benchmark_wod

Open 20.3 - Crossfit Workout

For Time: 21-15-9

Deadlifts – @102/70 kg (225/155 lb)
Handstand Push-Ups
Deadlifts – @143/93 kg (315/205 lb)
50 foot Handstand Walk

Execution and Focus

The Open 20.3 benchmark workout features a challenging sequence of 21-15-9 reps consisting of Deadlifts, Handstand Push-Ups, and a 50-foot Handstand Walk. This triplet is designed to test both strength and skill under fatigue. The Deadlifts emphasize posterior chain strength, while the Handstand Push-Ups demand upper body stability and control. The addition of the Handstand Walk introduces a unique element that challenges balance and coordination, making this workout not just a test of physical strength but also of mental resilience and technique. This combination creates a comprehensive test suitable for athletes of various skill levels, aiming to build both power and endurance.

Strategy and Finish

Begin the Open 20.3 workout at a moderate pace to establish a rhythm and conserve energy for the latter rounds. Aiming to complete each set of Deadlifts unbroken will help maintain momentum. For the Handstand Push-Ups, focus on technique and break them into manageable sets if necessary to preserve shoulder endurance. During the Handstand Walk, prioritize control over speed; it's better to take small, deliberate steps than risk a fall. As you approach the final sets, dig deep during the last push and aim to finish strong, as even marginal improvements can significantly impact your standing on the leaderboard.


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How do you perform the Open 20.3 workout

Learn how to crush this benchmark workout

Begin by performing 21 deadlifts with a moderate weight, ensuring proper form by keeping your back straight and engaging your core throughout the movement.

Follow up with 21 handstand push-ups, focusing on maintaining a stable hand position and full range of motion. Modify as needed by performing pike push-ups or regular push-ups.

Next, complete 15 deadlifts, progressively increasing the intensity as you maintain your form. Focus on a controlled lift and proper breathing.

For the final segment, execute 15 handstand push-ups before transitioning to a 50-foot handstand walk. Utilize a wall for support if necessary, maintaining balance and control.

Finish with 9 deadlifts and 9 handstand push-ups, striving for efficiency and speed while emphasizing technique throughout the workout.

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How do you scale the workout

The benchmark wod "Open 20.3" can be done by everyone

Reduce the deadlift weight to something that allows for sets of 10 without breaking form; consider using 50% of your one-rep max or around 60-80 lbs, depending on your level.

For handstand push-ups, scale to regular push-ups or use a box for an elevated push-up position if necessary, to help maintain good form.

If handstand walks are challenging, modify to a bear crawl for 50 feet or practice wall walks to build strength and confidence in the movement.

Beginners may consider performing a descending ladder at 15-12-9 or 10-8-6 reps to ensure they can complete the workout within 10-15 minutes.

How do you score the WOD

See if you beat your friends in the benchmark wod "Open 20.3"

Your score for the workout Open 20.3 is determined by calculating the total number of repetitions completed in the specified format: 21-15-9.

Begin with the deadlifts, completing 21 reps, followed by 21 handstand push-ups. Continue the sequence with 15 deadlifts and 15 handstand push-ups, then finish with 9 deadlifts and 9 handstand push-ups. The workout also includes a 50-foot handstand walk; any distance completed after the last full round should be counted as additional reps.

To score, tally your total number of repetitions from each exercise along with any extra distance from the handstand walk. This final sum will give you your official score for Open 20.3.

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What are the tips and strategy to use

Here is how to gain an edge in the "Open 20.3"

Begin with a steady pace on the deadlifts, focusing on form to avoid fatigue. Aim for smooth transitions between movements, especially when moving to the handstand push-ups. Perform handstand push-ups with a controlled tempo to conserve energy, breaking them into smaller sets if needed. Keep your core tight during the handstand walk to maintain balance and support. Remember to rest wisely; take short breaks to recover your grip and shoulder strength to avoid burnout.

For the final handstand walk, visualize your path and keep a steady pace. Use your legs effectively to assist in maintaining a straight line while walking. This strategy will help you complete the workout efficiently, allowing for power and stamina throughout each segment.

What is a good score for the Open 20.3 workout

Check out how you did in the "Open 20.3"

For the workout Open 20.3, participants complete 21-15-9 rep schemes of deadlifts and handstand push-ups, followed by a 50-foot handstand walk.

A good score for this workout is typically under 10 minutes for intermediate athletes, while advanced athletes should aim for a score between 8-9 minutes.

Elite athletes often finish in under 7 minutes, showcasing exceptional strength and skill in both the deadlifts and handstand movements.

Completing this workout efficiently demonstrates not only muscular endurance but also coordination and balance during the handstand walk.

A score below 6 minutes signifies outstanding performance and preparation for competitive events.

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What is the intended stimulus for the Open 20.3 workout

What part of your body is being challenged in the "Open 20.3"

The benchmark workout Open 20.3 is strategically designed to test an athlete's overall strength and skill under fatigue. The combination of deadlifts and handstand push-ups requires a balance of power and precision, targeting both the lower and upper body. The final component, the 50-foot handstand walk, demands exceptional core stability and coordination.

This workout encourages participants to maintain a steady pace while managing their grip and upper body endurance. As athletes transition from one movement to the next, they must be mindful of their energy output, ensuring optimal technique to minimize failure risk.

Overall, Open 20.3 serves as a comprehensive assessment of fitness, pushing athletes to excel across multiple domains while emphasizing the importance of recovery and mental resilience.

What is the World record for the Open 20.3 workout

What is the fastest score for "Open 20.3"

The world record for the workout Open 20.3, which consists of a series of deadlifts, handstand push-ups, and a handstand walk, is impressive. Elite male athletes have reported finishing times around 7 minutes, while elite female athletes often complete it in approximately 9 minutes. These times require exceptional strength, skill, and stamina.

Top competitors are known for their efficiency in transitioning between movements, maintaining pace throughout the rounds of 21, 15, and 9. The combination of heavy deadlifts and advanced gymnastics elements adds to the complexity, pushing athletes to their limits.

This workout challenges both physical and mental resilience, making it a staple for assessing performance in high-level CrossFit competitions.

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What kind of exercises are in the Open 20.3 The benchmark workout?

  • Handstand Walk

    Handstand walks are an advanced gymnastics skill where the athlete walks on their hands while maintaining balance and control in an inverted position. A centerpiece in many handstand walk workouts, this movement tests upper-body strength, core stability, and full-body coordination.

    In this workout, handstand walks develop shoulder endurance, wrist strength, and spatial awareness. They demand focus and skill under fatigue, making them ideal for gymnastic skill progressions or high-level competitive conditioning.

  • handstand push-up

    The handstand push-up is a high-skill bodyweight movement that builds shoulder strength, balance, and core control. Common in advanced handstand push-up workouts, it challenges your upper body like few other movements.

    In this workout, handstand push-ups develop pressing power and gymnastic control under fatigue. Whether performed strict or kipping, the handstand push-up is a true test of body awareness and upper body stamina.

  • 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.

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