Benchmark WOD

The Chief

The Workout

Five AMRAPs in 3 minutes: 3 Power Cleans (135/95 lbs), 6 Push-Ups, 9 Air Squats, 1 minute Rest after each 3-minute AMRAP

Primary movement: Power Clean/Pushup

What is The Chief?

The Chief honors Navy Chief Petty Officer Nate Hardy: five separate 3-minute AMRAPs of 3 power cleans (135/95 lb), 6 push-ups and 9 air squats, with 1 minute of rest between them. Your score is total rounds (and reps) across all five intervals. Each cycle is short enough to attack at near-sprint pace, and the 1-minute rest is just enough to tempt you into going out too hard. The Chief measures repeatable power output - the ability to surge, recover and surge again.

What is a good The Chief time?

Level (Rounds)MenWomen
beginner13 (2.5/interval)12
intermediate17 (3.5/interval)16
advanced21 (4+/interval)19
elite25+ (5/interval)23+

Total rounds across all five 3-minute AMRAPs.

Tips & Strategy

Pick a target rounds-per-interval (4 is strong, 5 is elite territory) and hit it every time - consistency scores higher than a hot first AMRAP. Do the cleans as quick singles with no wasted steps, push-ups unbroken, squats at a driving rhythm. Use the rest minute deliberately: 10 seconds walking, 40 seconds of deep breathing, 10 seconds setting up at the bar. Start each interval mid-rep-scheme where you left off.

Scaled & Beginner Versions

Scaled: same format at 95/65 lb, push-ups from knees if needed. Beginner: 3 hang power cleans with an empty bar or dumbbells, 6 elevated push-ups, 9 squats. The interval format stays - it's the best part.

Track your The Chief PR

Log every result, see your progress over time, and know exactly where you stand.