memorial_wod

Jonah Lomu - Crossfit Workout

For Time: 11 Rounds

1975 meter Run
11 Sandbag Ground-to-Over-Shoulder - @25/20 kg (55/45 lb)
11 Thrusters - @61/43 kg (135/95 lb)
11 Handstand Push-Ups
11 Hang Squat Cleans - @61/43 kg (135/95 lb)
11 Chest-to-Bar Pull-Ups
11 Shoulder-to-Overheads - @61/43 kg (135/95 lb)
11 Back Squats - @61/43 kg (135/95 lb)
11 Power Cleans - @61/43 kg (135/95 lb)
37 Wall Ball Shots - @9/6 kg (20/14 lb)
40 Kettlebell Swings - @8/12

Execution and Focus

The Jonah Lomu workout presents a unique challenge designed to push the limits of endurance and strength, featuring a variety of movements that test both physical and mental capacity. The 1975-meter run serves as a foundational element, preparing athletes for a series of 11 high-repetition exercises that include sandbag ground-to-shoulder, thrusters, handstand push-ups, hang squat cleans, chest-to-bar pull-ups, shoulder-to-overheads, back squats, power cleans, wall ball shots, and kettlebell swings. This combination targets multiple muscle groups while fostering cardiovascular conditioning and muscular endurance. It's a comprehensive workout that honors the spirit of competition likened to the legendary Jonah Lomu, presenting an accessible yet formidable challenge suitable for both experienced athletes and those striving to improve.

Strategy and Finish

To optimize performance during the Jonah Lomu workout, begin with a conservative pace on the run, aiming for a consistent and manageable speed. Each movement should be approached with a clear strategy: consider breaking up the 11 reps for exercises like handstand push-ups and power cleans to mitigate fatigue. Maintain focus on form during kettlebell swings and wall ball shots to maximize efficiency and protect against injury. As you progress towards the latter stages of the workout, dig deeper and challenge yourself to increase intensity—pushing through the final rounds can provide a significant boost to your final time. Concluding strong in this high-rep, varied workout not only aids in personal achievement but also serves as a fitting tribute to Jonah Lomu's legacy in the world of sport.


The "Jonah Lomu" - Crossfit Memorial, Tribute & Holiday Workout

the WOD

For Time: 11 Rounds

1975 meter Run
11 Sandbag Ground-to-Over-Shoulder - @25/20 kg (55/45 lb)
11 Thrusters - @61/43 kg (135/95 lb)
11 Handstand Push-Ups
11 Hang Squat Cleans - @61/43 kg (135/95 lb)
11 Chest-to-Bar Pull-Ups
11 Shoulder-to-Overheads - @61/43 kg (135/95 lb)
11 Back Squats - @61/43 kg (135/95 lb)
11 Power Cleans - @61/43 kg (135/95 lb)
37 Wall Ball Shots - @9/6 kg (20/14 lb)
40 Kettlebell Swings - @8/12

how to plan the "Jonah Lomu" workout?

Execution and Focus

The Jonah Lomu workout presents a unique challenge designed to push the limits of endurance and strength, featuring a variety of movements that test both physical and mental capacity. The 1975-meter run serves as a foundational element, preparing athletes for a series of 11 high-repetition exercises that include sandbag ground-to-shoulder, thrusters, handstand push-ups, hang squat cleans, chest-to-bar pull-ups, shoulder-to-overheads, back squats, power cleans, wall ball shots, and kettlebell swings. This combination targets multiple muscle groups while fostering cardiovascular conditioning and muscular endurance. It's a comprehensive workout that honors the spirit of competition likened to the legendary Jonah Lomu, presenting an accessible yet formidable challenge suitable for both experienced athletes and those striving to improve.

Strategy and Finish

To optimize performance during the Jonah Lomu workout, begin with a conservative pace on the run, aiming for a consistent and manageable speed. Each movement should be approached with a clear strategy: consider breaking up the 11 reps for exercises like handstand push-ups and power cleans to mitigate fatigue. Maintain focus on form during kettlebell swings and wall ball shots to maximize efficiency and protect against injury. As you progress towards the latter stages of the workout, dig deeper and challenge yourself to increase intensity—pushing through the final rounds can provide a significant boost to your final time. Concluding strong in this high-rep, varied workout not only aids in personal achievement but also serves as a fitting tribute to Jonah Lomu's legacy in the world of sport.


An image showing the crossfit workout Jonah Lomu, or showing an exercise from the wod Jonah Lomu

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How do you perform the Jonah Lomu workout

Learn how to crush this workout

For the Jonah Lomu workout, begin with a 1975-meter run to kick off your session, maintaining a steady pace. Following the run, perform 11 sandbag ground-to-over-shoulder lifts, using proper form to engage your core and legs. Transition into 11 thrusters, combining a squat with an overhead press for a full-body move.

Next, execute 11 handstand push-ups, focusing on balance and shoulder engagement. Move on to 11 hang squat cleans, ensuring a fluid motion from the ground to your shoulders. Complete 11 chest-to-bar pull-ups, utilizing a strong grip and explosive pull.

Then, perform 11 shoulder-to-overheads, followed by 11 back squats, emphasizing depth and control. Continue with 11 power cleans, using your legs to drive the barbell upwards. Finish off the workout with 37 wall ball shots and 40 kettlebell swings, maximizing your power and explosiveness throughout.

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An image showing someone getting ready to scale the Jonah Lomu workout

How do you scale the workout

The wod "Jonah Lomu" can be done by everyone

Reduce the run distance to 1600 meters for beginners or those with limited experience. Scale the sandbag weight to 20-30 lbs for women and 40-60 lbs for men, ensuring the lifting technique is safe.

When performing thrusters, use lighter weights around 15-25 lbs for women and 30-40 lbs for men, allowing for proper form and technique.

For handstand push-ups, switch to pike push-ups or use an elevated surface to reduce the difficulty. If necessary, decrease the number of reps to 5 or 7 per movement.

Adjust the hang squat cleans to a lighter weight, around 25-35 lbs for women and 50-65 lbs for men, focusing on movement quality.

Lastly, opt for lighter kettlebell swings, around 8-12 kg, to maintain control and reduce fatigue.

How do you score the WOD

See if you beat your friends in the wod "Jonah Lomu"

To score the benchmark workout Jonah Lomu, you will calculate your total reps based on the specific exercises performed. This workout consists of a series of movements, including running and strength elements, with a total of 10 rounds.

Your final score combines the total number of full rounds completed plus any additional repetitions completed in the last round. For instance, if you finish 8 full rounds and perform 5 Kettlebell Swings in the final round, your score would be 8 times 10 plus 5 additional reps, equating to 85 total reps.

Keep track of your time, as this will also provide insight into your pace and conditioning level. Aim to improve both the number of reps and your overall time in future attempts.

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What are the tips and strategy to use

Here is how to gain an edge in the "Jonah Lomu"

Begin the benchmark workout Jonah Lomu at a measured pace, especially during the initial run; this will help conserve energy for the later rounds. Focus on maintaining a steady rhythm during the wall ball shots and kettlebell swings to avoid premature fatigue.

When it comes to the sandbag ground-to-over-shoulder and thrusters, prioritize form over speed to prevent injury and maximize efficiency. Break the handstand push-ups into manageable sets if necessary, aiming for muscle endurance.

Utilize your legs effectively in the shoulder-to-overheads and back squats to protect your shoulders and maintain power. Lastly, ensure quick transitions between movements to minimize downtime and keep your heart rate elevated throughout the workout.

What is a good score for the Jonah Lomu workout

Check out how you did in the "Jonah Lomu"

Intermediate: Aim for a completion time of 18–22 minutes. Advanced: A target time of 15–17 minutes showcases strong conditioning and technique. Elite athletes should strive to finish in under 15 minutes, indicating exceptional speed and efficiency.

The workout combines running, strength, and skill-based movements, testing both endurance and muscular stamina. A score under 20 minutes suggests a solid performance, while surpassing 15 minutes reflects advanced capabilities.

In striving for personal improvement, focus on pacing early to maintain energy throughout the workout. Consistency in reps for the strength movements and managing transitions will contribute significantly to your overall time.

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What is the intended stimulus for the Jonah Lomu workout

What part of your body is being challenged in the "Jonah Lomu"

The workout "Jonah Lomu" is designed to challenge both aerobic capacity and muscular endurance, pushing athletes through a series of demanding functional movements.

With a 1975 meter run serving as a potent warm-up, the subsequent exercises require a combination of strength, technique, and stamina.

Each of the 11 repetitions in various movements, such as Sandbag Ground-to-Over-Shoulder and Thrusters, demands focus and composure to maintain form under fatigue.

The high volume of Wall Ball Shots and Kettlebell Swings at the end keeps the heart rate elevated, making for a grueling finish.

Ultimately, this benchmark workout promotes resilience and reinforces the importance of pacing as athletes strive to complete it efficiently and effectively.

What is the World record for the Jonah Lomu workout

What is the fastest score for "Jonah Lomu"

The world record for the workout titled Jonah Lomu, performed for time, is an impressive benchmark within the fitness community. This workout involves a combination of running and strength movements that challenge both endurance and power.

Unofficial top scores reported in the CrossFit community for the Jonah Lomu workout typically range from 12 to 15 minutes for elite male athletes and 14 to 17 minutes for elite female athletes. These times reflect the capability to perform each movement efficiently under fatigue.

Setting a personal best in this workout requires not only physical strength but also strategic pacing throughout the different elements included in the routine. Achieving these times places athletes among the top performers in functional fitness.

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Who are we honoring with the Workout "Jonah Lomu"

Why are we doing the "Jonah Lomu" workout?

The workout "Jonah Lomu" is designed to honor the legendary New Zealand rugby player, known for his incredible speed and powerful playing style. Lomu, who rose to fame in the 1990s, is remembered for his remarkable performance in rugby, especially during the World Cup. His ability to tackle opponents and score spectacular tries made him a global sports icon.

This workout pays tribute to his legacy, incorporating various functional movements that test strength and endurance, reflecting Lomu's robust athleticism and relentless spirit on the field.

What kind of exercises are in the Jonah Lomu The workout?

  • Back Squats

    The back squat is a foundational barbell lift where the load rests across the upper back while the athlete lowers into a deep squat. Central to any serious back squat workout, it develops maximal lower-body strength and total-body power.

    In this workout, back squats target the glutes, quads, hamstrings, and core. The barbell placement allows for heavier loading compared to other squat variations, making it essential for strength development, athletic performance, and overall muscle growth.

  • wall ball

    The wall ball is a classic CrossFit movement that combines a front squat and an explosive throw, targeting your legs, shoulders, and lungs in one fluid motion. It’s a staple in any high-intensity wall ball workout, known for quickly elevating your heart rate.

    In this workout, wall balls build endurance, coordination, and full-body power. Whether you're using a 10 or 20 lb ball, this simple movement delivers serious results — especially when the reps start adding up.

  • handstand push-up

    The handstand push-up is a high-skill bodyweight movement that builds shoulder strength, balance, and core control. Common in advanced handstand push-up workouts, it challenges your upper body like few other movements.

    In this workout, handstand push-ups develop pressing power and gymnastic control under fatigue. Whether performed strict or kipping, the handstand push-up is a true test of body awareness and upper body stamina.

  • 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.

  • shoulder to overhead

    The shoulder to overhead movement trains your ability to drive a load from the shoulders to a locked-out position overhead using one of several techniques — strict press, push press, push jerk, or split jerk. It's a staple in any shoulder to overhead workout for building upper body strength, power, and stability.

    In this workout, shoulder to overhead challenges your shoulders, triceps, and core, especially under fatigue. It’s a versatile movement that allows athletes to choose the most efficient technique to move weight overhead — depending on the load and intensity.

  • running

    Running is one of the most effective ways to build cardiovascular endurance, leg strength, and mental toughness. A foundational element in many running workouts, it adds intensity and pacing challenges to both short sprints and longer distances.

    In this workout, running boosts your engine, footwork, and recovery capacity, especially when paired with strength or skill-based movements. Whether you're hitting meters or minutes, running is essential for building a well-rounded fitness base.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • hang squat clean

    The hang squat clean is a compound Olympic lift variation that begins from the hang position—above the knees—and finishes in a full front squat. Key in many hang squat clean workouts, this movement emphasizes bar control, speed under the bar, and clean mechanics without pulling from the floor.

    In this workout, hang squat cleans train explosive hip extension, front rack mobility, and leg strength. They’re especially useful for developing power, timing, and clean technique, while reducing lower back strain compared to full cleans from the floor.

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