benchmark_wod

Fran Plus - Crossfit Workout

For Time: 21-15-9

Calories Assault Air Bike
Thrusters - @43/30 kg (95/65 lb)
Pull-Ups
Push-Ups
Sit-Ups

Execution and Focus

Fran Plus is a demanding benchmark workout designed to challenge both your aerobic capacity and muscular endurance. This workout features a "For Time" format with a classic 21-15-9 rep scheme, incorporating the Calories Assault Air Bike, Thrusters, Pull-Ups, Push-Ups, and Sit-Ups. Each component tests different muscle groups, ensuring a well-rounded challenge. The Assault Bike maximizes cardiovascular engagement, while the thrusters and pull-ups build strength and endurance in the legs and upper body. Push-ups and sit-ups round out the workout, promoting core stability and endurance. Together, these elements make Fran Plus an effective test for athletes aiming to improve their overall fitness levels.

Strategy and Finish

To tackle Fran Plus effectively, start with a strong but manageable pace during the first set of 21 repetitions. This approach helps in managing fatigue across all movements. Aim to complete the thrusters unbroken in the initial rounds while maintaining efficient form. Transition quickly between movements to minimize rest time, especially during the pull-ups and push-ups. As you approach the final set of 9, push your limits, knowing that you are nearing completion. Use every second of the remaining time to maximize your score and finish strong. Strategic pacing combined with relentless effort can greatly impact your overall performance in this benchmark workout.


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How do you perform the Fran Plus workout

Learn how to crush this benchmark workout

For the benchmark workout, begin with the Calories on the Assault Air Bike, pushing yourself to accumulate maximum calories efficiently.

Next, perform 21 thrusters, ensuring that you maintain proper form by keeping your core engaged and your back straight while driving through your legs.

Follow this with 21 pull-ups, using a full range of motion, then switch to 21 push-ups, keeping your body in a straight line throughout the movement.

Conclude the first round with 21 sit-ups, focusing on using your core to lift your torso towards your legs.

Repeat the sequence for 15 and then 9 reps, pushing through the fatigue to finish strong.

For the AMRAP, cycle through 10 push presses with control, 10 kettlebell swings emphasizing hip drive, and 10 box jumps, ensuring complete extension at the top of each jump.

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An image showing someone getting ready to scale the Fran Plus benchmark workout

How do you scale the workout

The benchmark wod "Fran Plus" can be done by everyone

For the 21-15-9 workout, choose a manageable weight for thrusters that allows for uninterrupted sets. If needed, scale pull-ups to band-assisted or perform jumping pull-ups. Push-ups can be modified to knee push-ups or incline against a box. Sit-ups can be replaced with crunches or reduce range of motion.

For the AMRAP 20, lower the push press weight to something that enables 10 unbroken reps. Scale kettlebell swings to 8–12 kg or perform American swings. Box jumps can be modified to step-ups or decreased in height. Beginners might consider reducing the total workout time to 14–16 minutes or lowering reps to 7 per movement.

How do you score the WOD

See if you beat your friends in the benchmark wod "Fran Plus"

To score the benchmark workout, start by calculating your total time for the For Time portion (21-15-9) of the workout. Each completed set of calories on the Assault Air Bike, thrusters, pull-ups, push-ups, and sit-ups contributes to your overall score.

Next, for the AMRAP 20 section, count how many full rounds you complete of 10 push presses, 10 kettlebell swings, and 10 box jumps. Remember to add any additional reps you perform after your last complete round.

Your final score combines the time from the first part with the total number of full rounds and extra reps from the AMRAP. For example, if you complete 5 full rounds and 7 kettlebell swings, your score would be 5 rounds + 7 swings = 107 total reps.

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What are the tips and strategy to use

Here is how to gain an edge in the "Fran Plus"

Warm up properly to prepare your body for the intensity of the workout. Focus on mobility for the shoulders and legs to enhance performance.

During the For Time workout, start with a manageable pace on the Assault Air Bike to avoid premature fatigue. Keep your thrusters smooth and controlled, ensuring proper form to prevent injury.

For pull-ups, consider using a band if needed to maintain form throughout the set. Push-ups can be done in sets to avoid burnout, and try to maintain a consistent rhythm on sit-ups to maximize efficiency.

For the AMRAP 20, break up the push presses into smaller sets to maintain strength. Keep your kettlebell swing forms strict and drive through your heels for box jumps, landing softly to reduce impact.

What is a good score for the Fran Plus workout

Check out how you did in the "Fran Plus"

For the Fran workout, which includes a 'for time' component, a good score is typically under 8 minutes for elite athletes. Intermediate athletes may aim for 10–12 minutes, while beginners might find a score of 15 minutes or more reasonable.

In addition, for the AMRAP 20 workout, a solid score for intermediate participants would be around 8–10 rounds. Advanced athletes can strive for 11–13 rounds, while elite competitors may achieve 14 or more rounds.

Overall, a score reflecting strong cardiovascular endurance and muscular stamina can significantly enhance performance in both segments of the workout.

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What is the intended stimulus for the Fran Plus workout

What part of your body is being challenged in the "Fran Plus"

The benchmark workout "For Time: 21-15-9" is intended to test and enhance the athlete's capacities in strength, power, and aerobic endurance through a combination of high-intensity movements. The sequence of Calories on the Assault Air Bike, Thrusters, Pull-Ups, Push-Ups, and Sit-Ups challenges participants to push their limits while managing fatigue.

On the other hand, the "AMRAP 20" workout, known as Fran Plus, emphasizes muscular endurance and explosive power. The focus on Push Presses, Kettlebell Swings, and Box Jumps encourages athletes to maintain rhythm and intensity over a sustained period, working towards maximizing repetitions while maintaining technique.

Both workouts offer distinct yet complementary stimuli, pushing athletes to hone their performance while grappling with the demands of intensity and endurance.

What is the World record for the Fran Plus workout

What is the fastest score for "Fran Plus"

The world record for the workout titled Fran Plus showcases remarkable fitness levels. For the 'For Time' component, elite athletes have reportedly completed it in under 4 minutes, displaying incredible strength and speed.

For the 'AMRAP 20', top competitors have achieved impressive scores, with unofficial reports suggesting they can complete up to 22 rounds in the given time frame. This requires not just physical prowess but also exceptional endurance and strategic pacing.

Both sections of Fran Plus demand a high skill level, combining varied movements that target strength, cardio, and core stability, making it a true test of overall fitness.

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What kind of exercises are in the Fran Plus The benchmark workout?

  • push press

    The push press is a powerful overhead movement where the athlete uses a dip-drive of the legs to assist in pressing a weight overhead. A mainstay in push press workouts, it blends lower-body drive with upper-body pressing strength.

    In this workout, push presses build shoulder endurance, triceps power, and explosive leg extension. The movement teaches efficient energy transfer and is ideal for conditioning, barbell cycling, or building overhead capacity in strength blocks.

  • sit-up

    Sit-ups are a classic core exercise where the athlete moves from a lying position to an upright seated position, engaging the abdominal muscles throughout. A common feature in sit-up workouts, this foundational movement builds endurance and strength in the front of the core.

    In this workout, sit-ups target the rectus abdominis and hip flexors, improving trunk flexion and midline control. They’re easy to scale, require minimal space, and can be performed for reps, speed, or volume—making them a versatile choice for conditioning and core development.

  • 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.

  • Box jump

    The box jump is a plyometric movement that builds explosive power, coordination, and lower body strength. It’s a key component in many high-intensity box jump workouts, often used to develop speed, agility, and stamina.

    In this workout, box jumps challenge your legs, core, and cardiovascular system, while also training quick reaction and balance. Whether performed at a moderate pace or in sprint intervals, the box jump is a powerful tool for improving athletic performance.

  • 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.

  • thrusters

    The thruster is a full-body compound movement that combines a front squat with an overhead press, making it one of the most demanding and effective exercises in any thruster workout.

    In this workout, thrusters develop leg drive, shoulder endurance, and core stability, all while elevating your heart rate. Whether using a barbell, dumbbells, or kettlebells, the thruster is a powerful tool for building strength, power, and conditioning — fast.

  • 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.

Our own Workouts with the same "For Time, AMRAP" format

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