EMOM 15
1: 10/12 Cal Assault Bike
2: 16 DB Hang Clean & Jerk
3: 10/12 Cal Row
9 Muscle-ups
15 Burpee pull-ups
21 Pull-ups
Run 800 meters - 0.5 miles
The McCluskey workout is a demanding hero WOD designed to challenge your strength, endurance, and mental toughness. Comprised of 3 rounds for time, this workout includes 9 muscle-ups, 15 burpee pull-ups, 21 pull-ups, and a run of 800 meters (0.5 miles). Each movement tests different aspects of fitness: muscle-ups require upper body strength and coordination, burpee pull-ups demand explosive power and cardio conditioning, while pull-ups focus on grip and back strength. The 800-meter run serves as a cardiovascular challenge, emphasizing the necessity of pacing and endurance to complete the workout efficiently. Together, these components create a comprehensive test suitable for seasoned athletes or those aspiring to push their limits.
To tackle the McCluskey workout effectively, begin with a controlled pace, especially during the first round, to avoid early fatigue. Each round’s muscle-ups should be completed with smooth transitions, keeping your movements efficient. For the burpee pull-ups, find a rhythm that allows for a seamless flow between movements while maintaining safety. With the pull-ups, consider breaking them into manageable sets to maintain a strong pace. The run should be viewed as a recovery phase, so focus on maintaining a steady speed rather than sprinting. In the final round, push through any mental barriers, and remember that every second counts; aim to finish strong and challenge your previous times for a measurable improvement.
To perform the McCluskey hero workout, begin with 9 muscle-ups. Use a solid grip on the rings or bar, transitioning smoothly from the pull-up to the dip phase. Ensure you maintain proper form to avoid injury.
Next, complete 15 burpee pull-ups. Perform a burpee, then spring up to grab the pull-up bar, executing a full pull-up. Keep your chest up and engage your core throughout the movement.
After the burpee pull-ups, proceed to 21 pull-ups. Choose either a strict or kipping pull-up, depending on your fitness level. Aim for full extension at the bottom and chin over the bar at the top.
Finally, wrap up each round with a run of 800 meters (0.5 miles). Focus on maintaining a steady pace to conserve energy for the next round.


To scale the McCluskey workout, consider reducing the muscle-ups to jumping or banded variations. For burpee pull-ups, lower the height of the bar or perform regular burpees without the pull-up. You can also modify the number to 10 reps instead of 15.
For pull-ups, switch to assisted pull-ups or ring rows to ensure proper form. If you're new to this workout, reduce the total rounds to 2 or even 1 to maintain intensity without overexertion.
Adjust the run to a shorter distance, such as 400 meters, or opt for a brisk walk or a light jog, especially if conditioning is a concern. Always listen to your body and prioritize form over intensity.
Your score for the McCluskey workout is determined by counting the total number of full rounds completed, plus any additional repetitions you finish after your last full round.
For example, if you complete 3 full rounds and finish with 4 Muscle-ups, your score would be 3 rounds + 4 reps = 3 + 4 = 7 total for the workout.
It's important to keep track of each element: 9 Muscle-ups, 15 Burpee Pull-ups, 21 Pull-ups, and the 800-meter run. The time taken to finish the workout will also be noted, as it can serve as a benchmark for future attempts.
Be sure to stay focused on your counting to accurately reflect your performance in this challenging hero workout.


Begin your workout at a steady pace; avoid exhausting yourself in the initial rounds. Focus on maintaining proper form during muscle-ups to prevent burnout early on. Transition quickly between exercises to keep your heart rate elevated but ensure you don't sacrifice form. If you're feeling strained, consider scaling the muscle-ups or modifying the burpee pull-ups to maintain intensity.
Incorporate a rhythmic breathing pattern to help manage endurance during your pull-ups and runs. Use your lower body to assist with the pull-ups, engaging your legs to minimize shoulder fatigue. Finally, for the running segment, aim for a steady pace that allows you to recover before tackling the next round, ensuring you can complete all rounds effectively.
A good score for the McCluskey workout can vary significantly based on athletic ability. For elite male athletes, completing the workout in under 10 minutes is considered outstanding, while elite women typically aim for a finish time around 12 minutes.
Intermediate athletes might target a completion time between 12 to 15 minutes, showcasing a solid combination of strength and endurance.
Advanced athletes can aim for performances around 10 to 12 minutes, demonstrating exceptional pacing and efficiency throughout the workout's demanding structure.
Overall, excellent pacing and muscular stamina yield times under 12 minutes for women and under 10 minutes for men, marking the thresholds of elite performance in this challenging workout.


The McCluskey workout is intended to push the limits of muscular endurance and cardiovascular capacity. It combines high-skill movements like muscle-ups with bodyweight exercises to create a demanding challenge.
This workout emphasizes the importance of grip strength and shoulder stability, as athletes tackle multiple pull-up variations in conjunction with burpee pull-ups. The inclusion of an 800-meter run adds an aerobic component, testing overall conditioning and stamina.
Participants should anticipate a steady pace, as the three rounds are designed to build cumulative fatigue. It encourages athletes to focus on movement efficiency and maintain a consistent effort throughout, ultimately fostering resilience in both physical and mental capacities.
The world record for the McCluskey workout remains unverified at this time, but elite athletes have reported impressive completion times. The workout, comprising three rounds including 9 Muscle-ups, 15 Burpee Pull-ups, 21 Pull-ups, and an 800-meter run, challenges even the fittest individuals.
Unofficial top scores in the CrossFit community suggest that elite men may complete the workout in approximately 8 to 10 minutes, while elite women are noted to finish in around 10 to 12 minutes. These remarkable times require not only outstanding strength and endurance but also exceptional pacing and efficiency in transitions.
As awareness of this workout grows, more athletes are likely to attempt to establish official records, further pushing the boundaries of performance.


The hero workout McCluskey honors U.S. Army Captain John McCluskey, who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2010. His dedication and sacrifice for his country serve as an inspiration to many.
This workout is designed to reflect the toughness and resilience that McCluskey exhibited throughout his life and service.
The combination of muscle-ups, burpee pull-ups, pull-ups, and running signifies the physical challenges faced by soldiers, commemorating their strength and commitment.
Hang Power Clean workout, row workout
1: 10/12 Cal Assault Bike
2: 16 DB Hang Clean & Jerk
3: 10/12 Cal Row
Burpee workout, dumbbell hang clean workout, dumbbell thruster workout, handstand push-up workout, pike push-up workout
Pike push ups /Handstand push ups
Double DB Hang power clean -
Double DB thrusters -
Burpees
TC: 15
4 rounds for time:
2+2 rep DB squat snatch (each arm) until finished all weights
Rest 1 min between rounds
assault bike workout, handstand push-up workout, pistol squat workout, ski erg workout
10/13 Cal Assault Bike
12 Pistol Squats
10/13 Cal Ski Erg
12 Handstand Push-Ups
