memorial_wod

Tall Dan - Crossfit Workout

AMRAP 12

Buy-In 80 calorie Row
AMRAP remaining time:
Deadlifts – @142/113 kg
Double-Unders
Wall Ball Shots – @9/6 kg

Execution and Focus

Tall Dan is an AMRAP (As Many Rounds As Possible) workout designed to challenge your stamina and efficiency under time constraints. Beginning with an 80-calorie row as a buy-in, the remaining time is dedicated to performing deadlifts, double-unders, and wall ball shots. The deadlift targets your posterior chain, promoting strength and stability. Double-unders enhance coordination and cardiovascular capacity, while wall ball shots integrate upper and lower body movements, increasing overall power output. This workout is structured to maximize intensity within a 12-minute window, making it a perfect test for both intermediate and advanced athletes during the holiday season.

Strategy and Finish

To optimize performance in Tall Dan, start with a consistent rowing pace that allows you to transition smoothly into the AMRAP portion. Aim for around 60–90 seconds on your row to set a strong foundation. During the AMRAP, focus on completing deadlifts in manageable sets to avoid early fatigue, and maintain a steady rhythm on the double-unders by practicing your timing. With wall ball shots, prioritize good form to ensure a high and accurate throw. As you approach the final minutes, increase your effort — each additional round counts significantly in the Tall Dan Memorial Tribute rankings. Pushing through the last moments can lead to substantial improvements in your score.


The "Tall Dan" - Crossfit Memorial, Tribute & Holiday Workout

the WOD

AMRAP 12

Buy-In 80 calorie Row
AMRAP remaining time:
Deadlifts – @142/113 kg
Double-Unders
Wall Ball Shots – @9/6 kg

how to plan the "Tall Dan" workout?

Execution and Focus

Tall Dan is an AMRAP (As Many Rounds As Possible) workout designed to challenge your stamina and efficiency under time constraints. Beginning with an 80-calorie row as a buy-in, the remaining time is dedicated to performing deadlifts, double-unders, and wall ball shots. The deadlift targets your posterior chain, promoting strength and stability. Double-unders enhance coordination and cardiovascular capacity, while wall ball shots integrate upper and lower body movements, increasing overall power output. This workout is structured to maximize intensity within a 12-minute window, making it a perfect test for both intermediate and advanced athletes during the holiday season.

Strategy and Finish

To optimize performance in Tall Dan, start with a consistent rowing pace that allows you to transition smoothly into the AMRAP portion. Aim for around 60–90 seconds on your row to set a strong foundation. During the AMRAP, focus on completing deadlifts in manageable sets to avoid early fatigue, and maintain a steady rhythm on the double-unders by practicing your timing. With wall ball shots, prioritize good form to ensure a high and accurate throw. As you approach the final minutes, increase your effort — each additional round counts significantly in the Tall Dan Memorial Tribute rankings. Pushing through the last moments can lead to substantial improvements in your score.


An image showing the crossfit workout Tall Dan, or showing an exercise from the wod Tall Dan

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How do you perform the Tall Dan workout

Learn how to crush this workout

Start with a buy-in of 80 calories on the rower, focusing on maintaining a steady pace to efficiently burn calories. Once the buy-in is complete, transition into the AMRAP portion of the workout.

For the AMRAP, perform deadlifts using a barbell, keeping your back flat and engaging your core. Aim for a weight that challenges you while maintaining proper form.

Next, move on to double-unders; practice your rhythm and timing to maximize efficiency. Ensure that the rope passes under your feet twice with each jump.

Finally, include wall ball shots by squatting down and throwing the ball to a targeted height, typically around 10 feet for men and 9 feet for women. Keep a consistent pace and transition smoothly between exercises.

An image showing someone explaining how to perform the Tall Dan workout
An image showing someone getting ready to scale the Tall Dan workout

How do you scale the workout

The wod "Tall Dan" can be done by everyone

For the buy-in, consider reducing the calorie row to 60 or even 40 calories, depending on your fitness level.
During the AMRAP, scale deadlifts to a lighter weight, such as 40-60 kg (88-132 lbs), allowing for smooth, unbroken sets. Focus on form over load to prevent injuries.

If double-unders are challenging, substitute with single-unders or perform 30 seconds of jumping jacks instead. Aim for a manageable pace to maintain your heart rate without fatigue.

For wall ball shots, lower the weight to 6-9 kg (13-20 lbs) or decrease the target height to 2.5 meters (8 feet) or 2 meters (6.5 feet) to ensure you can complete your reps efficiently.

How do you score the WOD

See if you beat your friends in the wod "Tall Dan"

Your score for the AMRAP 12 workout, Tall Dan, is calculated by adding the total number of full rounds completed during the workout to the additional reps performed after your last full round.

First, you begin with a buy-in of 80 calories on the rower. After completing this, you'll have the remaining time to perform as many rounds as possible of deadlifts, double-unders, and wall ball shots.

To determine your score, keep track of the rounds completed, ensuring to note each exercise's completion. For example, if you finish 5 full rounds and then complete 10 deadlifts and 15 wall ball shots, your final score would be 5 + 10 + 15 = 80 reps total.

An image showing someone explaining how to score the Tall Dan workout
An image showing two athletes getting the tips and strategy for the Tall Dan workout

What are the tips and strategy to use

Here is how to gain an edge in the "Tall Dan"

Begin with a steady pace on the rower to effectively manage your energy. Aim for a target of around 2 minutes for the 80 calories without burning out early.

Once you transition to the AMRAP, focus on maintaining form during deadlifts. Use a weight that allows for unbroken sets while ensuring you keep your back straight.

For double-unders, practice rhythm and consistency; if you struggle, consider switching to single-unders to keep your heart rate steady.

Wall ball shots should be done with controlled breathing. Pick a target height that challenges you but still allows for smooth, continuous movement throughout the workout.

What is a good score for the Tall Dan workout

Check out how you did in the "Tall Dan"

For the Tall Dan workout, which consists of an AMRAP of 12 minutes, a good score can be determined based on the number of rounds and reps completed after the buy-in.

Intermediate: 5–7 rounds. Advanced: 8–10 rounds. Elite: 11+ rounds. Achieving over 300 total reps demonstrates remarkable endurance and efficiency in transitioning between movements.

It’s important to focus on maintaining proper form and a sustainable pace throughout the workout to maximize performance while minimizing fatigue.

Overall, aim for consistent effort across the row, deadlifts, double-unders, and wall ball shots to achieve a high score in this challenging AMRAP.

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An image showing the intended stimulus for the Tall Dan workout

What is the intended stimulus for the Tall Dan workout

What part of your body is being challenged in the "Tall Dan"

The benchmark workout AMRAP 12, known as Tall Dan, is designed to enhance muscular endurance, cardiovascular fitness, and overall work capacity. The initial buy-in of 80 calories on the rower sets a demanding pace and establishes a strong aerobic base.

As athletes transition into the AMRAP period, the combination of deadlifts, double-unders, and wall ball shots challenges multiple muscle groups while promoting dynamic movement. This format encourages the development of grit and determination, pushing individuals to maximize their efficiency as fatigue sets in.

The goal is to maintain a steady rhythm, optimizing transitions between movements while managing heart rate. This workout ultimately fosters resilience, preparing athletes for higher intensity challenges in future training.

What is the World record for the Tall Dan workout

What is the fastest score for "Tall Dan"

The world record for the workout titled Tall Dan remains unofficial but is highly contested within the CrossFit community. This AMRAP 12 workout includes a challenging 80-calorie row followed by as many rounds as possible of deadlifts, double-unders, and wall ball shots.

Reports suggest that elite athletes are aiming for scores between 8 to 10 full rounds, depending on their proficiency and conditioning. Given the intensity and volume of this workout, elite competitors often maintain exceptional pacing while managing fatigue effectively.

For those looking to set personal records, achieving consistent pacing and mastering the transitions between movements is crucial for maximizing round output during the AMRAP segment.

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Who are we honoring with the Workout "Tall Dan"

Why are we doing the "Tall Dan" workout?

Tall Dan is a workout honoring Dan McGowan, a revered member of the fitness community known for his dedication and passion for CrossFit. He inspired many through his unwavering commitment to personal growth and helping others achieve their fitness goals.

This workout is a tribute to his legacy, embodying the spirit of perseverance and resilience he instilled in those around him. Each movement in the workout reflects the strength and determination he demonstrated in his own fitness journey.

Remembering Dan serves as a reminder to push our limits and support one another in our fitness endeavors.

What kind of exercises are in the Tall Dan The workout?

  • 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.

  • Double under

    The double under is a jump rope skill where the rope passes under your feet twice per jump, building coordination, speed, and cardiovascular endurance. It’s a popular movement in high-intensity double under workouts, often used to spike heart rate and improve timing under fatigue.

    In this workout, double unders challenge your footwork, rhythm, and breathing, making them a key tool for improving overall conditioning. Whether you're linking sets or working on consistency, double unders are a fast-paced way to level up your engine.

  • Deadlift

    The deadlift is one of the most effective strength movements in any fitness program. It targets the posterior chain — including your glutes, hamstrings, back, and core — making it a cornerstone of any deadlift workout.

    In this workout, deadlifts develop raw strength, posture, and pulling power. Whether you're lifting light for speed or going heavy for strength, the deadlift builds a solid foundation for both performance and injury prevention.

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