For Time
80 cal Bike
60 KB Swings
50 DB Snatch
30 GHD Sit-ups
20 HSPU
OTM: 4 Burpees (Start with burpees)
15-12-9
Thrusters – @70/155 lb
Weighted Strict Pull-Ups – @20/45 lb
The Thomas W. Kelly workout is a dynamic hero WOD designed to test both strength and endurance through a fast-paced series of movements. With a format of 15-12-9 reps for time, athletes will tackle thrusters and weighted strict pull-ups. This combination challenges your cardiovascular capacity while building functional strength. The thrusters engage your legs and shoulders, while the weighted strict pull-ups focus on upper body strength and core stability. The structured rep scheme promotes a steady pace that allows athletes to gauge their effort and maintain intensity through the workout.
Begin the Thomas W. Kelly workout with a strong, intentional approach to the thrusters, aiming to maintain a rhythm that conserves your energy for the pull-ups that follow. Focus on completing each set unbroken if you can, but don’t hesitate to break them into smaller sets if necessary to sustain your performance. Transition quickly between movements to keep your heart rate elevated, but take a brief moment to gather yourself before starting the strictly weighted pull-ups. Stay disciplined in your form to maximize efficiency. In the final minutes, push through any fatigue to secure a strong finish — every second counts in this timed workout.
To perform the hero workout named Thomas W. Kelly, you’ll be completing a 15-12-9 rep scheme of two exercises. Start with thrusters, using a barbell or dumbbells, ensuring you maintain a strong core and full extension at the top. Drop into a front squat, then push through your heels to lift the weight overhead.
Next, move to weighted strict pull-ups. Use a dip belt or hold a weight plate between your feet for added resistance. Focus on controlled movements, engaging your lats and biceps for maximum efficiency.
Keep your transitions between exercises smooth and maintain good form throughout to ensure you complete the workout safely and effectively. Consider scaling the weights if needed to achieve the rep scheme with proper technique.


To scale the workout of Thomas W. Kelly, lower the weight of the thrusters to a manageable level, aiming for 10 unbroken reps. For weighted strict pull-ups, reduce the weight or switch to band-assisted pull-ups to ensure proper form and complete the reps.
Consider scaling the total workout to 12-14 minutes if needed, allowing yourself extra rest periods between sets. Alternatively, you can adjust the rep scheme to 9-6-3 for a quicker, yet effective workout.
For beginners, practice the movements with lighter weights or perform bodyweight variations to build strength gradually. Focus on form and control rather than speed to maximize effectiveness.
Your score for the Thomas W. Kelly workout is calculated by adding the total number of completed reps in the sequence of 15, 12, and 9 thrusters and weighted strict pull-ups.
Start by performing 15 thrusters followed by 15 weighted strict pull-ups. Next, move on to 12 thrusters and 12 weighted strict pull-ups, and finish with 9 thrusters and 9 weighted strict pull-ups.
Once you complete the workout, tally the total number of reps. Your score will be the sum of all completed reps, which is 36 for the full rounds (15 + 12 + 9 for each exercise) plus any additional reps you achieve after your last complete set.
For instance, if you finish all rounds and complete 3 more thrusters, your score would be 36 + 3 = 39 reps total.


Begin with a manageable weight for the thrusters to maintain form throughout the workout. Focus on a steady pace rather than speed during the initial sets to avoid fatigue. Transition quickly between movements to keep your heart rate elevated.
Utilize a controlled and rhythmic approach for strict pull-ups; if necessary, break them into smaller sets to prevent burnout. Ensure you engage your core and legs during thrusters to alleviate pressure on your shoulders and back.
Maintain consistent breathing patterns to optimize oxygen flow, especially during high-rep sets. As you approach the final rounds, increase intensity while being cautious of form to complete the set effectively.
Incorporate adequate rest between movements to recover and prepare for the next round, ensuring you are maintaining a sustainable effort throughout.
A good score for the Thomas W. Kelly workout is typically considered to be between 3 to 5 minutes for elite athletes. This time reflects exceptional pacing and mastery of the required movements.
Intermediate athletes often complete the workout in the range of 5 to 7 minutes, showcasing a solid effort and developing abilities in both strength and conditioning.
Beginners might find themselves finishing the workout in 7 to 10 minutes, which is a respectable time as they work on building their skills and endurance.
Overall, achieving a time under 5 minutes shows excellent conditioning, while times over 10 minutes indicate that the athlete may need further training to improve efficiency.


The Thomas W. Kelly workout is tailored to push athletes through high-intensity intervals, focusing on both muscular endurance and aerobic capacity. The combination of thrusters and weighted strict pull-ups targets major muscle groups while emphasizing core stability and upper body strength.
This workout is intended to cultivate mental toughness, as athletes must maintain their pace through the challenging rep scheme of 15-12-9. It encourages proper technique under fatigue, requiring participants to stay disciplined in their form even as they near exhaustion.
By integrating functional movements in a timed format, the workout simulates real-world challenges, emphasizing the importance of resilience and efficiency in dynamic environments.
The world record for the Thomas W. Kelly workout, performed for time, has not been formally established; however, impressive unofficial times have emerged from the CrossFit community. Competitors typically aim to complete the 15-12-9 rep scheme of Thrusters and Weighted Strict Pull-Ups as efficiently as possible.
Elite athletes often achieve times around 3 to 5 minutes, depending on their skill level and conditioning. These times reflect outstanding performance and optimal pacing, which are essential to excelling in this challenging workout format.
As with many CrossFit workouts, achieving peak performance is contingent upon a combination of strength, technique, and stamina, making it a true test of fitness for those who attempt it.


The hero workout "Thomas W. Kelly" honors a brave member of the United States Army. Thomas W. Kelly served his country with dedication and honor, ultimately making the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
This workout is a tribute to his life and service, challenging athletes to push their limits while remembering the sacrifices made by those in the armed forces.
Each movement in this workout serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience embodied by Kelly, inspiring participants to honor his legacy through their effort and determination.
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60 KB Swings
50 DB Snatch
30 GHD Sit-ups
20 HSPU
OTM: 4 Burpees (Start with burpees)
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