memorial_wod

12 Days of Christmas - Crossfit Workout

For Time – 12 Rounds

1 Sumo Deadlift High-Pull – @34/24 kg
2 Thrusters – @34/24 kg
3 Push Presses – @34/24 kg
4 Power Cleans – @34/24 kg
5 Power Snatches – @34/24 kg
6 Kettlebell Swings – @24/16 kg
7 Pull-Ups
8 Knees-to-Elbows
9 Box Jumps – @61/51 cm
10 Double-Unders
11 Burpees
12 Overhead Walking Lunges – @20/11 kg Plate
Total: 364 reps

Execution and Focus

The 12 Days of Christmas workout is a demanding benchmark designed to challenge your endurance and fortitude through a series of high-rep movements. Each of the 12 rounds features a unique exercise, culminating in a total of 364 reps. This variety not only tests physical capabilities but also mental resilience. Movements like sumo deadlift high-pulls and power cleans engage multiple muscle groups, while high-rep box jumps and double-unders push cardiovascular capacity. The workout is structured to keep athletes moving and energized, making it perfect for both memorial tributes and festive holiday challenges.

Strategy and Finish

Begin the workout with a moderate pace for the first few rounds to gauge your stamina. Each round may take anywhere from 60 to 90 seconds based on individual fitness levels. Focus on maintaining proper form throughout, particularly during complex lifts like power snatches and push presses. As fatigue sets in, prioritize efficient transitions between movements to minimize downtime. In the final rounds, channel your energy for a strong finish; aim to complete the last few rounds as you push for a personal best. This structured approach will not only ensure completion of the workout but also enhance performance in future WODs.


The "12 Days of Christmas" - Crossfit Memorial, Tribute & Holiday Workout

the WOD

For Time – 12 Rounds

1 Sumo Deadlift High-Pull – @34/24 kg
2 Thrusters – @34/24 kg
3 Push Presses – @34/24 kg
4 Power Cleans – @34/24 kg
5 Power Snatches – @34/24 kg
6 Kettlebell Swings – @24/16 kg
7 Pull-Ups
8 Knees-to-Elbows
9 Box Jumps – @61/51 cm
10 Double-Unders
11 Burpees
12 Overhead Walking Lunges – @20/11 kg Plate
Total: 364 reps

how to plan the "12 Days of Christmas" workout?

Execution and Focus

The 12 Days of Christmas workout is a demanding benchmark designed to challenge your endurance and fortitude through a series of high-rep movements. Each of the 12 rounds features a unique exercise, culminating in a total of 364 reps. This variety not only tests physical capabilities but also mental resilience. Movements like sumo deadlift high-pulls and power cleans engage multiple muscle groups, while high-rep box jumps and double-unders push cardiovascular capacity. The workout is structured to keep athletes moving and energized, making it perfect for both memorial tributes and festive holiday challenges.

Strategy and Finish

Begin the workout with a moderate pace for the first few rounds to gauge your stamina. Each round may take anywhere from 60 to 90 seconds based on individual fitness levels. Focus on maintaining proper form throughout, particularly during complex lifts like power snatches and push presses. As fatigue sets in, prioritize efficient transitions between movements to minimize downtime. In the final rounds, channel your energy for a strong finish; aim to complete the last few rounds as you push for a personal best. This structured approach will not only ensure completion of the workout but also enhance performance in future WODs.


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How do you perform the 12 Days of Christmas workout

Learn how to crush this workout

For the 12 Days of Christmas workout, start with 1 Sumo Deadlift High-Pull. Focus on keeping your back straight and using your legs to drive the movement. Proceed to 2 Thrusters, ensuring proper squat depth and press form.

Next, perform 3 Push Presses, engaging your core for stability. Move on to 4 Power Cleans, emphasizing quick transitions from the floor to your shoulders. Follow with 5 Power Snatches, maintaining a fluid motion from the ground to overhead.

Continue with 6 Kettlebell Swings, reaching at least chest height. Then, tackle 7 Pull-Ups, aiming for full range of motion. Shift to 8 Knees-to-Elbows, focusing on controlled movement.

Complete 9 Box Jumps with a steady landing, then 10 Double-Unders, keeping your jumps smooth. Finish with 11 Burpees, and wrap up with 12 Overhead Walking Lunges, keeping your core tight and back straight.

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How do you scale the workout

The wod "12 Days of Christmas" can be done by everyone

Scale the sumo deadlift high-pull by reducing the weight to 40–60 lbs for better form. Adjust the thrusters to a lighter barbell or dumbbells, aiming for 30–40 lbs total weight.

For push presses, use 25–35 lbs to maintain stability. Modify power cleans to a lighter weight of 45–65 lbs if needed.

Power snatches can be scaled down to a kettlebell of 12–24 kg or a lighter barbell. Kettlebell swings should be adjusted to 12–16 kg, focusing on proper technique.

Replace pull-ups with ring rows or use a band for assistance. Reduce knees-to-elbows by performing hanging knee raises instead.

For box jumps, switch to step-ups with a height of 12–18 inches. Beginners can choose to perform single-unders instead of double-unders. Lastly, modify burpees by stepping back instead of jumping.

Consider decreasing the number of rounds to 6 or 8 for a more manageable experience.

How do you score the WOD

See if you beat your friends in the wod "12 Days of Christmas"

Your score for the benchmark workout "12 Days of Christmas" is calculated based on the total rounds completed, along with any extra repetitions performed after your last full round.

Each round consists of completing one of each of the 12 movements listed. For example, if you finish 10 full rounds and complete an additional 8 movements (such as 2 Sumo Deadlift High-Pulls, 2 Thrusters, etc.), your score would be 10 rounds + 8 reps = 10 + 8 = 368 total reps.

Remember to keep track of the specific movements as they add to your overall score, and aim for consistent pacing throughout the workout to maximize your performance.

Good luck, and enjoy the challenge!

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What are the tips and strategy to use

Here is how to gain an edge in the "12 Days of Christmas"

Begin with a steady pace for the first few rounds to avoid fatigue. Prioritize form over speed to ensure safety and efficiency throughout the workout. Utilize your legs during thrusters and power cleans to prevent shoulder strain and maintain consistent energy levels.

During pull-ups, consider using a kipping technique if you're proficient; this can help manage energy expenditure. For knees-to-elbows, don’t rush; focus on controlled movements to engage your core effectively.

While performing double-unders, maintain a steady rhythm and keep your jumps low to the ground. Finally, for the burpees and lunges, keep transitions smooth and focus on your breathing to maintain a consistent heart rate throughout the workout.

What is a good score for the 12 Days of Christmas workout

Check out how you did in the "12 Days of Christmas"

Intermediate: 25–30 minutes. Advanced: 20–24 minutes. Elite: 15–19 minutes. A score of under 15 minutes is exceptional and showcases remarkable endurance and strength.

To achieve a solid performance in the 12 Days of Christmas workout, it’s crucial to maintain a consistent pace throughout each round. The combination of movements, from the Sumo Deadlift High-Pull to the Overhead Walking Lunges, challenges various muscle groups and aerobic capacity.

Focus on form and strategy to avoid fatigue as the rounds progress. Excellent pacing will help you complete the workout efficiently while preventing burnout. A total time under 25 minutes indicates good conditioning and skill level.

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What is the intended stimulus for the 12 Days of Christmas workout

What part of your body is being challenged in the "12 Days of Christmas"

The intended stimulus of the benchmark workout, 12 Days of Christmas, is to develop muscular endurance, cardiovascular capacity, and overall fitness resilience through a variety of functional movements.

This workout is designed to challenge athletes both mentally and physically by integrating complex movement patterns and diverse modalities. The goal is to maintain a consistent pace across 12 rounds, fostering a sense of urgency while managing fatigue.

Each exercise has a specific purpose, targeting different muscle groups and energy systems. Athletes will need to rely on their strength, agility, and stamina, pushing their limits while focusing on technique and breathing.

Overall, the workout is a comprehensive test of fitness that emphasizes the importance of sustainable effort and strategic pacing.

What is the World record for the 12 Days of Christmas workout

What is the fastest score for "12 Days of Christmas"

The world record for the 12 Days of Christmas workout, completed "For Time," is approximately 10 minutes and 40 seconds. This impressive feat has been recorded by elite athletes focusing on speed and efficiency while executing the complex series of movements.

As a high-intensity workout, it requires not only strength but also endurance and skill to maintain proper form across all twelve exercises. Competitors aim for unbroken sets, minimizing rest periods to optimize their overall time.

While unofficial times may vary, elite performance typically ranges between 10 to 12 minutes, showcasing the dedication and training required to excel in this challenge.

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Who are we honoring with the Workout "12 Days of Christmas"

Why are we doing the "12 Days of Christmas" workout?

The workout "12 Days of Christmas" is designed to honor the spirit of the holiday season, celebrating joy, giving, and community through fitness. Each of the 12 rounds represents a unique aspect of Christmas traditions, encouraging participants to push their limits while reflecting on the festive spirit.

This workout serves as a reminder of the importance of health and well-being during the holidays. By engaging in this challenging routine, individuals can connect with the season's values of perseverance and gratitude.

What kind of exercises are in the 12 Days of Christmas The workout?

  • push press

    The push press is a powerful overhead movement where the athlete uses a dip-drive of the legs to assist in pressing a weight overhead. A mainstay in push press workouts, it blends lower-body drive with upper-body pressing strength.

    In this workout, push presses build shoulder endurance, triceps power, and explosive leg extension. The movement teaches efficient energy transfer and is ideal for conditioning, barbell cycling, or building overhead capacity in strength blocks.

  • sumo deadlift high pull

    The sumo deadlift high pull is a compound movement that combines a wide-stance deadlift with a high pull to the collarbone. A staple in sumo deadlift high pull workouts, it targets both the lower and upper body in one fluid, explosive lift.

    In this workout, sumo deadlift high pulls train the glutes, hamstrings, traps, and shoulders while boosting hip power and pulling strength. The movement demands coordination and timing, making it ideal for metabolic conditioning and full-body strength circuits.

  • Burpee

    The burpee is a simple, full-body movement that combines a squat, plank, and jump into one explosive exercise. It’s a staple in nearly every burpee workout thanks to its ability to build cardio endurance, coordination, and mental toughness — fast.

    In this workout, burpees spike your heart rate, challenge your engine, and require no equipment. Whether you're doing them over a bar, onto a target, or just flat out, burpees are a true test of grit and conditioning.

  • Double under

    The double under is a jump rope skill where the rope passes under your feet twice per jump, building coordination, speed, and cardiovascular endurance. It’s a popular movement in high-intensity double under workouts, often used to spike heart rate and improve timing under fatigue.

    In this workout, double unders challenge your footwork, rhythm, and breathing, making them a key tool for improving overall conditioning. Whether you're linking sets or working on consistency, double unders are a fast-paced way to level up your engine.

  • Pull up

    The pull-up is a foundational bodyweight movement that builds upper body strength, focusing on your back, shoulders, arms, and core. A staple in almost every pull-up workout, it's key for developing gymnastics capacity and functional pulling power.

    In this workout, pull-ups challenge your grip, coordination, and endurance — especially under fatigue. Whether strict, kipping, or butterfly, the pull-up remains one of the most effective and scalable exercises in CrossFit.

  • Box jump

    The box jump is a plyometric movement that builds explosive power, coordination, and lower body strength. It’s a key component in many high-intensity box jump workouts, often used to develop speed, agility, and stamina.

    In this workout, box jumps challenge your legs, core, and cardiovascular system, while also training quick reaction and balance. Whether performed at a moderate pace or in sprint intervals, the box jump is a powerful tool for improving athletic performance.

  • kettlebell swing

    The kettlebell swing is a powerful hip-hinge movement that builds posterior chain strength, core stability, and cardiovascular endurance. A go-to in any kettlebell swing workout, it’s known for improving explosiveness, grip, and conditioning in one efficient motion.

    In this workout, kettlebell swings train your glutes, hamstrings, and shoulders, while developing rhythm and control. Whether Russian or American style, the kettlebell swing is a versatile tool for both beginners and advanced athletes.

  • thrusters

    The thruster is a full-body compound movement that combines a front squat with an overhead press, making it one of the most demanding and effective exercises in any thruster workout.

    In this workout, thrusters develop leg drive, shoulder endurance, and core stability, all while elevating your heart rate. Whether using a barbell, dumbbells, or kettlebells, the thruster is a powerful tool for building strength, power, and conditioning — fast.

  • power snatch

    The power snatch is an Olympic-style lift that trains explosive strength, speed, and full-body coordination. Featured in many high-intensity power snatch workouts, it involves lifting a barbell from the ground to overhead in one powerful motion—catching it above parallel.

    In this workout, power snatches improve hip drive, shoulder stability, and barbell cycling efficiency. Whether performed light and fast or heavy and technical, the power snatch builds serious strength and athleticism.

  • power clean

    The power clean is a fast, explosive lift that develops full-body strength, speed, and coordination. A staple in Olympic lifting and functional fitness, it’s central to many high-intensity power clean workouts.

    In this workout, power cleans train your hip extension, pulling power, and barbell control, making them ideal for improving athletic performance and barbell cycling. Whether done heavy or for reps, the power clean is key for building functional power and explosiveness.

  • Lower the push press weight to something manageable for 10 unbroken reps. Scale the kettlebell to 12–16 kg or reduce the range of motion. Modify box jumps to step-ups or reduce the height. Beginners may also reduce total workout time to 14–16 minutes or lower reps to 7 per movement.

Our own Workouts with the same "For Time" format

for time workout
Unbroken Code

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4 Rounds for Time

9 Thrusters (Unbroken)
12 Pull-Ups / C2B
12/16 Cal Assault Bike

TC: 13

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for time workout
The Walk of Shame

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10 rounds

2 wall walk
10 Double DB clean –
20 m farmer walk –

TC: 18

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Machine Breaker

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For Time

30/38 Cal Row
30/38 Cal Ski
30/38 Cal Assault Bike
150 Double Unders

Every 2 min: 3 Burpee Pull-Ups / Bar Muscle-Ups

TC: 13

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for time workout
Upside Strength

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4 Rounds

3 Wall walks / 10 meter Handstand Walk
12 Alt. DB Clean & Jerk
8 Chest to bar / 5 BMU
12 DB Front Rack Squats

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for time workout
The KB Countdown

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For time

70 Double unders
60 DBL KB russian swings –
50 Bojump overs
40 m DBL KB FR walk
30/40 cal row
20 DBL KB snatch

TC: 15

Try it
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