For time
12-10-8-6-8-10-12
DB bench press
Double DB cleans
Heavy wall balls
30 Snatches - @61/135 lb
10 Muscle-Ups
30 Clean-and-Jerks - @61/135 lb
10 Muscle-Ups
30 Thrusters - @61/135 lb
10 Muscle-Ups
The Van Damme benchmark workout is a formidable test of strength, endurance, and skill, consisting of a single round that includes 30 snatches, 10 muscle-ups, 30 clean-and-jerks, another 10 muscle-ups, 30 thrusters, and a final set of 10 muscle-ups. This complex sequence is designed to challenge athletes both physically and mentally, pushing them to master various modalities in a continuous flow. The snatches and clean-and-jerks demand explosive power and proper technique, while the muscle-ups require upper body strength and coordination. The thrusters integrate a full-body push, focusing on leg and shoulder endurance, making this workout a perfect benchmark for those looking to enhance their overall fitness and gauge their progress in a high-stakes WOD.
To tackle the Van Damme benchmark workout effectively, start with a solid plan that balances speed and efficiency. In the first several minutes, maintain a controlled pace, focusing on form to reduce the risk of fatigue. Breaking down the snatches into manageable sets can help; aim for sets of 10 or fewer to ensure muscle efficiency. The muscle-ups should be approached with confidence — if you find yourself struggling, consider incorporating transitions to manage fatigue. Keep the clean-and-jerks smart and deliberate, and manage your breathing to sustain energy for the thrusters. In the final moments of this benchmark WOD, dig deep and push through discomfort, aiming to finish strong and proud, marking your performance on the leaderboard for future reference.
To complete the benchmark workout titled "Van Damme," begin with 30 snatches, ensuring proper form by activating your core and using your legs to drive the lift. Follow this with 10 muscle-ups, focusing on a strong transition from pull to dip.
Next, perform 30 clean-and-jerks, concentrating on keeping the bar close to your body and using your legs effectively during the jerk phase. After the clean-and-jerk, repeat the muscle-ups to challenge your upper body strength again.
Finish with 30 thrusters, utilizing a full squat and explosive drive to press the bar overhead, followed by your final set of 10 muscle-ups. Maintain a steady pace throughout and ensure proper recovery between each movement.


Reduce the snatch weight to a manageable level, aiming for 20-30 kg (45-65 lbs) to ensure proper form and higher reps. Consider using a kettlebell or dumbbell for each hand if necessary.
For muscle-ups, substitute with band-assisted pull-ups or jumping muscle-ups to maintain intensity. Alternatively, perform ring rows for a full round.
Scale the clean-and-jerk weight to 25-35 kg (55-75 lbs) for manageable lifts. Alternatively, perform shoulder presses with dumbbells.
When addressing thrusters, consider lowering the weight to 20-30 kg (45-65 lbs) or use a lighter barbell. To modify, opt for front squats combined with push presses.
Adjust the total workout time to 15-20 minutes if necessary to accommodate fitness levels.
Your score for the Van Damme workout is calculated by adding the total number of rounds completed to any extra repetitions you performed after your last full round.
For instance, if you finished 1 full round and completed 15 snatches, your score would be 1 round (which counts as 100 reps) plus 15 additional snatches, giving you a total of 115 reps.
If you completed 2 full rounds and an extra 5 clean-and-jerks, you would have a score of 2 rounds (totaling 200 reps) plus 5, resulting in a score of 205 reps.
Remember to keep track of each exercise's repetitions to ensure an accurate total when scoring your performance.


Approach the Van Damme workout with a strategic mindset. Start by pacing yourself through the snatches to avoid early fatigue. Focus on form rather than speed, especially during the muscle-ups, to maintain efficiency throughout the workout.
For the clean-and-jerks, use your legs to propel the weight, which will reduce shoulder strain. Break the thrusters into manageable sets if needed, utilizing rest periods effectively to recover your grip and shoulders.
Keep transitions smooth and quick but not rushed; plan your movements to minimize downtime. Lastly, maintain a steady breathing rhythm to support endurance as you tackle this demanding benchmark workout.
The Van Damme workout is a challenging full-body routine requiring exceptional endurance and strength. Scoring for this workout is based on time taken to complete the prescribed exercises.
A good score for this workout would typically range from 8 to 12 minutes for intermediate athletes. Advanced athletes may finish in 6 to 8 minutes, while elite athletes would aim for under 6 minutes.
CrossFit enthusiasts might track their performance in terms of overall muscle stamina and pacing, with a score under 6 minutes indicating remarkable efficiency and physical ability.


The benchmark workout, Van Damme, is intended to test and enhance total body strength, coordination, and muscular endurance. Athletes are challenged to perform a dynamic combination of Olympic weightlifting and bodyweight movements, which demands not only physical strength but also mental resilience.
This workout encourages athletes to maintain a steady pace while managing the intensity of muscle-ups, which can significantly tax the upper body. The inclusion of snatches, clean-and-jerks, and thrusters ensures a comprehensive engagement of major muscle groups.
Ultimately, Van Damme aims to push athletes to their limits while promoting efficiency in movement execution and strategic recovery during a high-volume, time-sensitive setting.
The world record for the 'Van Damme' workout, performed for time, has not been officially documented in CrossFit competitions. However, athletes have reported impressive times in unofficial settings.
Top competitors have demonstrated remarkable speed, completing the workout in approximately 5 to 7 minutes. These times require a combination of strength, endurance, and skill, highlighting the intensity of each movement.
The workout includes 30 snatches, 10 muscle-ups, 30 clean-and-jerks, followed by another 10 muscle-ups and concluding with 30 thrusters. Achieving a world-class time demands not only physical prowess but also strategic pacing throughout.
Competitors often emphasize the necessity of quick transitions between exercises to optimize their overall time score.


The benchmark workout "Van Damme" is honoring the legendary action movie star Jean-Claude Van Damme. Known for his iconic martial arts skills and athleticism, he has made a significant impact on the film industry and the world of fitness.
This workout reflects his intense physical training and dedication to pushing boundaries, much like his roles in various action films. The combination of strength and agility required in the exercises pays tribute to Van Damme's impressive physique and fighting prowess.
double dumbbell clean workout, dumbbell bench press workout, wall ball workout
12-10-8-6-8-10-12
DB bench press
Double DB cleans
Heavy wall balls
bar facing burpee workout, d-ball clean workout, d-ball squat workout, Deadlift workout, running workout
Buy in: 10 D-ball Cleans
5 Rounds:
200 m Run
12 Deadlifts
9 Bar Facing Burpees
Cash out: 15 D-ball Squats
TC: 17
handstand push-up workout, legless rope climb workout, pistol squat workout
21-15-9
HSPU
Pistol Squats
3-2-1
Legless Rope Climb
chest to bar workout, for time workout, pistol squat workout, pull-up workout, ring row workout, row workout
21-15-9
Cal row
Variation of pistols squat/pistol squat
1 min rest
21-15-9
Cal row
Ring rows/Pull ups/C2B
TC: 15
