memorial_wod

Big Steve - Crossfit Workout

AMRAP 20

Buy-in: 5 Rounds each
Partner A: Row cal
Partner B: GHD Sit-Ups

Then AMRAP
10 Bench Presses - @70/50 kg (154/110 lbs)
30 Second Hang Hold

Execution and Focus

Big Steve is a dynamic benchmark workout designed to blend strength and endurance through an engaging partner format. The buy-in consists of 5 rounds, where Partner A rows calories while Partner B performs GHD sit-ups, ensuring a full-body warm-up that activates key muscle groups. Following the buy-in, athletes will dive into the AMRAP segment, which includes bench presses and a hang hold. This combination not only tests pressing strength and core stability but also challenges participants to maintain muscular endurance under fatigue. The structure encourages teamwork and competition, making it an excellent workout for the Big Steve Memorial Tribute & Holiday Workouts.

Strategy and Finish

Begin the buy-in with a moderate effort to safeguard energy for the AMRAP. The rowing should be aggressive yet controlled, aiming to maximize calorie output without sacrificing form, while GHD sit-ups should be performed with focus on core engagement. For the AMRAP, establish a sustainable pace for the bench presses to avoid burnout, ideally keeping each set unbroken in the early rounds. The hang hold will test grip and shoulder endurance, so maintain a strong posture and focus on breathing. In the final moments, push through fatigue and aim for a few extra rounds to honor the spirit of the workout, making this a powerful tribute that resonates during the Big Steve Memorial Tribute & Holiday Workouts WOD.


The "Big Steve" - Crossfit Memorial, Tribute & Holiday Workout

the WOD

AMRAP 20

Buy-in: 5 Rounds each
Partner A: Row cal
Partner B: GHD Sit-Ups

Then AMRAP
10 Bench Presses - @70/50 kg (154/110 lbs)
30 Second Hang Hold

how to plan the "Big Steve" workout?

Execution and Focus

Big Steve is a dynamic benchmark workout designed to blend strength and endurance through an engaging partner format. The buy-in consists of 5 rounds, where Partner A rows calories while Partner B performs GHD sit-ups, ensuring a full-body warm-up that activates key muscle groups. Following the buy-in, athletes will dive into the AMRAP segment, which includes bench presses and a hang hold. This combination not only tests pressing strength and core stability but also challenges participants to maintain muscular endurance under fatigue. The structure encourages teamwork and competition, making it an excellent workout for the Big Steve Memorial Tribute & Holiday Workouts.

Strategy and Finish

Begin the buy-in with a moderate effort to safeguard energy for the AMRAP. The rowing should be aggressive yet controlled, aiming to maximize calorie output without sacrificing form, while GHD sit-ups should be performed with focus on core engagement. For the AMRAP, establish a sustainable pace for the bench presses to avoid burnout, ideally keeping each set unbroken in the early rounds. The hang hold will test grip and shoulder endurance, so maintain a strong posture and focus on breathing. In the final moments, push through fatigue and aim for a few extra rounds to honor the spirit of the workout, making this a powerful tribute that resonates during the Big Steve Memorial Tribute & Holiday Workouts WOD.


An image showing the crossfit workout Big Steve, or showing an exercise from the wod Big Steve

Other memorial tribute holiday-crossfit workouts 

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Zhina

For Time - 1 Round

Buy-In: 1,000m Run
300 Jumping Jacks
79 Burpees
Then, 6 Rounds of:
22 Air Squats
22 Push-Ups
22 Kettlebell Swings
22 Alternating Lunges
22 Sit-Ups
Cash-Out: 25 Burpees
1,401m Run

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#BylerStrong

AMRAP 32

Max Calorie Bike
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Station 3: 89 Double-Unders, 200 meter Medicine Ball Run
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Hallowod

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10 Burpees
31 Russian Kettlebell Swings
10 Burpees
31 Box Jumps
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10 Burpees
31 Pull-Ups
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WOD For Will

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12 Kettlebell Swings
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Retired Capt. David Dorn

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Buy-In 77 Burpees
Then AMRAP 6
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Hong

For Time: 2 Rounds

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10 Hang Cleans
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Rocco

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5 Cleans
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Rest 3 mins
3 Rounds

11 Pull-Ups
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19 Deadlifts
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Renee

AMRAP 31

29 Wall Ball Shots
29 Overhead Squats
29 Hang Squat Clean-and-Jerks
29 calorie Bike
29 Hang Power Snatches
Each partner must perform a 1,991 meter Row at some point during the WOD.

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Henry Sanchez

5 Rounds for Time

10 Deadlifts
10 Burpee Box Jump Overs
37 Double-Unders
Cash-Out: 95 calorie Assault Bike

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How do you perform the Big Steve workout

Learn how to crush this workout

To perform the Big Steve workout, start with a buy-in of 5 rounds where Partner A rows calories while Partner B completes GHD sit-ups. Switch roles until both partners finish the rounds. This will prime your body for the AMRAP portion.

Once the buy-in is complete, transition into the AMRAP segment. Focus on bench presses, keeping your feet planted and back flat against the bench. Engage your chest muscles and control the weight for each rep.

For the hang hold, maintain a solid grip on the barbell or dumbbells, hanging from a pull-up bar. Keep your core tight and avoid swinging to maximize endurance. Repeat this cycle for 20 minutes, aiming for as many rounds as possible while maintaining good form.

An image showing someone explaining how to perform the Big Steve workout
An image showing someone getting ready to scale the Big Steve workout

How do you scale the workout

The wod "Big Steve" can be done by everyone

Reduce the calories on the rower to a target that feels achievable, such as 10-15 calories for each partner. For the GHD Sit-Ups, consider performing regular sit-ups or ab mat sit-ups to ensure a manageable intensity.

When transitioning to the AMRAP portion, adjust the weight of the bench press to accommodate your strength level, aiming for a weight you can lift for 8-10 reps without breaking form. If necessary, use a lighter barbell or dumbbells.

For the Hang Hold, hold a lighter weight or simply use a static position without weights if grip strength is a concern. Focus on maintaining good posture and core engagement throughout.

Remember, it's important to listen to your body and prioritize form over speed.

How do you score the WOD

See if you beat your friends in the wod "Big Steve"

Your score for the AMRAP 20 workout, Big Steve, is calculated by keeping track of total completed rounds and additional repetitions. As the workout is structured, you need to complete the 5 rounds of Row calories and GHD Sit-Ups first before moving on to the AMRAP segment.

During the AMRAP portion, count every rep of Bench Presses and Hang Holds until the 20 minutes are up. At the end of the workout, your score will be the total number of full rounds completed plus all additional reps from the AMRAP section.

For example, if you finished 8 full rounds of AMRAP plus 4 Bench Presses and 3 Hang Holds, your total would be 8 + 4 + 3 = 15 total scored reps.

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

What are the tips and strategy to use

Here is how to gain an edge in the "Big Steve"

Prioritize technique over speed in the AMRAP portion. Maintain steady breathing to enhance your endurance during the Bench Presses and Hang Hold.

Consider implementing a strategy where you alternate between Bench Presses and Hang Holds, allowing your muscles to rest while still keeping your heart rate elevated.

Focus on your grip and posture; keep your back straight during the Hang Hold to engage your core effectively.

Use a weight for the Bench Press that challenges you but allows for proper form throughout the workout. It's better to complete more rounds with lighter weights than to risk injury with heavier loads.

Finally, stay hydrated and keep an eye on the clock to manage your pacing throughout the workout.

What is a good score for the Big Steve workout

Check out how you did in the "Big Steve"

For the Big Steve workout, which is an AMRAP for 20 minutes, participants will aim to complete as many rounds as possible after the buy-in of 5 rounds, which focuses on rowing calories and GHD sit-ups.

Intermediate athletes are expected to achieve 9–11 rounds. Advanced athletes can aim for 13–15 rounds, while elite athletes should strive for 17 or more rounds.

A score exceeding 300 total reps signifies exceptional pacing and muscular endurance, demonstrating a strong capability to manage both strength and stamina throughout the workout.

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

What is the intended stimulus for the Big Steve workout

What part of your body is being challenged in the "Big Steve"

The benchmark workout AMRAP 20, known as Big Steve, aims to improve muscular endurance and metabolic conditioning. The workout comprises a 5-round buy-in that includes rowing calories paired with GHD sit-ups, targeting both aerobic and core stability. This component sets the stage for the main segment, which features an AMRAP format emphasizing bench presses and a hang hold.

By engaging various muscle groups and maintaining a consistent heart rate, athletes are encouraged to develop resilience and strength under fatigue. The combination of pushing and pulling movements fosters a balance of power and stamina while challenging grip strength during the hang hold.

Overall, Big Steve serves as a comprehensive test of fitness, blending strength and endurance in a collaborative environment.

What is the World record for the Big Steve workout

What is the fastest score for "Big Steve"

The world record for the AMRAP workout titled Big Steve remains unofficial, as it is often shared among the CrossFit community without formal verification.

Top reported scores suggest elite athletes achieve anywhere from 20 to 22 rounds for men and around 17 to 19 rounds for women. These impressive results indicate a remarkable ability to maintain sub-1-minute rounds while executing the workout's demands under significant fatigue.

Given the intensity of the Big Steve workout, the scores reflect the performance of highly trained individuals, showcasing both strength and endurance in an AMRAP format.

As with all such records, the specifics may vary based on individual performance, gym setup, and adherence to workout standards within the community.

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

Who are we honoring with the Workout "Big Steve"

Why are we doing the "Big Steve" workout?

The workout "Big Steve" is honoring Steve McKinney, a beloved member of the fitness community. Known for his unwavering spirit and dedication, Steve inspired many with his passion for health and wellness.

This AMRAP workout reflects his strength and resilience, encapsulating the essence of teamwork and perseverance. Each movement, from rowing to bench pressing, symbolizes the effort he encouraged in others, motivating them to push their limits and strive for greatness.

Ultimately, this workout serves as a tribute to Steve's legacy, reminding all who participate of the impact he had on those around him.

What kind of exercises are in the Big Steve The 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.

  • Row Erg

    Rowing is a low-impact, full-body movement that builds cardiovascular endurance, leg drive, and pulling strength. It’s a staple in many CrossFit workouts because it trains both aerobic capacity and muscular coordination.

    In this rowing workout, each effort helps develop power output, pacing control, and total-body stamina — all while being easy on the joints. Whether you're sprinting for calories or pacing for meters, rowing is one of the most effective tools for conditioning.

  • ghd sit up

    The GHD sit-up (Glute-Ham Developer sit-up) is a high-range core movement that develops abdominal strength, hip flexor power, and midline control. Common in advanced GHD sit-up workouts, it extends beyond the typical sit-up range, demanding more from your entire trunk.

    In this workout, GHD sit-ups train explosive core strength, spinal control, and endurance, making them ideal for building gymnastic capacity and resilience. When used properly, the GHD sit-up is a powerful tool for high-level core development.

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