A hero workout of the day (WODs) aka Hero WOD is a workout tribute specifically to a fallen soldier, member of the military, and/or first responder. The workout is usually harder and longer than most programmed workouts in functional fitness and CrossFit gyms alike. The reason? To show tribute and respect to the work, dedication, and labor that the fallen hero gave to our country to protect and defend our freedoms. In this article, we're highlighting Hero WOD "JT".
Remembering Petty Officer 1st Class Jeff Taylor
Jeffrey Taylor enlisted in the navy in 1993 and was killed during his final assignment with SEAL Team TEN while deployed to Afghanistan when the MH-47 Chinook helicopter he was on was shot down by an enemy rocket-propelled grenade during Operation Red Wings on June 28, 2005. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor Citation for his heroic achievement in connection with combat operations during Operation Enduring Freedom. As quoted in his valor citation, “By his courageous actions, zealous initiative, and loyal dedication to duty, Petty Officer Taylor reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Hero WOD "JT"
This workout, hero WOD “JT” was the first hero WOD to appear on the CrossFit Main Site on July 6, 2005. The workout has HSPUs, ring dips, and push-ups for time. Your score is the time of the clock when the last round of push-ups is finished.
21-15-9 Reps For Time
Handstand Push-Ups
Ring Dips
Push-Ups
Why Do We Do Hero WODs
While the main focus of the workout is often to pay tribute, respect, and remembrance to the fallen hero, hero WODs are also a great test of physical ability and performance capacity. Not only are you going to enter into the workout experiencing great physical tests, but you’re also going to cross barriers between the body, the mind, emotions and experience. You might cry, you might scream, you might bleed even, but with a deeper connection to the workout and the ‘why’, you give tribute one grueling rep at a time.
Never Forget
If there are two things we love, it’s CrossFit and our military, first responders, and all the selfless individuals on the front lines. Please join us as we remember Jeff Taylor alongside our box mates.
