complete 13–15 rounds.

Elite performers often push beyond this, scoring 17 or more rounds. A score in this range showcases excellent cardiovascular endurance and muscular stamina, given the intensity of the Assault Bike and the combination of kettlebell swings and sit-ups.

Successfully maintaining pace throughout the workout is crucial, and a score above 300 total reps indicates exceptional performance and efficient workout management.

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An image showing the intended stimulus for the Blackjack (Assault) benchmark workout

What is the intended stimulus for the Blackjack (Assault) workout

What part of your body is being challenged in the "Blackjack (Assault)"

The intended stimulus of the benchmark workout AMRAP 21, known as Blackjack (Assault), is to develop anaerobic endurance, muscular stamina, and overall metabolic conditioning. This workout demands athletes to maintain a high output while performing a series of varied, functional movements.

The descending rep scheme of 21-18-15-12-9-6-3 encourages athletes to push their limits with minimal rest, significantly enhancing their aerobic capacity and grip strength. The combination of the Calorie Assault Air Bike, Kettlebell Swings, and AbMat Sit-Ups allows for a holistic challenge that tests both strength and cardiovascular fitness.

Athletes should focus on maintaining form while managing fatigue throughout the workout, ensuring a balance between speed and efficiency for optimal performance.

What is the World record for the Blackjack (Assault) workout

What is the fastest score for "Blackjack (Assault)"

The world record for the workout titled Blackjack (Assault) has not been officially confirmed, but reports from the CrossFit community suggest extraordinary performances. Athletes aiming for elite scores have been known to achieve between 20 to 22 rounds for men and between 17 to 19 rounds for women.

These results demand not just strength but also exceptional endurance and pace management, particularly given the high-intensity nature of the AMRAP format. Proper pacing and efficient transitions between the bike, kettlebell swings, and sit-ups are crucial for maximizing output under fatigue.

As this workout features a consistent emphasis on cardiovascular and muscular endurance, many top competitors strategize their workouts to maintain a pace that allows for sustained performance throughout the duration.

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What kind of exercises are in the Blackjack (Assault) The benchmark workout?

  • abmat sit-up

    The AbMat situp is a popular core exercise in CrossFit and functional training. Using an AbMat supports your lower back and allows for a full range of motion, helping to strengthen your abs more effectively than traditional sit-ups.

    In this workout, AbMat sit-ups challenge your core endurance, improve midline stability, and balance out more explosive movements like lifts or jumps. Whether you're scaling or RX'ing, the AbMat situp is a simple, powerful tool for core development.

  • kettlebell swing

    The kettlebell swing is a powerful hip-hinge movement that builds posterior chain strength, core stability, and cardiovascular endurance. A go-to in any kettlebell swing workout, it’s known for improving explosiveness, grip, and conditioning in one efficient motion.

    In this workout, kettlebell swings train your glutes, hamstrings, and shoulders, while developing rhythm and control. Whether Russian or American style, the kettlebell swing is a versatile tool for both beginners and advanced athletes.

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