Complete HERO WOD Database

Every CrossFit HERO WOD with detailed breakdowns, strategy guides, and scaling options. Honor the fallen while pushing your limits.

Murph

Honoring Navy Lieutenant Michael Murphy

Extreme 22,200 monthly searches

The most famous and challenging HERO WOD in CrossFit, performed on Memorial Day worldwide.

Workout:

  • • 1 mile Run
  • • 100 Pull-ups
  • • 200 Push-ups
  • • 300 Air Squats
  • • 1 mile Run
Time Cap: 60 minutes

Equipment Needed:

Pull-up bar Running route 20lb/14lb weighted vest (Rx)

Strategy Overview:

Break up bodyweight movements into manageable sets and maintain steady pacing on runs.

DT

Honoring Air Force Staff Sergeant Timothy Davis

Hard 4,200 monthly searches

A barbell complex that tests grip endurance and technical lifting under fatigue.

Workout:

  • • 12 Deadlifts (155/105 lb)
  • • 9 Hang Power Cleans (155/105 lb)
  • • 6 Push Jerks (155/105 lb)
  • • Repeat for 5 rounds
Time Cap: 25 minutes

Equipment Needed:

Barbell Plates

Strategy Overview:

Barbell cycling efficiency and grip management are key. Don't drop the bar unnecessarily.

The Seven

Honoring Seven CIA Officers

Extreme 3,200 monthly searches

One of the most brutal HERO WODs, combining high reps with technical movements.

Workout:

  • • 7 Handstand Push-ups
  • • 7 Thrusters (135/95 lb)
  • • 7 Knees-to-Elbows
  • • 7 Deadlifts (245/165 lb)
  • • 7 Burpees
  • • 7 Kettlebell Swings (2/1.5 pood)
  • • 7 Pull-ups
  • • Complete 7 rounds for time
Time Cap: 45 minutes

Equipment Needed:

Barbell Plates Kettlebell Pull-up bar Wall space for HSPU

Strategy Overview:

Manage grip fatigue and transition efficiently between movements. This workout is about consistency over speed.

Badger

Honoring Navy Petty Officer Second Class Mark Carter

Extreme 2,800 monthly searches

A high-skill workout combining Olympic lifting with gymnastics movements.

Workout:

  • • 30 Squat Cleans (95/65 lb)
  • • 30 Pull-ups
  • • 800m Run
  • • Repeat for 3 rounds
Time Cap: 40 minutes

Equipment Needed:

Barbell Plates Pull-up bar Running route

Strategy Overview:

Balance technical lifting with gymnastics endurance while managing fatigue for the runs.

Kalsu

Honoring Army First Lieutenant Robert James Kalsu

Extreme 2,100 monthly searches

A grueling combination of thrusters and burpees that tests mental fortitude.

Workout:

  • • 100 Thrusters (135/95 lb)
  • • At the start of every minute (including 0:00): 5 Burpees
  • • Complete for time
Time Cap: 30 minutes

Equipment Needed:

Barbell Plates

Strategy Overview:

Balance thruster pacing with burpee timing. Key is finding sustainable thruster sets.

Arnie

Honoring Army Staff Sergeant Arnold Dahl

Hard 1,800 monthly searches

High-volume workout focusing on upper body endurance and grip strength.

Workout:

  • • With a 45 lb plate:
  • • 21 Overhead Lunges (each leg)
  • • 50 Sit-ups
  • • 50 Back Extensions
  • • 50 Push-ups
  • • 50 Jump Squats
  • • 50 Mountain Climbers
  • • 21 Overhead Lunges (each leg)
Time Cap: 35 minutes

Equipment Needed:

45lb plate GHD or floor space for back extensions

Strategy Overview:

Manage plate transitions and break up high-rep movements strategically.

Josh

Honoring Army Staff Sergeant Joshua Hager

Extreme 1,500 monthly searches

Technical overhead movements combined with high-volume gymnastics.

Workout:

  • • 21 Overhead Squats (95/65 lb)
  • • 42 Pull-ups
  • • 15 Overhead Squats (95/65 lb)
  • • 30 Pull-ups
  • • 9 Overhead Squats (95/65 lb)
  • • 18 Pull-ups
Time Cap: 30 minutes

Equipment Needed:

Barbell Plates Pull-up bar

Strategy Overview:

Technical overhead squats require perfect form. Break early and often to maintain quality.

Whitten

Honoring Navy Lieutenant Andrew Richard Whitten

Hard 1,200 monthly searches

A high-volume bodyweight and kettlebell workout that tests muscular endurance.

Workout:

  • • 22 Kettlebell Swings (2/1.5 pood)
  • • 22 Box Jumps (24/20 in)
  • • 400m Run
  • • 22 Burpees
  • • 22 Wall Balls (20/14 lb)
  • • Repeat for 5 rounds
Time Cap: 40 minutes

Equipment Needed:

Kettlebell Box Wall ball Running route

Strategy Overview:

Maintain consistent pacing across all 5 rounds while managing fatigue accumulation.

Bull

Honoring Navy Petty Officer Second Class Shane Patton

Hard 1,100 monthly searches

Heavy thrusters combined with rope climbs create a unique strength and skill challenge.

Workout:

  • • 200 Thrusters (135/95 lb)
  • • Every 2 minutes: 3 Rope Climbs (15 ft)
Time Cap: 40 minutes

Equipment Needed:

Barbell Plates Climbing rope

Strategy Overview:

Balance thruster volume with rope climb timing. Efficiency on rope is crucial.

Nutts

Honoring Army Staff Sergeant Christopher Nutt

Hard 900 monthly searches

A deadlift-focused workout that challenges posterior chain strength and endurance.

Workout:

  • • 10 Handstand Push-ups
  • • 15 Deadlifts (250/160 lb)
  • • 25 Box Jumps (30/24 in)
  • • 50 Pull-ups
  • • 100 Wall Balls (20/14 lb)
  • • 200 Double Unders
  • • 400m Run with 45/25 lb plate
Time Cap: 45 minutes

Equipment Needed:

Barbell Heavy plates High box Pull-up bar Wall ball Jump rope Plate for run

Strategy Overview:

Heavy deadlifts early will impact everything else. Pace accordingly and prioritize form.

What Are CrossFit HERO WODs?

CrossFit HERO WODs are workouts created to honor fallen military, police, fire, and emergency personnel. These workouts are typically longer and more challenging than regular CrossFit workouts, designed to reflect the sacrifice and dedication of the heroes they commemorate.

Why Are HERO WODs So Challenging?

HERO WODs like Murph, The Seven, and Kalsu are intentionally difficult because they represent the ultimate sacrifice made by service members. The physical and mental challenge mirrors the dedication and perseverance of those being honored.

Popular HERO WODs You Should Know

  • Murph: The most famous HERO WOD, performed worldwide on Memorial Day
  • The Seven: One of the longest and most challenging WODs in CrossFit
  • DT: A barbell-focused workout testing grip endurance
  • Kalsu: Combines thrusters with burpees for maximum suffering