CrossFit is known for its intensity and variety, but what many people overlook is just how effective bodyweight CrossFit workouts can be. Whether you're traveling, short on time, or just prefer training without equipment, bodyweight WODs (Workouts of the Day) offer a scalable, challenging, and highly effective way to build strength, endurance, and resilience.
Why Bodyweight CrossFit Works
CrossFit bodyweight training strips fitness down to its raw essentials—your own body and gravity. These workouts emphasize functional movements like push-ups, air squats, burpees, lunges, and sit-ups. When programmed intelligently, these bodyweight CrossFit WODs can push even the most advanced athletes to their limits.
Benefits include:
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Accessibility: No gym? No problem. You can train in your living room, a park, or a hotel room.
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Scalability: Modify reps, time domains, or movements to suit any level—from beginner to elite.
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Fat-burning Power: High-intensity bodyweight WODs elevate heart rate fast, making them excellent for conditioning and fat loss.
Classic Bodyweight CrossFit WODs to Try
Here are a few benchmark-style CrossFit bodyweight workouts you can try:
1. Cindy (AMRAP 20)
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5 Pull-ups
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10 Push-ups
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15 Air Squats
A true test of muscular endurance and aerobic capacity. Modify with ring rows or incline push-ups if needed.
2. Annie (For Time)
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50-40-30-20-10
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Double Unders
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Sit-ups
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Don’t underestimate this one—it’s a CrossFit bodyweight routine that burns fast and finishes faster.
3. Bodyweight Tabata
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Push-ups
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Air Squats
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Sit-ups
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Burpees
20 seconds on, 10 seconds rest, 8 rounds per movement. A quick, high-intensity bodyweight CrossFit WOD that hits everything.
4. Hotel Hell
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100 Air Squats
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75 Sit-ups
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50 Push-ups
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25 Burpees
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Run 1 mile (or sub with jump rope if space is limited)
Perfect when you're stuck in a hotel room or training without gear.
Programming Tips for CrossFit Bodyweight Training
To create your own CrossFit bodyweight workouts:
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Pick 3–5 foundational movements (e.g., push-ups, squats, lunges, burpees).
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Choose a format: AMRAP, EMOM, For Time, Tabata.
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Set a time cap or rep target.
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Scale volume or intensity depending on your level.
My Personal Experience
During the early pandemic months, I found myself locked out of my local box with nothing but a yoga mat and a jump rope. I leaned hard into CrossFit bodyweight training, stringing together WODs like “Death by Burpees,” Tabata push-ups, and endless air squats in the living room. The result? My conditioning actually improved. Stripped of barbells and rowers, I was forced to focus on movement quality and pacing—and I came out of that season fitter than before.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a barbell to build grit. CrossFit bodyweight exercises deliver intensity, variety, and results—no excuses, no equipment required. Whether you're a beginner exploring CrossFit bodyweight workouts for the first time, or a seasoned athlete in need of a no-equipment option, these routines offer a flexible way to stay sharp.
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