Begin the workout with the Ski Erg, ensuring proper form by keeping your core engaged and using your legs to drive the movement. Aim for a steady pace, focusing on fluid, coordinated strokes to cover the 2000 meters efficiently.

Once you finish the Ski Erg, transition to the Clean-and-Jerks. Start with the barbell on the ground, and smoothly perform a clean to bring it to your shoulders. From there, utilize your legs to propel the bar overhead in a controlled manner. Maintain a tight core and stable stance throughout the movement.

Complete all 30 Clean-and-Jerks with minimal rest, ensuring each repetition is performed with precision. Focus on your breathing and maintain good posture as you move between exercises for optimal performance and safety.

To scale the 2000 meter Ski Erg, consider reducing the distance to 1000 meters for beginners or those with limited experience. Alternatively, you can perform intervals of 500 meters with rest periods in between.

For the Clean-and-Jerk, lower the weight to something manageable, such as 40–60% of your one-rep max, to allow for good form and technique. Beginners might start with just the barbell or even use dumbbells for familiarity.

If needed, modify the movement by performing the Clean separately from the Jerk or by doing dumbbell cleans and push presses instead for a lighter option. Aim for 20 reps if 30 feels too strenuous.

Your score for the benchmark workout, Hitting the Slopes with Grace, is based on the total time it takes to complete both segments: the Ski Erg and the Clean-and-Jerks. Start with the 2000 meters on the Ski Erg, and record the time it takes to finish.

Once completed, immediately transition to the 30 Clean-and-Jerks. Your score will be the total time from start to finish, including any rest time taken between the Ski Erg and the Clean-and-Jerks.

For instance, if you finish the Ski Erg in 8 minutes and the Clean-and-Jerks in 5 minutes, your score would be 13 minutes. Be sure to record your time to the nearest second for a precise score.

Begin with steady pacing on the Ski Erg, aiming for a consistent rhythm rather than an all-out effort. This will help conserve energy for the Clean-and-Jerk.

As you transition to the Clean-and-Jerk, focus on maintaining good form. Break the 30 reps into manageable sets, such as 10s or 15s, to prevent fatigue and maintain technique.

Utilize your legs effectively during the Clean-and-Jerk to maximize power and reduce strain on your shoulders. Prioritize a fluid motion and steady breathing to keep your heart rate manageable.

Minimize downtime between exercises to maintain momentum, but don’t rush; find a pace that allows you to maintain form throughout the workout.

Lastly, mentally prepare for the final push, reminding yourself to stay focused and finish strong.

For the workout "Hitting the Slopes with Grace," which consists of a 2000-meter Ski Erg followed by 30 Clean-and-Jerks, a good score can vary based on your fitness level.

Intermediate athletes should aim to complete this workout in around 10–12 minutes. Advanced athletes typically finish between 8–10 minutes. Elite athletes can achieve times under 8 minutes, showcasing exceptional conditioning and technique.

A score under 15 minutes indicates that you may want to work on your pacing and efficiency with both the Ski Erg and Clean-and-Jerks. Prioritizing form during the Clean-and-Jerks is essential for maintaining speed throughout the workout.

The benchmark workout, Hitting the Slopes with Grace, is intended to stimulate both aerobic capacity and muscular endurance through a combination of high-intensity movements. The 2000 meters on the Ski Erg serve to build cardiovascular endurance while engaging the upper body, core, and legs in unison.

The subsequent 30 Clean-and-Jerks demand explosive strength, coordination, and shoulder endurance. Athletes must maintain proper technique under fatigue, which is crucial for overall performance.

This workout encourages athletes to embrace sustained effort and to develop resilience to physical and mental fatigue. Overall, it’s designed to challenge both the aerobic system and muscle stamina, creating a well-rounded test of fitness.

The world record for the workout titled Hitting the Slopes with Grace, which consists of a 2000-meter Ski Erg followed by 30 Clean-and-Jerks, is highly competitive. As of October 2023, elite athletes have demonstrated remarkable times, with the fastest recorded score being around 7 minutes and 30 seconds.

This performance showcases a blend of cardiovascular endurance and explosive strength, emphasizing the need for both skill and speed. Achieving such a time requires meticulous pacing and exceptional technique, especially in the Clean-and-Jerk segment.

The combination of these two movements tests an athlete's overall fitness and ability to transition efficiently between cardio and weightlifting, a hallmark of high-level training in functional fitness.

The workout "Hitting the Slopes with Grace" is dedicated to honoring the resilience and spirit of individuals who face challenges with strength and determination. It pays tribute to those who have had a profound influence in their communities, inspiring others to push their limits and embrace the transformative power of fitness.

This session particularly celebrates athletes who have overcome personal struggles, reminding participants of the importance of perseverance and grace in the face of adversity. It's a moment to reflect, push boundaries, and come together in solidarity.