Those Burpees Don't Suck

Reflection on getting a FKT on my first attempt at a challenging workout.

I train every day in some capacity. Occasionally I’ll share some of my workouts and every once in a while I will record them. Even though I deeply understand the How behind the progress I’ve made over the past ten years, it is still wild to reflect on what I am able to accomplish at almost 40 years old while sore, tired, or any other form of less than 100% compared to myself in the “peak” athletic years of my late 20s.

Finding new challenges to test my current abilities, establish a baseline, and then work to strategically improve is one of my favorite ways to expand my capacity.

After reading the fantastic interview between Chris DeMuth Jr and Sam Alaimo, and Chris’s follow-on post, I learned of the workout “Those Burpees Suck:”

For time:

• 10 pull-ups

• 20 KB swings (53lbs)

• 30 box jumps (24”)

• 40 push-ups

• 50 sit-ups

• 60 burpees

• 10 pull-ups

The FKT (fastest known time) was 7:11 and this was my first attempt at seeing what I could do.

I’m highly adapted to many bodyweight movements, especially burpees, so this challenge aligned with my current strengths. That being said, I haven’t done anything extraordinary in my training over the past ten years aside from making it intentional, doing it with my best effort, and remaining consistent. Raising your floor - your capacity to do work at any moment - is always possible if you’re willing to consciously and strategically apply yourself.

My primary goal as a functional fitness coach is to provide systematic progressions within the most basic of human movements so anyone can become highly proficient over time. The benefits of intentionality, effort, and consistency apply to all areas of life. If you’re interested in working with me to enhance your life in any mental, physical, or spiritual domain of interest, I’ve significantly reduced the cost of my annual and founding membership costs for the remainder of this month.

Honored for the recognition from Chris DeMuth Jr and looking forward to hitting that workout a few more times in the coming weeks to see if I can get sub 6:30.

6:44