Training pathway

Most Popular Hero WODs

The most searched and performed Hero WODs in the CrossFit community

Workouts

Train the right most popular hero wods for today.

The fastest way to better performance is to select a version of the work that you can execute with good movement and useful intensity.

Hero WOD

Murph

Honoring Navy Lieutenant Michael Murphy

Extreme

The most famous and challenging HERO WOD in CrossFit, performed on Memorial Day worldwide. This workout honors Navy Lieutenant Michael Murphy, who was killed in Afghanistan on June 28, 2005.

Workout

  • 1 mile Run
  • 100 Pull-ups
  • 200 Push-ups
  • 300 Air Squats
  • 1 mile Run
Pull-up barRunning route or treadmill20lb/14lb weighted vest (Rx)Cross-training shoes

Difficulty

9/10

Time cap

60 minutes

Strategy: Murph requires strategic pacing and movement breakdown. The key is managing the 600 total bodyweight reps while preserving energy for both mile runs. Equipment choice significantly impacts performance - avoid weightlifting shoes for this workout.

Hero WOD

JT

Honoring Petty Officer 1st Class Jeff Taylor

Hard

A classic CrossFit HERO WOD focused on upper body pushing strength with handstand push-ups, ring dips, and push-ups.

Workout

  • 21-15-9 reps for time of:
  • Handstand Push-ups
  • Ring Dips
  • Push-ups
RingsWall space for HSPU

Difficulty

7/10

Strategy: This is a push-dominant workout. Manage muscle fatigue and break up sets early.

Hero WOD

DT

Honoring Air Force Staff Sergeant Timothy Davis

Hard

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
BarbellPlates

Difficulty

8/10

Time cap

25 minutes

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

Hero WOD

The Seven

Honoring Seven CIA Officers

Extreme

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
BarbellPlatesKettlebellPull-up bar

Difficulty

10/10

Time cap

45 minutes

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

Hero WOD

Kalsu

Honoring Army First Lieutenant Robert James Kalsu

Extreme

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
BarbellPlates

Difficulty

9/10

Time cap

30 minutes

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

Keep the purpose

The workout is only useful when the stimulus is right.

Build the foundation first, scale deliberately when required, and return to benchmarks with a stronger movement base and a clearer pacing plan.