memorial_wod

Brennan - Crossfit Workout

For Time (Partner) – 1

1,000 meter Row
40 Overhead Squats – @43/29 kg
50 Chest-to-Bar Pull-Ups
750 meter Row
30 Squat Snatches – @43/29 kg
30 Chest-to-Bar Pull-Ups
500 meter Row
20 Overhead Squats – @43/29 kg
20 Chest-to-Bar Pull-Ups
250 meter Row
10 Squat Snatches
10 Chest-to-Bar Pull-Ups

Execution and Focus

Brennan is a demanding workout designed to challenge your cardiovascular endurance and strength under fatigue. The structure features a combination of rowing, squats, chest-to-bar pull-ups, and squat snatches, which test multiple muscle groups and energy systems. Athletes will navigate through varying distances of rowing, emphasizing both aerobic capacity and rowing technique, while the overhead squats and squat snatches focus on stability, mobility, and overall strength. The chest-to-bar pull-ups require upper body power and coordination, creating a well-rounded challenge that’s suitable for a range of fitness levels, especially during the holiday season.

Strategy and Finish

Begin with a steady effort on the rowing portion to establish a rhythm, aiming to complete each segment efficiently without pushing too hard too soon. Consider breaking up the overhead squats and chest-to-bar pull-ups into manageable sets to prevent burnout. Pay attention to your form, especially during the squat snatches, to maintain technique as fatigue sets in. As you reach the final few rounds, increase your intensity, focusing on maintaining good form while pushing through the remaining reps. This approach not only maximizes your score but also pays tribute to the spirit of the Brennan Memorial Workout, making it an impactful holiday challenge.


The "Brennan" - Crossfit Memorial, Tribute & Holiday Workout

the WOD

For Time (Partner) – 1

1,000 meter Row
40 Overhead Squats – @43/29 kg
50 Chest-to-Bar Pull-Ups
750 meter Row
30 Squat Snatches – @43/29 kg
30 Chest-to-Bar Pull-Ups
500 meter Row
20 Overhead Squats – @43/29 kg
20 Chest-to-Bar Pull-Ups
250 meter Row
10 Squat Snatches
10 Chest-to-Bar Pull-Ups

how to plan the "Brennan" workout?

Execution and Focus

Brennan is a demanding workout designed to challenge your cardiovascular endurance and strength under fatigue. The structure features a combination of rowing, squats, chest-to-bar pull-ups, and squat snatches, which test multiple muscle groups and energy systems. Athletes will navigate through varying distances of rowing, emphasizing both aerobic capacity and rowing technique, while the overhead squats and squat snatches focus on stability, mobility, and overall strength. The chest-to-bar pull-ups require upper body power and coordination, creating a well-rounded challenge that’s suitable for a range of fitness levels, especially during the holiday season.

Strategy and Finish

Begin with a steady effort on the rowing portion to establish a rhythm, aiming to complete each segment efficiently without pushing too hard too soon. Consider breaking up the overhead squats and chest-to-bar pull-ups into manageable sets to prevent burnout. Pay attention to your form, especially during the squat snatches, to maintain technique as fatigue sets in. As you reach the final few rounds, increase your intensity, focusing on maintaining good form while pushing through the remaining reps. This approach not only maximizes your score but also pays tribute to the spirit of the Brennan Memorial Workout, making it an impactful holiday challenge.


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Other memorial tribute holiday-crossfit workouts 

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Duco

For Time – 1 Round

Buy-In: 800 meter Sandbag Run
Then AMRAP in 21 minutes of:
5 Sandbag Ground-to-Shoulders
7 Burpee Box Jumps
13 Shoulder-to-Overheads

*Wear a Weight Vest.
Cash-Out: 1 mile Run.

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John Lewis

For Time: 2 Rounds

21 Push-Ups
40 Sit-Ups
80 Single-Arm Overhead Walking Lunges

7 Rounds
17-20
20 Double-Unders

80 Weighted Box Step-Ups

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Esjan

For Time: 1

Mountain Run
10 Push Presses
10 Kettlebell Swings
10 Box Jumps

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WC 19.1

For Time – 3

21-15-9
Deadlifts
Handstand Push-Ups
1,000m Row
Thrusters
Pull-Ups
30
Clean-and-Jerks

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Tin Trail

For Time – 4 Rounds

3 Rope Climbs
12 meter Handstand Walk
3 Rope Climbs
12 meter Handstand Walk
20 meter Yoke Carry
Time Cap: 15 minutes

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Breonna Taylor

For Time: 8 Rounds

13 Burpees
26 Russian Kettlebell Swings
13 Thrusters
26 Ring Rows
Work 3 min, Rest 1 min per round

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Iwo Jima

2 Rounds for Time

19 Sandbag Cleans
300 meter Ruck Run
45 Burpee Step-Ups
300 meter Ruck Run

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Mamba Mentality

For Time: 5 Rounds

Buy-In 1,996 meter Air Bike
8 Squat Cleans
24 Double-Unders
2 Muscle-Ups
13 Burpees
Buy-Out 60 calorie Row

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Speedy

AMRAP 40

8 Wall Ball Shots
8 Deadlifts
8 Power Cleans
8 Shoulder-to-Overheads
Max Calorie Row (in the remaining time)

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12/31

For Time: 13

31 Push Presses
31 Pull-Ups
31 Snatches
31 Sit-Ups
31 Toes-to-Bars
31 Push-Ups
31 Box Jumps
31 Back Squats
31 Unbroken Double-Unders
31 Thrusters
31 Lunges
31 Burpees
Then, 365 meter Row.

Read More
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How do you perform the Brennan workout

Learn how to crush this workout

Begin the workout by rowing for 1,000 meters, maintaining a steady pace to build endurance. Transition to performing 40 overhead squats, ensuring your core is engaged and your arms are fully extended overhead for stability.

Next, complete 50 chest-to-bar pull-ups, focusing on pulling your chest to the bar for maximum range of motion. Follow this with a 750-meter row, keeping your strokes efficient.

Proceed with 30 squat snatches, utilizing proper form to lift the barbell from the ground to overhead in one fluid motion. Then, execute 30 more chest-to-bar pull-ups, ensuring you maintain a strong grip.

Row 500 meters, then do 20 overhead squats followed by 20 chest-to-bar pull-ups. Finally, finish with a 250-meter row, 10 squat snatches, and 10 chest-to-bar pull-ups to complete the workout.

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

How do you scale the workout

The wod "Brennan" can be done by everyone

Scale the row distance to accommodate your fitness level; beginners can start with a 250-meter row. Adjust the overhead squat weight to a manageable load, like 40% of your body weight or use a lighter kettlebell, around 8–12 kg.

For pull-ups, consider using a band for assistance or switch to ring rows to maintain the challenge without overexertion. Reduce the squat snatch weight to a light barbell or dumbbells, prioritizing form over heaviness.

Cut down the reps to 5–10 per movement for each round, or increase the rest time between rounds to ensure you maintain quality movements throughout the workout.

How do you score the WOD

See if you beat your friends in the wod "Brennan"

To score the benchmark workout "Brennan," you need to tally your completed repetitions and distances across the entire workout.

Your score is determined by the total number of full rounds completed and any additional repetitions achieved after your last full round. Each component must be completed in sequence, and it's essential to keep track of the distance rowed as well as the reps for each exercise.

For example, if you finish 3 full rounds and complete 10 of the 40 Overhead Squats in your final round, your score would be 3 rounds + 10 reps = 3 + 10 = 3,010 total reps.

Accurate tracking is key to ensuring a fair assessment of your performance against this challenging benchmark.

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What are the tips and strategy to use

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

Begin the Brennan workout with a steady pace on the initial 1,000-meter row to establish a solid rhythm. Remember to focus on your form during the overhead squats; avoid going too heavy to maintain fluid movement.

During the chest-to-bar pull-ups, consider using kipping to increase efficiency and reduce fatigue. Break the movements into manageable sets to avoid burnout.

As you transition to the 750-meter row, use it as an active recovery phase, allowing your heart rate to settle before tackling the squat snatches.

For the final 250-meter row, push the pace but ensure you have enough energy for the last set of overhead squats and pull-ups, focusing on maintaining technique to finish strong.

What is a good score for the Brennan workout

Check out how you did in the "Brennan"

The Brennan workout is a demanding program that tests both endurance and strength. A good score for this 'for time' workout is generally under 20 minutes for intermediate athletes.

Advanced athletes should aim to complete it in around 15 to 18 minutes, while elite athletes often finish in under 12 minutes.

Successfully managing transitions and maintaining a strong pace throughout each segment will significantly impact your overall time.

A score under 15 minutes indicates exceptional fitness and skill, showcasing both stamina and technique in the various movements involved.

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What is the intended stimulus for the Brennan workout

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

The benchmark workout known as Brennan is structured to enhance both aerobic and muscular endurance through varied rep schemes and movements. This workout demands continuous movement and strategic pacing, as athletes transition from rowing to strength-focused exercises seamlessly.

With a combination of overhead squats and chest-to-bar pull-ups, it emphasizes core stability and upper body strength while testing grip endurance under fatigue. The descending distances in the rowing segments require athletes to maintain intensity while managing fatigue effectively.

Overall, Brennan is designed to push athletes to their limits, promoting resilience, movement efficiency, and mental toughness in a challenging, timed format.

What is the World record for the Brennan workout

What is the fastest score for "Brennan"

The world record for the workout titled Brennan is an impressive 9 minutes and 13 seconds. This time reflects the extraordinary capabilities of elite athletes competing in high-intensity CrossFit workouts.

The workout consists of a series of rowing distances, overhead squats, chest-to-bar pull-ups, and squat snatches, all performed for time. Each segment increases the challenge while maintaining a focus on speed and efficiency.

Achieving a record time requires not only physical strength but also exceptional pacing and strategic transitions between movements. Athletes must push their limits while navigating fatigue through the workout's intensity.

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Who are we honoring with the Workout "Brennan"

Why are we doing the "Brennan" workout?

The workout "Brennan" is honoring the memory of a dedicated individual who inspired those around them through their commitment to fitness and community. This workout serves as a tribute to their spirit and perseverance, encouraging participants to push their limits and honor their legacy.

Each challenging movement within the workout symbolizes the strength and determination that this individual embodied, making it a meaningful and reflective experience for all who take part.

What kind of exercises are in the Brennan The workout?

  • 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.

  • overhead squat

    The overhead squat is a high-skill movement that develops full-body strength, mobility, balance, and core control. A key lift in many overhead squat workouts, it involves holding a barbell locked overhead while performing a deep squat — challenging both stability and flexibility.

    In this workout, overhead squats train shoulder stability, midline engagement, and leg strength, making them a valuable tool for improving movement quality and preparing for Olympic lifts like the snatch.

  • chest to bar

    The chest-to-bar pull-up is a high-skill gymnastics movement that takes traditional pull-ups further by requiring the chest to make contact with the bar. Common in competitive CrossFit and advanced chest to bar workouts, it builds upper body strength, pulling power, and grip endurance.

    In this workout, chest-to-bar pull-ups challenge your lats, arms, core, and coordination—especially under high reps or in combination with other movements. Whether performed strict, kipping, or butterfly, chest-to-bar is a true test of bodyweight control and stamina.

Our own Workouts with the same "For time" format

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Full Body Forty

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For Time

40 Toes to Bar
40 Cal Bike Erg
40 DB Snatch
40 Pistol Squats / DB Pistols (RX: @10/15)
40 Burpee Box Jumps

TC: 16

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Three Levels of Hell

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For time

Buy in: 15/20 cal assault bike
3 rounds of:
12 Ring rows/pullups
8 Hand release push ups/HSPU
10 DB snatch –

1 min rest

Buy in: 15/20 cal assault bike
3 rounds of:
6 (Banded) pull ups/C2B
8 Hand release push ups/HSPU
10 DB snatch

1 min rest

Buy in: 15/20 cal assault bike
3 rounds of:
3 Burpee (banded) pull ups/bar muscle ups
8 Hand release push ups/HSPU
10 DB snatch

TC: 26

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Burpees Between Breakdowns

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3 rounds

8 Power cleans – Intermediate: 35/50 RX: 40/60
4 burpees over bar
8 Thrusters
4 burpees over bar
8 Squat cleans
4 burpees over bar

1-minute rest between rounds

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Banded Bar Ladder

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For time

For time
5-10-5-10-5 Banded Bar Muscle up OR Chest to bar
10-8-6-4-2 Squat cleans

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The Unlucky Elevens

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3 rounds

11 Deadlift –
11 Knee raises/knees to elbows/T2B
11 Burpees over bar
11 Hang squat cleans –
11 Ring rows/Pull ups
11 Bojumps
11 Jerks –

TC: 18

Try it
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