"Helen" / 3 rounds for time of:
Run 400 meters
21 kettlebell swings
12 pull-ups
♀ 35 lb
♂ 53 lb
Post times to comments.
Stimulus and Strategy:
Helen is a classic benchmark known for being a simple workout that packs a potent punch. The rep scheme is intended to allow athletes to perform this workout at a fast pace with unbroken sets and minimal transition time between movements. Advanced athletes can challenge themselves to complete this workout in under 7 minutes.
Scaling:
Reduce the load of the kettlebell. Reduce the distance of the run.
To reduce the demands of the pull-ups, consider reducing the reps to 6-8 or perform jumping pull-ups. For the kettlebell swings, reduce the range of motion and perform Russian kettlebell swings.
In case of injury or limitation, for the 400-meter run, perform 900/1,250 meters on the Echo bike or 400/500 meters on the rower. For the kettlebell swings, consider single-arm Russian kettlebell swings or kettlebell deadlifts. For the pull-ups, perform ring rows.
Intermediate option / 3 rounds for time of:
Run 400 meters
21 kettlebell swings
6 pull-ups
♀ 26 lb
♂ 35 lb
Beginner option / 3 rounds for time of:
Run 200 meters
15 kettlebell swings
9 jumping pull-ups
♀ 18 lb
♂ 26 lb
Coaching cues:
In the kettlebell swing, tighten the abdominals, glutes, and quads to avoid overextension of the trunk when the kettlebell is in the overhead position.