memorial_wod

Mama Paula - Crossfit Workout

7 Rounds for Time

7 Man Makers - @2x22.5/15 kg
7 Dumbbell Squat Cleans
7 Dumbbell Clean-and-Jerks
7 Burpee Broad-Jumps
7 Dumbbell Thrusters
7 Push-Ups
7 Wall Ball Shots - @20/14 lb
Time Cap: 45 minutes

Execution and Focus

Mama Paula is a demanding benchmark workout designed to push your limits through a mix of bodyweight and weighted movements. Comprising 7 rounds for time, this workout challenges athletes to complete 7 Man Makers, 7 Dumbbell Squat Cleans, 7 Dumbbell Clean-and-Jerks, 7 Burpee Broad-Jumps, 7 Dumbbell Thrusters, 7 Push-Ups, and 7 Wall Ball Shots. The combination of high-rep movements emphasizes muscular endurance and cardiovascular capacity, making it a comprehensive test that suits both intermediate and advanced athletes. The workout aims to maintain a high intensity throughout, pushing athletes to stay focused and efficient under fatigue.

Strategy and Finish

To optimize your performance in the Mama Paula workout, begin with a measured pace for the initial rounds to gauge your stamina. Each round should ideally be completed within 1–2 minutes, allowing you to finish strong without hitting a wall too early. Manage your breathing, especially during transitions from the Dumbbell Clean-and-Jerks to Burpee Broad-Jumps, as this will help maintain a steady rhythm. Consider breaking up the Push-Ups into sets to avoid muscular failure, and aim for smooth, controlled Wall Ball Shots to conserve energy. As you approach the final rounds, dig deep and maximize your effort to secure a better finish time on the leaderboard.


The "Mama Paula" - Crossfit Memorial, Tribute & Holiday Workout

the WOD

7 Rounds for Time

7 Man Makers - @2x22.5/15 kg
7 Dumbbell Squat Cleans
7 Dumbbell Clean-and-Jerks
7 Burpee Broad-Jumps
7 Dumbbell Thrusters
7 Push-Ups
7 Wall Ball Shots - @20/14 lb
Time Cap: 45 minutes

how to plan the "Mama Paula" workout?

Execution and Focus

Mama Paula is a demanding benchmark workout designed to push your limits through a mix of bodyweight and weighted movements. Comprising 7 rounds for time, this workout challenges athletes to complete 7 Man Makers, 7 Dumbbell Squat Cleans, 7 Dumbbell Clean-and-Jerks, 7 Burpee Broad-Jumps, 7 Dumbbell Thrusters, 7 Push-Ups, and 7 Wall Ball Shots. The combination of high-rep movements emphasizes muscular endurance and cardiovascular capacity, making it a comprehensive test that suits both intermediate and advanced athletes. The workout aims to maintain a high intensity throughout, pushing athletes to stay focused and efficient under fatigue.

Strategy and Finish

To optimize your performance in the Mama Paula workout, begin with a measured pace for the initial rounds to gauge your stamina. Each round should ideally be completed within 1–2 minutes, allowing you to finish strong without hitting a wall too early. Manage your breathing, especially during transitions from the Dumbbell Clean-and-Jerks to Burpee Broad-Jumps, as this will help maintain a steady rhythm. Consider breaking up the Push-Ups into sets to avoid muscular failure, and aim for smooth, controlled Wall Ball Shots to conserve energy. As you approach the final rounds, dig deep and maximize your effort to secure a better finish time on the leaderboard.


An image showing the crossfit workout Mama Paula, or showing an exercise from the wod Mama Paula

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How do you perform the Mama Paula workout

Learn how to crush this workout

For the workout Mama Paula, you'll perform 7 rounds of various exercises aimed at building strength and endurance. Start with 7 Man Makers, combining a push-up, row, squat, and overhead press in one fluid movement. Follow this with 7 Dumbbell Squat Cleans, ensuring to catch the dumbbells in a squat position for maximum effect.

Next, move on to 7 Dumbbell Clean-and-Jerks, emphasizing proper form as you lift the weights overhead. Afterward, execute 7 Burpee Broad-Jumps, pushing yourself to cover distance while maintaining a strong burpee form. Then, transition into 7 Dumbbell Thrusters, driving through your legs as you press overhead.

Complete each round with 7 Push-Ups, focusing on depth and control. Finish strong with 7 Wall Ball Shots, aiming for a target height of about 10 feet. Maintain intensity throughout for an effective and challenging workout.

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

How do you scale the workout

The wod "Mama Paula" can be done by everyone

For scaling the 7 Rounds for Time workout, consider adjusting the weights of the man makers and dumbbell squat cleans. Beginners can use lighter dumbbells, around 10–15 lbs, to ensure proper form and technique.

For the dumbbell clean-and-jerks, aim for a manageable weight that allows for 5 unbroken reps. If necessary, reduce the repetitions to 5 per movement or decrease the overall rounds to 5.

Replace burpee broad-jumps with step-backs for a lower-impact option, and adjust the wall ball shots by using a lighter ball, around 10–14 lbs, or reducing the target height.

Ensure to focus on maintaining good form throughout the workout to prevent injury while building strength and endurance.

How do you score the WOD

See if you beat your friends in the wod "Mama Paula"

To score the benchmark workout "Mama Paula," you will tally the total number of full rounds completed and any additional repetitions after your last full round. Each round consists of 7 distinct exercises performed in sequence.

At the end of the workout, you will count your completed rounds and note any extra reps for the final exercise. For instance, if you manage to finish 5 full rounds and complete 3 Wall Ball Shots, your score would be 5 rounds + 3 reps, equating to a total of 38 repetitions.

This scoring method helps you keep track of your performance and progress over time, allowing you to push yourself in subsequent workouts.

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What are the tips and strategy to use

Here is how to gain an edge in the "Mama Paula"

Approach the 7 Rounds for Time workout by setting a steady pace from the start. Avoid going all out in the initial rounds, as this can lead to fatigue in the latter stages. Focus on maintaining an efficient transition between movements to save time.

When performing the Man Makers, prioritize form and control to maximize effectiveness while using lighter weights if necessary. Break up the Dumbbell Clean-and-Jerks into smaller sets if grip strength begins to wane. For Burpee Broad-Jumps, keep your jumps explosive but controlled to maintain momentum.

Lastly, for the Wall Ball Shots, engage your core and legs to ensure proper throwing technique, which will help conserve energy and keep your heart rate steady throughout the workout.

What is a good score for the Mama Paula workout

Check out how you did in the "Mama Paula"

For the Mama Paula workout, which consists of 7 rounds for time, scoring is based on completion time rather than rounds or reps. A good score for this workout can vary based on fitness level and intensity.

Intermediate: Aim for a time between 20–25 minutes. Advanced: Look for a completion time of 15–19 minutes. Elite: Completing the workout under 15 minutes demonstrates exceptional fitness and efficiency in movement.

A score under 20 minutes indicates solid pacing and muscular endurance, while going beyond that showcases potential for improvement and growth. Focus on maintaining form and consistency for optimal results.

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What is the intended stimulus for the Mama Paula workout

What part of your body is being challenged in the "Mama Paula"

The benchmark workout

7 Rounds for Time

known as Mama Paula is crafted to test and enhance overall muscular endurance, cardiovascular capacity, and functional strength. Each movement is strategically selected to work multiple muscle groups, ensuring a comprehensive workout that demands both physical and mental fortitude.

As athletes progress through the rounds, they will confront escalating fatigue, requiring them to maintain proper form and efficiency to complete the workout within a set time. The combination of dynamic movements, such as burpee broad jumps and dumbbell thrusters, promotes coordination and agility, while also elevating heart rates.

Ultimately, Mama Paula serves as a benchmark for assessing improvements in fitness levels and the ability to endure challenging, high-repetition workouts.

What is the World record for the Mama Paula workout

What is the fastest score for "Mama Paula"

The world record for the workout titled Mama Paula is not officially documented, but it has gained significant attention in the CrossFit community.

Reports from athletes suggest that elite competitors can complete it in approximately 10 to 12 minutes, showcasing extraordinary strength and conditioning.

These times require exceptional endurance and efficient transitions between movements, as well as mastery of techniques like the Man Makers and Dumbbell Clean-and-Jerks.

For reference, most experienced athletes complete this workout within a range of 12 to 15 minutes, depending on their skill level and pacing strategy.

As this workout consists of complex movements, achieving optimal form is crucial for both speed and safety.

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Who are we honoring with the Workout "Mama Paula"

Why are we doing the "Mama Paula" workout?

The workout "Mama Paula" honors Paula M. Cruz, a beloved figure in the fitness community known for her unwavering spirit and dedication to helping others achieve their health and wellness goals.

Paula's passion for fitness and her nurturing nature inspired many to push their limits and embrace a healthier lifestyle. This workout reflects her commitment to strength, resilience, and community support.

Each challenging movement is a tribute to her legacy, encouraging participants to honor her memory while striving for personal growth and excellence in their own fitness journeys.

What kind of exercises are in the Mama Paula The workout?

  • man maker

    The man maker is a full-body dumbbell complex that combines a push-up, row, clean, and thruster in one continuous sequence. A staple in man maker workouts, this movement demands strength, stamina, and coordination—pushing both muscular endurance and cardio capacity.

    In this workout, man makers target the chest, back, shoulders, legs, and core while reinforcing flow and movement efficiency. It’s a gritty, no-frills test of total-body resilience and one of the most effective minimal-equipment conditioning tools in functional fitness.

  • 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.

  • push up

    The push-up is a foundational bodyweight movement that strengthens the chest, shoulders, triceps, and core. A staple in any push-up workout, it’s effective, scalable, and requires no equipment — making it perfect for all fitness levels.

    In this workout, push-ups develop upper body endurance, stability, and control, especially under fatigue. Whether performed strict, hand-release, or elevated, the push-up is a timeless movement that builds strength and resilience.

  • dumbbell thruster

    The dumbbell thruster is a full-body movement that combines a front squat and an overhead press, using one or two dumbbells. A staple in many dumbbell thruster workouts, it builds leg strength, shoulder endurance, and cardiovascular fitness all at once.

    In this workout, dumbbell thrusters challenge your coordination, core stability, and pacing, making them perfect for high-rep conditioning or strength endurance. Whether you're using light or heavy weight, the dumbbell thruster delivers maximum intensity in minimal time.

  • dumbbell clean and jerk

    The dumbbell clean and jerk is a dynamic, full-body lift that moves a dumbbell from the ground to overhead in two explosive phases. Common in dumbbell clean and jerk workouts, it challenges coordination, strength, and stability—especially when performed unilaterally or for high reps.

    In this workout, dumbbell clean and jerks train explosive power, overhead control, and core engagement. They also develop shoulder and hip resilience while reinforcing proper movement patterns under fatigue. Whether used in strength work or metcons, this lift is functional, scalable, and highly effective.

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