6 Rounds
8 Thrusters -
8 Ring rows/Pull ups/C2B
8 Power cleans
8 Knee raises/knees to elbows/T2B
30 sec rest
TC: 16
**18-15-12-9-6-3**
Toes-to-Bar
Thrusters - @48/105 lb
Weighted Abmat Sit-Ups - @9/20 lb
Mean Dean is a demanding benchmark workout designed to challenge your endurance and coordination through a series of descending rep schemes: 18-15-12-9-6-3. The workout consists of three key movements: Toes-to-Bar, Thrusters, and Weighted Abmat Sit-Ups. This combination tests your core strength, cardiovascular capacity, and overall stamina. The Toes-to-Bar focuses on core engagement and grip strength, while Thrusters combine a front squat and overhead press, emphasizing full-body power and stability. The Weighted Abmat Sit-Ups round out the workout by targeting the abdominal muscles under fatigue, making it a well-rounded test for athletes looking to push their limits.
To maximize your performance on Mean Dean, begin with a manageable pace to maintain consistency throughout the workout. Establish a rhythm during the Toes-to-Bar, aiming to complete each set unbroken if possible. The Thrusters should be approached with a strategy that allows for efficient transitions, especially as the reps decrease. For the Weighted Abmat Sit-Ups, focus on maintaining a steady tempo without sacrificing form. As you progress into the lower rep ranges, utilize your remaining energy for a strong finish, pushing through any fatigue. Keeping track of your time will help you gauge your pacing and strive for continuous improvement in this benchmark WOD.
Begin the Mean Dean workout by performing the benchmark workout For Time: 18. Start with 18 toes-to-bar, engaging your core and ensuring a full range of motion with each rep. Transition immediately into 18 thrusters, using a barbell or dumbbells, keeping your elbows high and driving through your legs for momentum.
Next, shift to 18 weighted Abmat sit-ups, holding a plate or dumbbell against your chest as you perform the movement. Focus on controlled movements to maximize engagement of your core. Continue this sequence, reducing the repetitions to 15, 12, 9, 6, and finally 3, maintaining intensity throughout for optimal results.


For the benchmark workout Mean Dean, consider scaling the Toes-to-Bar by performing Knee Raises or using a band for assistance. This will help maintain form and prevent undue strain.
For Thrusters, reduce the barbell weight to something manageable, ideally around 30–40% of your body weight, so you can achieve 10 unbroken reps. You can also opt for dumbbells if they're more comfortable.
When it comes to Weighted Abmat Sit-Ups, consider doing them without weight or using a light plate. This will allow you to focus on your form while still working on your core strength.
Adjust the workout timing to fit your fitness level, aiming for completion within 14–18 minutes, if necessary.
Your score for the Mean Dean workout is calculated by adding the total number of completed reps from each round. The structure follows the 18-15-12-9-6-3 scheme for each of the three movements: Toes-to-Bar, Thrusters, and Weighted Abmat Sit-Ups.
First, complete all the reps for each round before moving to the next. For example, if you finish your 18 rep round and then complete only 5 reps of the 15 round, your score accumulates as you proceed.
Your final score is the total number of reps completed across all rounds, plus any extra reps completed after the last full set. For instance, completing all rounds and getting 4 extra reps would yield a score of 81 total reps.


Begin with a steady pace — avoid going all out in the opening rounds. Focus on maintaining form during the Toes-to-Bar; consider breaking the reps into smaller sets to manage fatigue.
When transitioning to Thrusters, aim for a fluid motion, leveraging your legs to push through each rep. If you’re feeling fatigued, set a consistent rhythm instead of rushing.
For the Weighted Abmat Sit-Ups, prioritize engaging your core to prevent strain and maintain efficiency. Take short breaks if needed, but keep them brief to minimize downtime.
Throughout the workout, prioritize breathing rhythmically to support endurance and stay mindful of your pacing to finish strong.
For the Mean Dean workout, a good score will depend on your fitness level and experience. Generally, intermediate athletes should aim to complete the workout in under 10 minutes. Advanced athletes typically finish in around 8 to 9 minutes, while elite athletes often score below 7 minutes.
Completing the workout efficiently involves managing your pacing throughout the sets of Toes-to-Bar, Thrusters, and Weighted Abmat Sit-Ups. A score of under 7 minutes not only demonstrates strong cardiovascular fitness but also showcases your muscular endurance and coordination.
Ultimately, focusing on technique and maintaining a steady rhythm will contribute to achieving a better time while minimizing fatigue.


Mean Dean is intended to test the limits of muscular endurance, core stability, and aerobic capacity, all within a time-driven framework. The descending rep scheme of 18-15-12-9-6-3 encourages athletes to maintain a steady pace while managing fatigue across multiple movements.
Toes-to-bar activate the posterior chain and core, demanding a strong grip and proper technique to sustain performance. Following this, thrusters combine upper and lower body strength, requiring athletes to remain mentally sharp as they transition between movements.
Weighted Abmat sit-ups provide an additional challenge, engaging the core under fatigue while reinforcing proper movement patterns. Overall, Mean Dean presents a comprehensive test of fitness, pushing athletes to optimize their efficiency and endurance as they strive to complete the workout.
The world record for the Mean Dean workout, completed for time, is an impressive 4 minutes and 30 seconds. This record demonstrates the incredible speed and efficiency required for this challenging sequence of movements.
The workout consists of descending repetitions of Toes-to-Bar, Thrusters, and Weighted Abmat Sit-Ups, which demand not only strength but also cardiovascular endurance and coordination.
Elite athletes often train meticulously to achieve such remarkable times, focusing on maintaining a steady pace while minimizing rest periods. This workout exemplifies the intensity characteristic of CrossFit competitions.
As part of the competitive landscape, achieving a time close to the world record requires perfect execution and an unwavering mindset.

chest to bar workout, for time workout, knee raises workout, knees to elbows workout, power clean workout, pull-up workout, ring row workout, thruster workout, toes to bar workout
8 Thrusters -
8 Ring rows/Pull ups/C2B
8 Power cleans
8 Knee raises/knees to elbows/T2B
30 sec rest
TC: 16
row workout, running workout, ski erg workout
800 m Run
500 m Row
300 m Ski Erg
air squat workout, assault bike workout, bike erg workout, Burpee workout, ski erg workout
80 Cal Bike
60 Cal Ski erg
40 Cal Assault bike
Every 4 min: 6 Burpees + 12 Air Squats
for time workout, kettlebell swing workout, running workout
400 m Run
20 Kettlebell Swings
Rest 1 min between rounds
double under workout, dumbbell thruster workout, for time workout, ring row workout, v-up workout
5 DB Thrusters (Right Arm)
50 Double Unders
5 DB Thrusters (Left Arm)
50 V-Ups
5 DB Thrusters (Right Arm)
50 Ring Rows
5 DB Thrusters (Left Arm)
