Open 12.1
AMRAPThe opening workout of the 2012 CrossFit Open. Seven minutes of burpees. Simple in design, brutal in execution. This workout became infamous for its pure test of conditioning and mental fortitude.
The Workout
7-minute AMRAP
- 1Burpees
Equipment Needed
None (or box for RX+)
Target Time
Beginner
80-100 reps
Intermediate
100-120 reps
Advanced
120-140 reps
Strategy & Tips
Open 12.1 is deceptively simple: as many burpees as possible in 7 minutes. No complexity, just relentless work. This is a pure test of conditioning and mental toughness.
- Find a sustainable pace from the start—don't go out too fast
- Breathe rhythmically—exhale on the jump, inhale on the way down
- Aim for 15-18+ burpees per minute for a competitive score
- Use the full 7 minutes—don't stop before time expires
- This will hurt—embrace the discomfort
Pacing
Consistent pace throughout. If you're doing 20+ burpees in minute 1, you'll likely crash. Find a sustainable rhythm and maintain it.
Scaling Options
Scaled
- Burpees (step-back/step-up allowed)
RX+
- Burpee box jump overs (24/20 in)
Benchmark Times
Elite
150+ reps
Advanced
130-150 reps
Intermediate
100-130 reps
Beginner
70-100 reps
Workout Variations
Extended 12.1
Longer time domain
12.1 + Box
Added complexity
Sprint 12.1
Shorter, faster
Related Workouts
Baseline
For TimeFor time
- 500m Row
- 40 Air Squats
- 30 Sit-ups
- 20 Push-ups
- 10 Pull-ups
Fight Gone Bad
Rounds3 rounds, 1 minute per station
- Wall Ball Shots (20/14 lb to 10/9 ft)
- Sumo Deadlift High Pull (75/55 lb)
- Box Jump (20 inch)
- Push Press (75/55 lb)
- Row (Calories)
Open 14.5
For Time21-18-15-12-9-6-3 reps for time
- Thrusters (95/65 lb)
- Bar-Facing Burpees
Frequently Asked Questions