2 rounds
200 single unders/100 double unders
400 m run
600 m rowing
2 min pause
Round 1:
5, 4, 3, 2, 1 Squat Cleans - @60/135 kg
Round 2:
3, 3, 2, 2, 1 Squat Cleans
Round 3:
1, 1, 1, 1, 1 Squat Cleans
The Spotlights Ladders is a benchmark workout designed to challenge your strength, endurance, and mental toughness. This workout consists of three rounds, with a decreasing number of squat cleans that test your ability to maintain form and performance as fatigue sets in. The structure of 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 in Round 1, followed by 3, 3, 2, 2, 1 in Round 2, and ending with 1, 1, 1, 1, 1 in Round 3 allows for a progressive challenge while emphasizing the importance of technique under fatigue. The squat cleans engage multiple muscle groups, promoting overall strength and conditioning, making it a fitting tribute to both memorial and holiday workouts.
To maximize your performance in The Spotlights Ladders, begin with a manageable pace, especially in the initial rounds. Aim to complete each round within 1-2 minutes to ensure sustainability as the workout progresses. Focus on maintaining proper form during the squat cleans; consider breaking the reps into smaller sets if needed. As fatigue accumulates, be mindful of your grip and core stability, which will be crucial for maintaining movement efficiency. In the final moments of the workout, dig deep and push through any mental barriers, as finishing strong will have a significant impact on your overall time and ranking in the memorial tribute.
Round 1:
5, 4, 3, 2, 1 Squat Cleans - @60/135 kg
Round 2:
3, 3, 2, 2, 1 Squat Cleans
Round 3:
1, 1, 1, 1, 1 Squat Cleans
The Spotlights Ladders is a benchmark workout designed to challenge your strength, endurance, and mental toughness. This workout consists of three rounds, with a decreasing number of squat cleans that test your ability to maintain form and performance as fatigue sets in. The structure of 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 in Round 1, followed by 3, 3, 2, 2, 1 in Round 2, and ending with 1, 1, 1, 1, 1 in Round 3 allows for a progressive challenge while emphasizing the importance of technique under fatigue. The squat cleans engage multiple muscle groups, promoting overall strength and conditioning, making it a fitting tribute to both memorial and holiday workouts.
To maximize your performance in The Spotlights Ladders, begin with a manageable pace, especially in the initial rounds. Aim to complete each round within 1-2 minutes to ensure sustainability as the workout progresses. Focus on maintaining proper form during the squat cleans; consider breaking the reps into smaller sets if needed. As fatigue accumulates, be mindful of your grip and core stability, which will be crucial for maintaining movement efficiency. In the final moments of the workout, dig deep and push through any mental barriers, as finishing strong will have a significant impact on your overall time and ranking in the memorial tribute.

To perform The Spotlights Ladders workout, start with Round 1, completing 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1 squat cleans. Focus on maintaining proper form, with a full squat followed by an explosive movement to lift the barbell overhead. Ensure your back is straight and your core is engaged throughout.
In Round 2, the structure changes to 3, 3, 2, 2, and 1 squat cleans. This round will challenge your endurance and technique, so take your time and ensure each rep is performed correctly.
Finally, tackle Round 3 with 1 squat clean for each of the five counts. This will test your strength as you push through the final repetitions and finish strong.


Adjust the squat clean weight to ensure you can perform the reps with good form. A suitable starting weight might be 30-40% of your body weight, or roughly 25-35 lbs for beginners. Focus on technique rather than load to reduce the risk of injury.
For Round 1, consider performing 3-5 reps of squat cleans, using a lighter weight for better control. Round 2 can include 2-3 reps, and for Round 3, perform 1 rep at a challenging but manageable weight.
If you find squat cleans too difficult, substitute with power cleans or front squats to maintain intensity while allowing for proper movement execution.
Your score for The Spotlights Ladders workout is calculated by adding the total number of rounds completed along with any additional reps. In this benchmark workout, you will perform three rounds of squat cleans with a descending rep scheme.
For Round 1, you complete 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1 squat cleans, totaling 15 reps. Round 2 consists of 3, 3, 2, 2, and 1 squat cleans, adding up to 11 reps. Finally, Round 3 features 1 rep for each of the five sets, resulting in 5 reps. This brings your total to 31 reps for all three rounds.
To score, simply add the total number of completed rounds and any partial rounds. For example, if you finish 2 full rounds and 4 additional squat cleans, your score would be 2 rounds + 4 reps, resulting in a total of 34 reps.


Approach the Spotlights Ladders with a strategic mindset. Focus on form and technique, particularly during the squat cleans. For the first round, manage your energy; avoid going all out. Aim for a steady pace without burning out early.
During Round 2, maintain focus on transitions — keep them smooth and efficient. If fatigue hits, use brief rests between sets to ensure quality reps. Remember to engage your core throughout each movement to optimize power transfer.
In the final round, consider your grip strength; use straps if needed to maintain control. Prioritize breathing and rhythm to finish strong. Reflect on your performance, noting areas for improvement in future workouts.
The Spotlights Ladders workout is structured to challenge both strength and conditioning through timed rounds of Squat Cleans.
For an Intermediate level, a good completion time is between 9 to 12 minutes. Advanced athletes should aim to finish in 7 to 9 minutes. Elite competitors might excel with times under 7 minutes.
Achieving a time under 6 minutes indicates exceptional performance, showcasing both speed and muscular endurance throughout the rounds.
Participants should focus on maintaining proper form while maximizing efficiency to achieve their best scores in this workout.
Be sure to time your efforts and track your progress to gauge improvements over time.


The Spotlights Ladders benchmark workout is crafted to enhance muscular endurance, power output, and overall conditioning. It presents a progressive challenge, beginning with higher repetitions and tapering down, which tests athletes' ability to maintain form under fatigue.
Athletes will experience a variety of demands as they move through the rounds, fostering mental resilience and physical prowess. The emphasis on squat cleans promotes strength in the lower body while engaging the core and upper body, encouraging a balanced approach to lifting.
This workout is intended to create a sense of urgency and efficiency, as participants push through each round with minimal pauses, ultimately aiming to complete the workout as quickly as possible.
The Spotlights Ladders workout is a challenging test of strength and endurance, consisting of three rounds with decreasing sets of squat cleans. The world record for completing this workout 'for time' is not officially tracked but athletes often aim for times around 5 to 7 minutes.
Unofficially, top scores reported in the CrossFit community suggest elite participants may finish in approximately 4 to 6 minutes, showcasing incredible strength and speed. This requires a mastery of technique and pacing to handle the fatigue that builds across the rounds.
Competitors often seek to improve their times through consistent training and technique refinement, emphasizing the importance of both strength and cardiovascular endurance in achieving peak performance.


The Spotlights Ladders workout honors individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities, shining a light on their dedication and hard work.
It serves as a tribute to those who inspire others through their actions, perseverance, and commitment to bettering the lives of those around them.
This workout format reflects the gradual increase in intensity, symbolizing the gradual recognition and appreciation that these individuals receive over time.
Through this challenging workout, participants can push their limits while remembering the impact of these remarkable figures in their lives.
double under workout, row workout, single under workout
200 single unders/100 double unders
400 m run
600 m rowing
2 min pause
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
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3 Rounds: 3 Wall walk + 8 Back Squat
Rest 1 min
4 Rounds: 9 HR Push ups + 12 Box Jumps
Rest 1 min
5 Rounds: 8 Deadlift + 3 Burpee pull ups / BMU
TC: 17
double under workout, knee raises workout, knees to elbows workout, single under workout, thruster workout, toes to bar workout
75 Single unders/50 double unders
8 Barbell thrusters -
16 knee raises/knees to elbows/T2B
TC: 14
front rack lunge workout, power jerk workout, running workout, single crossover workout, ski erg workout, wall walk workout
Buy in: 120 Single crossovers
3 rounds
15/19 cal Ski erg
4 Wall walks
3 rounds
200 m run
8 Front rack lunges
4 Power jerk
TC: 17
