hero_wod

Copey - Crossfit Workout

21-15-9 for time

21-15-9
Bench Presses - @bodyweight
Deadlifts - @bodyweight
Ring Dips

Execution and Focus

The Copey workout is a rigorous challenge designed for athletes who are looking to push their limits with the 21-15-9 rep scheme for time. This workout consists of bench presses and deadlifts performed at bodyweight, paired with ring dips. The structure emphasizes muscular endurance and cardiovascular conditioning, testing your ability to maintain intensity throughout. With the prescribed movements, athletes will engage their upper body, lower body, and core, creating a comprehensive workout that demands both strength and stamina. The high repetition scheme encourages a strong pacing strategy as fatigue sets in, pushing you to find your rhythm and maintain efficiency across all three movements.

Strategy and Finish

Begin with a steady pace, focusing on controlled repetitions to establish momentum without exhausting yourself. Each set of 21 reps should be approached with a strategy to minimize transitions and keep moving efficiently. As you move to the 15 and 9 rep rounds, aim to maintain consistent rest intervals to manage fatigue. Pay close attention to your form during bench presses and deadlifts, ensuring safety and effectiveness, especially as fatigue builds. When it comes to ring dips, utilize a pacing approach to avoid muscle failure — consider breaking the reps into smaller manageable sets. Aim to finish strong, pushing through any lingering fatigue for a solid performance in the final stretch.


Other crossfit Hero workouts 

, , , ,

War Frank

3 Rounds for Time

25 Muscle-ups
100 Squats
35 GHD Sit-ups

Read More
An image showcasing a crossfit workout, someone performing the crossfit workouts, or to give crossfit workout inspiration
Carl Asaro

7 Rounds for Time

50 Double-Unders

25 Shoulder-to-Overheads

20 Front Squats

15 Cleans

10 Snatches

5 Thrusters

50 Double-Unders

Read More
An image showcasing a crossfit workout, someone performing the crossfit workouts, or to give crossfit workout inspiration
Iron Ranger

For Time - 1 Round

94 Goblet Squats
94 Push-Ups
94 Sit-Ups
94 KB Swings
22 Burpees
22s Silence

Read More
An image showcasing a crossfit workout, someone performing the crossfit workouts, or to give crossfit workout inspiration
Kevin Reilly

EMOM 12 for time

Odd Minutes: 5 Push Presses
Even Minutes: 5 Deadlifts

Read More
An image showcasing a crossfit workout, someone performing the crossfit workouts, or to give crossfit workout inspiration
Samuel Alexander

For Time (with a Partner)

27 Power Snatches
5 Overhead Squats
11 Squat Snatches

Read More
An image showcasing a crossfit workout, someone performing the crossfit workouts, or to give crossfit workout inspiration
Nicholas Galinger

For Time - 3 Rounds

800 meter Run

24-20-19 reps of:
Burpees
Alternating Dumbbell Snatches
Air Squats
Sit-Ups

800 meter Run

24-20-19 reps of:
Burpees
Alternating Dumbbell Snatches
Air Squats
Sit-Ups

800 meter Run

Read More
An image showcasing a crossfit workout, someone performing the crossfit workouts, or to give crossfit workout inspiration
Deputy Brad Johnson

2 Rounds for Time

706 meter Ski-Erg
30 Power Cleans
32 Sit-Ups
6 Muscle-Ups
3:18 Accumulated Handstand Hold

Read More
An image showcasing a crossfit workout, someone performing the crossfit workouts, or to give crossfit workout inspiration
Dennis Cross

5 Rounds for Time

7 Clean-and-Jerks
5 Chest-to-Bar Pull-Ups
7 Box Jumps

Read More
An image showcasing a crossfit workout, someone performing the crossfit workouts, or to give crossfit workout inspiration
Gerard Barbara

For Time - 21-15-9-6-3

Clean-and-Jerks
Knees-to-Elbows

Read More
An image showcasing a crossfit workout, someone performing the crossfit workouts, or to give crossfit workout inspiration
13 Squad Deep

13 Rounds for Time

8 Calorie Echo Bike
26 Box Jump Overs (61/51 cm)
1 Deadlift

Read More
An image showcasing a crossfit workout, someone performing the crossfit workouts, or to give crossfit workout inspiration

How do you perform the Copey workout

Learn how to crush this hero workout

To perform the Copey hero workout, execute the 21-15-9 rep scheme for time using bodyweight for bench presses and deadlifts, and include ring dips. Begin with 21 bench presses, ensuring your feet are planted firmly and your back is flat against the bench. Focus on control and full range of motion in each press.

Next, transition to 21 deadlifts, keeping your back straight and utilizing your legs to lift the weight while engaging your core. Maintain a steady grip on the barbell throughout.

Finish the set with 21 ring dips, lowering yourself until your upper arms are parallel to the ground, then pressing back up. Once completed, reduce the reps to 15 and then 9, maintaining the same form and intensity for each exercise.

An image showing someone explaining how to perform the Copey hero workout
An image showing someone getting ready to scale the Copey hero workout

How do you scale the workout

The hero wod "Copey" can be done by everyone

Adjust the bench press weight to a comfortable level, aiming for 10 unbroken reps. If bodyweight is too heavy, consider using a lighter weight or performing push-ups as a modification.

For deadlifts, if bodyweight is challenging, reduce the weight or substitute with kettlebell deadlifts at a lighter weight, like 60–80 lbs. Ensure proper form remains a priority.

For ring dips, scale to bench dips or use resistance bands for assistance if necessary. You may also consider performing push-ups to build strength.

To accommodate fitness levels, reduce the total workout time to 14–16 minutes or decrease the reps per movement to 5 or 7 to ensure mastery and safety during the workout.

How do you score the WOD

See if you beat your friends in the hero wod "Copey"

Your score for the Copey workout is calculated based on the total time taken to complete the prescribed reps of 21-15-9. Each set consists of 21 reps of Bench Presses, 21 Deadlifts, and Ring Dips, followed by 15 reps of each exercise, and finally 9 reps. Ensure you perform the Bench Press and Deadlifts at your bodyweight.

Start your timer when you begin the first set and stop it once you finish the last Ring Dip. Your final score is the total time taken in seconds. To convert this into a more standardized score, you might also consider dividing it by 60 to get minutes, or adding seconds for accuracy.

Record your score to track your progress and compare it against future attempts!

An image showing someone explaining how to score the Copey hero workout
An image showing two athletes getting the tips and strategy for the Copey hero workout

What are the tips and strategy to use

Here is how to gain an edge in the "Copey"

Approach the workout with a steady mindset — pace yourself during the initial rounds to conserve energy. Aim for smooth, controlled reps on the Bench Presses and Deadlifts to avoid premature fatigue. Manage your breathing throughout the Ring Dips for better endurance. If needed, consider breaking up the sets into manageable chunks, especially if you're feeling your grip fatigue.

Utilize your legs effectively during the Deadlifts to support your lower back and maintain form. When transitioning between exercises, minimize downtime by setting up equipment efficiently. Focus on consistent timing and rhythm during each phase to maintain overall performance and finish strong.

Finally, remember to hydrate adequately before and after the workout to aid in recovery.

What is a good score for the Copey workout

Check out how you did in the "Copey"

A good score for the Copey workout, structured as a 21-15-9 for time, is typically benchmarked around the elite performance range.

Male athletes aiming for elite status should strive to complete the workout in under 3 minutes, while elite female athletes should target around 4 minutes.

Intermediate scores might fall between 4–6 minutes, indicating a solid grasp of pacing and strength.

Advanced athletes can expect to finish in the range of 3–4 minutes, showcasing impressive endurance and muscular stamina.

Achieving times close to these benchmarks reflects not only physical capability but also strategic mental focus throughout the demanding workout.

An image showing a board that could be showing what a good score for the Copey hero workout would be
An image showing the intended stimulus for the Copey hero workout

What is the intended stimulus for the Copey workout

What part of your body is being challenged in the "Copey"

The Copey workout is intended to stimulate strength and endurance across multiple muscle groups while emphasizing functional movements. The 21-15-9 rep scheme creates a high-intensity challenge that tests both muscular endurance and aerobic capacity.

Bench presses and deadlifts at bodyweight push the limits of upper and lower body strength, ensuring that athletes engage their core and stabilizing muscles throughout. This workout not only builds strength but also improves overall body coordination.

Incorporating ring dips enhances shoulder stability and endurance, challenging the upper body further. The combination of these exercises aims to create a well-rounded, taxing routine that encourages athletes to maintain intensity while managing fatigue effectively.

What is the World record for the Copey workout

What is the fastest time for the "Copey"

The world record for the Copey workout, structured as a 21-15-9 for time, has seen impressive performances within the CrossFit community. The benchmark is often set by elite athletes, and unofficial reports suggest that top male competitors can complete the workout in approximately 3 minutes, while elite females may finish in around 4 minutes.

This fast-paced workout demands exceptional strength and endurance, especially with the requirement to perform bench presses and deadlifts at bodyweight before tackling ring dips. It tests not only physical strength but also mental fortitude as athletes race against the clock.

An image showing someone getting ready to smash the world record for the Copey hero workout
An image showing something to honor the people behind the Copey hero workout

Who are we honoring with the hero wod "Copey"

Why are we doing the "Copey" workout?

The workout "Copey" honors the memory of U.S. Army Captain John "Copey" Copeland. He was a dedicated soldier who served in the 75th Ranger Regiment and made the ultimate sacrifice for his country.

This hero workout reflects his spirit of perseverance and strength, challenging athletes to push their limits just as he did during his service.

The combination of bench presses, deadlifts, and ring dips is designed to test both physical and mental resilience, paralleling the courage shown by Captain Copeland in the face of adversity.

What kind of exercises are in the Copey hero workout?

  • bench press

    The bench press is a foundational upper-body strength movement where the athlete presses a barbell from chest to full extension while lying on a bench. Central to any serious bench press workout, it’s a proven builder of raw pushing power and muscle mass.

    In this workout, the bench press targets the chest, triceps, and shoulders—developing pressing strength and upper-body control. Whether trained for max strength, hypertrophy, or accessory work, the bench press remains a cornerstone of effective strength programming.

  • 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.

Our own Workouts with the same "For time" format

for time workout
Barbell Box Out

, ,

10 Rounds

5 Hang Clean & Jerks
5 Back Squats
5 Bar Facing Burpees

TC: 13

Try it
for time workout
Pull Me Once

, , ,

4 Rounds

1 Burpee (banded) pull up / Bar muscle up
8 DB clean & jerk -
20/25 cal Assault bike
1 Burpee (banded) pull up / Bar muscle up

1 min rest between rounds

TC: 16

Try it
for time workout
Burpee Toll Booth

, , , , , ,

For time

14-12-10-8-6-4-2
Pistol squats (bench or band) / Pistol squats
KB snatch -
Hand release push ups/HSPU
KB goblet reverse lunges

Between each round: 2 Burpee Pull-Ups/Banded BMU/BMU)

TC: 15

Try it
for time workout
The Breakdown

, , ,

For Time

50-40-30-20-10
Double Unders
Cal Bike

5-4-3-2-1
Power Cleans
Rope Climbs

TC: 24

Try it
for time workout
Barbell Sandwich (Served with Burpees)

, ,

5 rounds

6 Deadlift -
8 Bar facing burpees
12 KB push press -

1:1 rest between rounds

TC: 20

Try it
bookchevron-downarrow-leftarrow-right linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram