WodBase

Chad

For Time

In honor of Navy SEAL Chad Wilkinson, who died by suicide on October 29, 2018. This Hero WOD is simple but brutal: 1000 box step-ups wearing a weight vest. It honors Chad's memory while raising awareness about veteran mental health and the 22 veterans lost to suicide daily.

The Workout

1000 Box Step-ups for time

  • 1Box Step-ups (20 in, 45/35 lb vest)
Equipment Needed
Box (20 in)Weight vest
Target Time

Beginner

75-100 minutes (no vest)

Intermediate

60-75 minutes

Advanced

45-60 minutes

Strategy & Tips

Chad is a simple but brutal Hero WOD. One thousand step-ups. No complexity, just relentless work. This is a mental and physical grind.

  • This is a mental battle—break it into chunks of 100
  • Alternate legs consistently to balance fatigue
  • Step down, don't jump—save your knees
  • Have music, a podcast, or a training partner
  • Hydrate and fuel throughout—this takes 45-90 minutes

Pacing

Sustainable, steady pace. Aim for about 15-17 step-ups per minute. Don't start too fast—you have 1000 to do.

Scaling Options

Scaled

  • 1000 Box Step-ups (20 in, no vest)

RX+

  • 1000 Box Step-ups (24 in, 50/35 lb vest)
Benchmark Times

Elite

sub 40 minutes

Advanced

40-55 minutes

Intermediate

55-75 minutes

Beginner

75-100 minutes

Workout Variations

Half Chad

500 step-ups

Unweighted Chad

No vest

Partner Chad

Split the work

Frequently Asked Questions