5 Rounds
8 Heavy Double DB Power Cleans
30 m Double DB Farmer Carry
8 DB Push-Ups
Rest 30 sec between rounds
Rest 2 min after last round
Then, 2 Rounds
16 Double DB Thrusters
16 Toes to Bar
TC: 15
12 Front Squats - @61/135 lb
9 Weighted Pull-Ups - @16/35 lb
8 Handstand Push-Ups
The workout known as Matthew Shepard is a rigorous benchmark designed to challenge your endurance and strength. With a total of 10 rounds for time, athletes will complete 12 front squats, 9 weighted pull-ups, and 8 handstand push-ups in each round. This high-rep format requires a balance of power and stamina, making it a fitting tribute to the resilience and spirit of Matthew Shepard. The front squats test lower body strength and stability, while the weighted pull-ups engage the upper body and core. Finally, the handstand push-ups demand significant shoulder strength and balance, creating a comprehensive workout that appeals to both intermediate and advanced athletes.
Begin the workout at a manageable pace, aiming to sustain your energy throughout the entire 10 rounds. Each round should take around 1–2 minutes, allowing you to maintain a steady flow without burning out too early. Focus on executing front squats with proper form to maximize efficiency and minimize fatigue. During the weighted pull-ups, consider implementing a brief rest between sets if needed to maintain form. For the handstand push-ups, prioritize strict movement to ensure effective engagement of the shoulders and core. As you approach the last few rounds, dig deep and push through the fatigue; small bursts of effort can significantly enhance your performance and placement in the Matthew Shepard Memorial Tribute & Holiday Workouts.
12 Front Squats - @61/135 lb
9 Weighted Pull-Ups - @16/35 lb
8 Handstand Push-Ups
The workout known as Matthew Shepard is a rigorous benchmark designed to challenge your endurance and strength. With a total of 10 rounds for time, athletes will complete 12 front squats, 9 weighted pull-ups, and 8 handstand push-ups in each round. This high-rep format requires a balance of power and stamina, making it a fitting tribute to the resilience and spirit of Matthew Shepard. The front squats test lower body strength and stability, while the weighted pull-ups engage the upper body and core. Finally, the handstand push-ups demand significant shoulder strength and balance, creating a comprehensive workout that appeals to both intermediate and advanced athletes.
Begin the workout at a manageable pace, aiming to sustain your energy throughout the entire 10 rounds. Each round should take around 1–2 minutes, allowing you to maintain a steady flow without burning out too early. Focus on executing front squats with proper form to maximize efficiency and minimize fatigue. During the weighted pull-ups, consider implementing a brief rest between sets if needed to maintain form. For the handstand push-ups, prioritize strict movement to ensure effective engagement of the shoulders and core. As you approach the last few rounds, dig deep and push through the fatigue; small bursts of effort can significantly enhance your performance and placement in the Matthew Shepard Memorial Tribute & Holiday Workouts.

Perform 10 rounds of the workout for time. Start with 12 front squats, using a barbell or dumbbells, ensuring your chest remains up and knees track over your toes. Aim for a full depth squat, achieving at least parallel in the down position.
Next, complete 9 weighted pull-ups. You can use a weight belt or hold a dumbbell between your legs to add resistance. Focus on a full range of motion, pulling your chin above the bar with each rep.
Finish with 8 handstand push-ups. If you're not yet able to perform these, consider scale options like pike push-ups or handstand holds against a wall. Maintain a strong core and control your descent for optimal form.


Reduce the front squat weight to a lighter load that allows for 10 unbroken reps. Consider using a barbell weight around 25-35% of your body weight or using a kettlebell/dumbbell of 12–20 kg.
For the weighted pull-ups, use assistance bands or perform jumping pull-ups. If weighted, scale the load to 5-10 kg or focus on strict bodyweight pull-ups.
Modify handstand push-ups by performing them on an elevated surface or switch to pike push-ups on the ground. Alternatively, practice dumbbell shoulder presses for added support while maintaining strength.
Adjust the total rounds to 5-7 or increase time limits to 18-20 minutes to suit your fitness level.
Your score for the benchmark workout "Matthew Shepard," consisting of 10 rounds for time, is calculated by totaling the number of complete rounds completed and adding any additional repetitions from the final round.
Each round includes 12 Front Squats, 9 Weighted Pull-Ups, and 8 Handstand Push-Ups, giving a total of 29 reps per round.
For instance, if you finish 8 full rounds and complete an additional 5 Front Squats in the 9th round, your score would be calculated as follows: 8 rounds x 29 reps = 232 reps plus the 5 additional Front Squats, resulting in a total score of 237 reps.
Remember to keep track of your performance to improve upon it in future workouts.


Approach the 10 Rounds for Time workout with a steady mindset. Begin with a manageable weight for the front squats, ensuring your form is solid from the start. Focus on pacing rather than speed; aim to maintain a consistent rhythm as you progress through the rounds.
For the weighted pull-ups, consider using bands if fatigue sets in early. Break the sets into smaller chunks to maintain efficiency. Transition quickly between exercises, but prioritize control over speed to reduce the risk of injury.
During handstand push-ups, find a stable position and use a wall for support if needed. Remember to engage your core throughout to assist with balance and stability. Keep your breathing steady to aid endurance during this challenging benchmark workout.
For the workout titled Matthew Shepard, which consists of 10 rounds for time, a good score can vary significantly based on the individual’s fitness level.
Intermediate athletes typically aim for a completion time of 20–25 minutes. Advanced participants should look to finish between 15–20 minutes. Elite athletes often complete the workout in 12-15 minutes or less, showcasing excellent strength, endurance, and efficiency.
Overall, a time under 15 minutes would indicate exceptional performance, highlighting strong pacing and endurance throughout all 10 rounds.


The benchmark workout titled "Matthew Shepard" is designed to test and enhance overall strength, muscular endurance, and cardiovascular capacity. Each round consists of a series of compound movements that require coordination, balance, and stamina. The 12 front squats aim to build lower body strength while also engaging the core, promoting stability throughout the workout.
The 9 weighted pull-ups challenge upper body strength and grip, demanding focus on technique and control. Lastly, the 8 handstand push-ups target shoulder strength and stability, further enhancing overall upper body endurance. This combination of exercises in a 10-round format encourages athletes to pace themselves while managing fatigue effectively, simulating a high-intensity workout scenario.
The workout titled Matthew Shepard consists of 10 rounds for time, featuring 12 front squats, 9 weighted pull-ups, and 8 handstand push-ups.
The world record for this intense workout is reported to be around 10 minutes and 34 seconds, showcasing exceptional strength and endurance.
Competitors often exert themselves to achieve times under 12 minutes, with elite CrossFit athletes consistently finishing in this range. The workout demands not only physical prowess but also strategic pacing throughout the rounds.
A proper training regimen focusing on the individual elements can help improve overall performance in this demanding workout.


The workout "Matthew Shepard" honors Matthew Shepard, a young man whose tragic death in 1998 became a catalyst for change regarding LGBTQ+ rights and awareness. His brutal murder highlighted the violence faced by the LGBTQ+ community and sparked national discussions about hate crimes and acceptance.
This workout serves as a remembrance of his life and the ongoing fight for equality. It encourages participants to reflect on the importance of compassion, understanding, and advocacy for marginalized communities in our society.
double dumbbell farmer carry workout, double dumbbell power clean workout, double dumbbell thruster workout, dumbbell push-up workout, toes to bar workout
8 Heavy Double DB Power Cleans
30 m Double DB Farmer Carry
8 DB Push-Ups
Rest 30 sec between rounds
Rest 2 min after last round
16 Double DB Thrusters
16 Toes to Bar
TC: 15
back squat workout, double dumbbell power clean workout, ghd sit-up workout, ring row workout, shuttle run workout, toes to bar workout
21-15-9
Double DB Power Clean
Ring Rows
12-9-6
Toes to Bar
GHD Sit-Ups
9-6-3
Shuttle Runs
Back Squats @75–80% 1RM
TC: 17
box jump over workout, double dumbbell step over workout, ghd sit-up workout, handstand push-up workout
12 Box jump overs
8 Handstand push-ups / Deficit HSPU
12 Double DB Step overs
12 GHD sit-ups
bike erg workout, dumbbell thruster workout, for time workout
10-8-6-4-2
DB Thrusters -
20-16-12-8-4
Cal Bike
TC: 8
