memorial_wod

Nine Bells - Crossfit Workout

For Time: 3 Rounds

Buy-in 100 meter Walking Plate Lunges (plate behind head) - @45/25 lb
Then 2 Rope Climbs (15/12 ft)
16 Shoulder-to-Overhead - @75/55 lb
24 Plank Dumbbell Pull-Throughs - @35/20 lb
3 min rest
Repeat twice more
Buy-out 100 meter Walking Plate Carry - @45/25 lb

Execution and Focus

Nine Bells is a challenging benchmark workout that tests your endurance, strength, and overall functional fitness. The structure consists of three rounds, beginning with a buy-in of 100 meters of walking plate lunges, which engages your legs and core while reinforcing stability. Following the lunges, athletes will tackle two rope climbs scaled to 15 feet for men and 12 feet for women, demanding upper body strength and coordination. The workout then shifts to 16 shoulder-to-overhead reps, focusing on shoulder strength and overhead control. Finally, the 24 plank dumbbell pull-throughs engage the core muscles and enhance stability while also incorporating a grip challenge. After completing the three rounds, a buy-out of a 100-meter walking plate carry wraps up the workout, testing your endurance and grip strength once more. This workout is designed for those honoring the Nine Bells Memorial Tribute, offering a rigorous challenge that emphasizes full-body engagement and stamina.

Strategy and Finish

To tackle Nine Bells effectively, start strong but find a sustainable pace during the buy-in with the walking plate lunges. Each round should be approached with speed and efficiency, aiming to keep the lunges unbroken and maintaining focus on form. The rope climbs require careful technique; consider utilizing a foot lock for efficiency. During the shoulder-to-overhead, aim for smaller sets if necessary to maintain technique and avoid shoulder fatigue. The plank dumbbell pull-throughs should be steady to prevent form breakdown, ensuring you engage your core throughout. Lastly, as you approach the finish, pace yourself during the walking plate carry; it’s crucial to maintain a strong grip and keep your core engaged as you round out this challenging tribute workout. A solid finish can elevate your standing during this memorial event, emphasizing both physical capability and respect for the occasion.


The "Nine Bells" - Crossfit Memorial, Tribute & Holiday Workout

the WOD

For Time: 3 Rounds

Buy-in 100 meter Walking Plate Lunges (plate behind head) - @45/25 lb
Then 2 Rope Climbs (15/12 ft)
16 Shoulder-to-Overhead - @75/55 lb
24 Plank Dumbbell Pull-Throughs - @35/20 lb
3 min rest
Repeat twice more
Buy-out 100 meter Walking Plate Carry - @45/25 lb

how to plan the "Nine Bells" workout?

Execution and Focus

Nine Bells is a challenging benchmark workout that tests your endurance, strength, and overall functional fitness. The structure consists of three rounds, beginning with a buy-in of 100 meters of walking plate lunges, which engages your legs and core while reinforcing stability. Following the lunges, athletes will tackle two rope climbs scaled to 15 feet for men and 12 feet for women, demanding upper body strength and coordination. The workout then shifts to 16 shoulder-to-overhead reps, focusing on shoulder strength and overhead control. Finally, the 24 plank dumbbell pull-throughs engage the core muscles and enhance stability while also incorporating a grip challenge. After completing the three rounds, a buy-out of a 100-meter walking plate carry wraps up the workout, testing your endurance and grip strength once more. This workout is designed for those honoring the Nine Bells Memorial Tribute, offering a rigorous challenge that emphasizes full-body engagement and stamina.

Strategy and Finish

To tackle Nine Bells effectively, start strong but find a sustainable pace during the buy-in with the walking plate lunges. Each round should be approached with speed and efficiency, aiming to keep the lunges unbroken and maintaining focus on form. The rope climbs require careful technique; consider utilizing a foot lock for efficiency. During the shoulder-to-overhead, aim for smaller sets if necessary to maintain technique and avoid shoulder fatigue. The plank dumbbell pull-throughs should be steady to prevent form breakdown, ensuring you engage your core throughout. Lastly, as you approach the finish, pace yourself during the walking plate carry; it’s crucial to maintain a strong grip and keep your core engaged as you round out this challenging tribute workout. A solid finish can elevate your standing during this memorial event, emphasizing both physical capability and respect for the occasion.


An image showing the crossfit workout Nine Bells, or showing an exercise from the wod Nine Bells

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How do you perform the Nine Bells workout

Learn how to crush this workout

Begin the Nine Bells workout with a buy-in of 100 meters of walking plate lunges, ensuring the plate is held behind your head for stability. Focus on maintaining proper form as you step forward, engaging your core and legs.

After completing the lunges, move on to 2 rope climbs, scaling the height according to your ability, either 15 feet or 12 feet. Ensure you use your legs to assist in the climb for efficiency.

Next, perform 16 shoulder-to-overhead lifts, utilizing a barbell or dumbbells with controlled movements to press overhead, engaging your core and legs.

Follow this with 24 plank dumbbell pull-throughs, ensuring your body remains stable as you alternate pulling the dumbbell across your body.

Rest for 3 minutes before repeating the complete series two more times, and conclude your workout with a buy-out of 100 meters of walking plate carry, focusing on your posture throughout.

An image showing someone explaining how to perform the Nine Bells workout
An image showing someone getting ready to scale the Nine Bells workout

How do you scale the workout

The wod "Nine Bells" can be done by everyone

For the Walking Plate Lunges, reduce the distance to 50 meters if needed or use a lighter plate (10-15 lbs) for better control. For the Rope Climbs, consider using a lower height (10 ft) or substitute with 10 ring rows or 10 pull-ups.

For the Shoulder-to-Overhead, scale the weight to 65 lbs for men or 45 lbs for women to ensure proper form. Additionally, you can modify by performing 16 push presses instead of the shoulder-to-overhead.

For the Plank Dumbbell Pull-Throughs, reduce the dumbbell weight to 10-15 lbs for better stability or perform the movement on your knees. Finally, consider shortening the rest period to 2 minutes if you feel comfortable maintaining your performance throughout the workout.

How do you score the WOD

See if you beat your friends in the wod "Nine Bells"

Your score for the Nine Bells workout is determined by the total number of full rounds completed, along with any additional repetitions performed after your last full round.

For instance, if you complete 3 full rounds and finish 10 Shoulder-to-Overhead before hitting time, your score would be calculated as 3 rounds + 10 reps, resulting in a total of 46 reps.

Make sure to count every repetition accurately, as this workout includes a variety of movements, emphasizing strength and endurance.

Additionally, rest periods between rounds do not count toward your score, so focus on maximizing your output during active work intervals.

Each component of the workout contributes to your overall fitness level, making it crucial to push yourself throughout.

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An image showing two athletes getting the tips and strategy for the Nine Bells workout

What are the tips and strategy to use

Here is how to gain an edge in the "Nine Bells"

Begin with a steady pace during the buy-in to avoid fatigue. Focus on maintaining form during the Walking Plate Lunges to protect your back and legs.

For the Rope Climbs, use your legs to assist as much as possible to conserve upper body strength for the following movements.

During Shoulder-to-Overhead, opt for a push press if needed, allowing your legs to assist and reduce shoulder strain. Break the reps into manageable sets to maintain stamina.

For Plank Dumbbell Pull-Throughs, focus on slow and controlled movements to engage your core effectively and prevent injury.

Lastly, use the 3-minute rest wisely to hydrate and prepare mentally for the next round, ensuring you maintain consistency throughout the workout.

What is a good score for the Nine Bells workout

Check out how you did in the "Nine Bells"

The workout titled "Nine Bells" is designed to challenge both strength and endurance. Scoring is based on the total time taken to complete the workout, which includes three rounds of various exercises, including walking plate lunges, rope climbs, shoulder-to-overhead, and plank dumbbell pull-throughs.

For a solid performance, intermediate athletes should aim for a completion time between 15 to 20 minutes. Advanced athletes typically finish in the range of 12 to 15 minutes, while elite athletes can complete the workout in under 12 minutes.

Attaining a time under 10 minutes is considered outstanding, showcasing exceptional pacing and muscular endurance throughout all rounds of the workout.

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What is the intended stimulus for the Nine Bells workout

What part of your body is being challenged in the "Nine Bells"

The benchmark workout, Nine Bells, is intended to target multiple areas of fitness, emphasizing endurance and strength. It combines functional movements that challenge the cardiovascular system while requiring significant muscular engagement. The workout promotes overall body coordination and stability through exercises like the Walking Plate Lunges and Shoulder-to-Overhead lifts.

The inclusion of Rope Climbs and Plank Dumbbell Pull-Throughs focuses on upper body strength and grip, essential for various athletic endeavors. The format encourages pacing and strategic recovery, as athletes must navigate through each round with minimal rest. Ultimately, Nine Bells is designed to test not just physical capacity but also mental toughness, inspiring athletes to push beyond their limits.

What is the World record for the Nine Bells workout

What is the fastest score for "Nine Bells"

The world record for the workout titled Nine Bells has not been officially documented yet, but the CrossFit community shares impressive unofficial times. Elite athletes often complete this workout in a range between 12 to 15 minutes.

Such records require exceptional fitness levels, precise pacing, and endurance to maintain performance throughout the three rounds.

Competitors aim to maximize efficiency in movements like the Walking Plate Lunges and Rope Climbs, which are crucial for achieving a competitive time.

As more athletes continue to challenge themselves and push boundaries, official times may emerge, showcasing the evolving standards within the CrossFit community.

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Who are we honoring with the Workout "Nine Bells"

Why are we doing the "Nine Bells" workout?

The workout "Nine Bells" is honoring the nine U.S. servicemen who tragically lost their lives during a helicopter crash in Afghanistan in 2011. This tribute commemorates their bravery and sacrifices made in the line of duty.

Each element of the workout symbolizes the strength and resilience of those who serve in the military, encouraging participants to push their limits in remembrance of these heroes.

As athletes work through the challenges presented in the workout, they reflect on the dedication and valor exhibited by the fallen servicemen.

What kind of exercises are in the Nine Bells The workout?

  • 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.

  • rope climb

    The rope climb is a classic functional fitness movement that develops upper body pulling strength, grip endurance, and core control. Frequently featured in rope climb workouts, it challenges both technique and toughness.

    In this workout, rope climbs train your lats, arms, and abs, while demanding coordination and efficient footwork. Whether performed legless or with a J-hook, the rope climb builds confidence and capacity in gymnastics-style pulling.

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