WodBase

Nasty Girls

Rounds

One of the original CrossFit benchmark workouts featuring the muscle-up, a skill that separates beginner from intermediate athletes. Three rounds of squats, muscle-ups, and hang power cleans create a challenging test of fitness.

The Workout

3 rounds for time

  • 150 Air Squats
  • 27 Muscle-ups
  • 310 Hang Power Cleans (135/95 lb)
Equipment Needed
RingsBarbellWeight plates
Target Time

Beginner

20-25 minutes

Intermediate

14-20 minutes

Advanced

9-14 minutes

Strategy & Tips

Nasty Girls is a classic test that combines high-rep squats, high-skill gymnastics, and moderate barbell work. The muscle-ups are the limiting factor for most athletes.

  • Squats should be unbroken but don't rush—save energy for muscle-ups
  • Break muscle-ups strategically (3-2-2 or 4-3) to avoid failure
  • Hang power cleans should be touch-and-go if possible
  • Keep transitions tight—the workout is only 3 rounds
  • If muscle-ups are a weakness, scale and build proficiency separately

Pacing

Moderate pace on squats, controlled singles or doubles on muscle-ups, aggressive on cleans. This is about managing the muscle-up fatigue.

Scaling Options

Scaled

  • 50 Air Squats
  • 7 Chest-to-bar pull-ups + 7 ring dips
  • 10 Hang Power Cleans (95/65 lb)

RX+

  • 50 Pistols (alternating)
  • 7 Bar muscle-ups
  • 10 Hang Squat Cleans (155/105 lb)
Benchmark Times

Elite

sub 8:00

Advanced

8:00-12:00

Intermediate

12:00-17:00

Beginner

17:00-25:00

Workout Variations

Nasty Girls V2

The updated version with different movements

Nice Girls

Scaled version without muscle-ups

Really Nasty Girls

Extended version

Frequently Asked Questions