
1 Rep Max Deadlift, Back Squat, Shoulder-to-Overhead
Time Cap: 9 minutes
FTD Qualifier 12.2 is a benchmark workout that focuses on three key strength movements to assess peak performance: the 1 Rep Max Deadlift, 1 Rep Max Back Squat, and 1 Rep Max Shoulder-to-Overhead. With a time cap of 9 minutes, this workout is designed to challenge athletes' strength and endurance under pressure. Each lift requires a blend of technique and raw power, making it essential for competitors to execute with precision. The deadlift engages the entire posterior chain, while the back squat emphasizes lower body strength, and the shoulder-to-overhead movement tests upper body power and stability. This workout serves as a fitting tribute to both the Memorial and holiday seasons, pushing athletes to honor their capabilities.
Approach FTD Qualifier 12.2 with a well-planned strategy to maximize your performance. Start with a solid warm-up, focusing on mobility and technique for each lift. As you progress through your attempts, ensure your weights are challenging yet achievable—do not go too heavy too quickly. For the deadlift and squat, consider lifting in sets of singles to maintain form and prevent fatigue. For the shoulder-to-overhead, a strategic approach like using a split jerk might conserve energy while maximizing power output. Keep track of your time; with only 9 minutes to work, managing your energy will be key to hitting personal records while paying tribute during this special workout.
1 Rep Max Deadlift, Back Squat, Shoulder-to-Overhead
Time Cap: 9 minutes
FTD Qualifier 12.2 is a benchmark workout that focuses on three key strength movements to assess peak performance: the 1 Rep Max Deadlift, 1 Rep Max Back Squat, and 1 Rep Max Shoulder-to-Overhead. With a time cap of 9 minutes, this workout is designed to challenge athletes' strength and endurance under pressure. Each lift requires a blend of technique and raw power, making it essential for competitors to execute with precision. The deadlift engages the entire posterior chain, while the back squat emphasizes lower body strength, and the shoulder-to-overhead movement tests upper body power and stability. This workout serves as a fitting tribute to both the Memorial and holiday seasons, pushing athletes to honor their capabilities.
Approach FTD Qualifier 12.2 with a well-planned strategy to maximize your performance. Start with a solid warm-up, focusing on mobility and technique for each lift. As you progress through your attempts, ensure your weights are challenging yet achievable—do not go too heavy too quickly. For the deadlift and squat, consider lifting in sets of singles to maintain form and prevent fatigue. For the shoulder-to-overhead, a strategic approach like using a split jerk might conserve energy while maximizing power output. Keep track of your time; with only 9 minutes to work, managing your energy will be key to hitting personal records while paying tribute during this special workout.

Start with the deadlift, focusing on form. Load the barbell to find your 1 Rep Max, maintaining a neutral spine and engaged core throughout the lift. Aim for a weight that challenges you while ensuring proper technique.
Next, transition to the back squat. Again, find your 1 Rep Max by using a weight that allows you to achieve depth while keeping your chest up and knees tracking over your toes. Focus on driving through your heels and engaging your glutes.
Finally, perform the shoulder-to-overhead lift, which can be executed using a strict press, push press, or jerk. Select a weight that challenges you but allows for a smooth, controlled movement. Ensure you lock out overhead with full stability, keeping your body aligned.
Complete all three movements within the 9-minute time cap for maximum efficiency.


Reduce the load of the deadlift to about 50-60% of your 1 rep max to ensure proper form and avoid injury. For the back squat, aim for a weight that allows you to complete 10 reps unbroken, typically around 40-50% of your max.
For the shoulder-to-overhead, scale down to a weight you can confidently lift for sets of 10 without compromising technique, usually around 30-40% of your max.
Time cap could also be adjusted to 12 minutes for beginners, allowing for adequate recovery between sets. Alternatively, consider reducing the repetitions per movement to 5 if you're new to these lifts.
Your score for the benchmark workout FTD Qualifier 12.2 is calculated based on the total load lifted across the three listed movements: Deadlift, Back Squat, and Shoulder-to-Overhead.
To score, complete your attempts for each lift, aiming for your highest possible weight for one repetition, known as your 1 Rep Max (1RM).
Add together the weight of your highest successful Deadlift, Back Squat, and Shoulder-to-Overhead to find your total load score.
For instance, if your 1RM for Deadlift is 200 kg (440 lbs), Back Squat is 150 kg (330 lbs), and Shoulder-to-Overhead is 100 kg (220 lbs), your total score would be 450 kg (990 lbs).
Ensure each lift is performed within the 9-minute time cap for eligibility in the workout scoring.


Begin with a controlled pace for the initial lifts, ensuring to maintain good form throughout. Prioritize establishing a strong foundation with the 1 Rep Max Deadlift to engage your posterior chain effectively.
As you transition to the 1 Rep Max Back Squat, focus on depth and stability to maximize your lift. Don't rush; allow adequate time between sets to recover your strength.
When approaching the 1 Rep Max Shoulder-to-Overhead, use your legs to assist in the press; this will help protect your shoulders and enhance overall power.
Be mindful of the 9-minute time cap; plan your attempts wisely to allow for sufficient rest and avoid unnecessary fatigue. Each lift should build upon the last for optimal performance.
A good score for FTD Qualifier 12.2, which focuses on max lifts, can vary based on your experience level and strength. For beginners, achieving a total lift of around 600 lbs combined is a decent target.
Intermediate athletes might aim for a total of 800–1,000 lbs, with a good balance across deadlifts, back squats, and shoulder-to-overhead movements.
Advanced lifters should strive for a total of 1,100–1,300 lbs, demonstrating solid proficiency in all three lifts.
Elite lifters can expect to exceed 1,400 lbs, showcasing exceptional strength and technique in each lift.
Overall, focus on improving your form and increasing your max lifts over time to achieve these benchmarks.


The intended stimulus of the benchmark workout FTD Qualifier 12.2 is to assess maximal strength across key lifts, specifically focusing on the deadlift, back squat, and shoulder-to-overhead movements. This workout emphasizes the ability to lift heavy loads under time constraints, which tests both physical and mental fortitude.
Completing each lift within the 9-minute time cap requires athletes to maintain focus and manage their energy effectively. The workout not only highlights an athlete's one-rep max capabilities but also challenges their mental toughness as they push through fatigue.
Ultimately, FTD Qualifier 12.2 aims to identify strengths and weaknesses in strength training, providing valuable insights for future programming and performance improvement.
The workout titled FTD Qualifier 12.2 includes a series of challenging lifts performed for load, culminating in a time cap of 9 minutes. It requires athletes to maximize their strength through three key movements: the deadlift, back squat, and shoulder-to-overhead.
Shoulder-to-overhead scores can vary widely, but top athletes demonstrate significant output, often exceeding 300 pounds (136 kg) for males and 150 pounds (68 kg) for females, showcasing their strength endurance and power.


The FTD Qualifier 12.2 workout honors those who have shown incredible strength and resilience in the face of adversity. It is a tribute to athletes who push their limits and strive for excellence.
This workout embodies the dedication and hard work necessary to achieve personal bests in powerlifting movements, specifically the deadlift, back squat, and shoulder-to-overhead exercises.
By participating in this challenge, athletes pay homage to the spirit of competition and inspire one another to reach new heights in their fitness journey.