CrossFit Challenger
$19.00 per month
CrossFit Challenger classes include additional training and “extra work” designed to be completed after your regular CrossFit workout.
🧠 What Are Sand & Steel Challenger Workouts (Fridays)?
Challenger workouts are your gladiator arena. They’re for athletes who want to test their limits with complex movements, intensified loading, and unconventional challenges. It’s where the seasoned Sand & Steel athlete goes to get uncomfortable—and grow.
🥇 Challenger Workouts – Key Characteristics
| Element | Description |
| 🔥 Higher Intensity and Load | Frequently incorporates heavier lifts, longer efforts, or more advanced gymnastics movements than standard workouts. Designed to push limits. |
| 🧱 “Schlep” Workouts | Involves unconventional, strongman-style movements (e.g., sled pushes, carries, sandbag work), which test grip, grit, and total-body strength. |
| 🧗 Gymnastics Skill Practice | More focused skill sessions that might include handstand progressions, ring work, bar muscle-ups, or other technical drills. |
| ⚖️ Not for Beginners | Geared toward intermediate to advanced athletes who have mastered fundamental movement mechanics and are ready for higher complexity. |
| 🧪 Experimentation and Challenge | You’re often experimenting with new formats, tempos, or training tools. It’s a testing ground for resilience and adaptability. |
🆚 Challenger vs. Standard Class: Side-by-Side Breakdown
| Category | Standard CrossFit Class | Challenger Workout |
| Purpose | General physical preparedness (GPP) | Specific challenge: load, skill, or capacity |
| Timing | Main class block | Immediately after class (bonus WOD) |
| Structure | Warm-up → Skill/Strength → WOD | Standalone block; often skill, heavy, or grind |
| Movements | Scaled and inclusive for all | Intermediate/advanced: drags, carries, high-skill work |
| Intensity | Scalable, varied | Often higher intensity, volume, or skill |
| Audience | All members, scalable to any level | Optional for experienced members craving more |
🧨 Challenger Workout Summary
Challenger workouts are performed immediately after the regular CrossFit class. It’s designed for members who want extra volume, more coaching, complexity, or intensity beyond the day’s WOD. While the standard class provides a complete training experience, Challenger is the “next level” add-on for those who want more.
🛠️ Typical Elements Found in Challenger
- Heavy Days: Barbell cycling, tempo lifts, or max effort work
- Skill Blocks: Ring work, handstands, bar muscle-up progressions
- “Schlep” Sessions: Sled pushes, loaded carries, sandbag workouts
- Grind Finishers: Longer duration pieces that test mental toughness
- Mini EMOMs or Complexes: For focused development of advanced technique or stamina
🏁 Summary
Challenger is where athletes go to test limits, not just meet them.
It’s Sand & Steel’s proving ground for strength, skill, and grit—designed to complement the class, not replace it. It’s not about being better than others… it’s about becoming the best version of yourself.
The CrossFit competitors class is perfect for those who know the techniques and want a class with less instruction. The coach is still there to assist if needed but unlike the regular classes or OnRamp, time isn’t dedicated to go through the basics of the lifts. I find the classes super fun and more challenging because there is a variety of workouts within the class – the main WOD, strength session, and accessory work. Expect to leave exhausted and accomplished and be sure to recover and eat enough outside the gym!
Danielle R.
Think of it more as a CrossFit Plus class. It’s the same CF programming for that day, with an additional section focusing on either strength or conditioning. It’s designed for the experienced athlete who wants to add a little more training to their WOD to improve their competitive standing. Since the class spends less time focusing on teaching techniques, and more on the workouts, having an established foundation in CrossFit movements is strongly recommended.
Jenn M.
The Challenger class is great for people with CrossFit experience who are looking for a higher intensity, higher volume workout that will really challenge them. After I finish a competitors class, I feel like I really challenged myself and pushed myself to improve. Unlike the standard CrossFit class or OnRamp, the competitors class is for people who know the CrossFit movements and know how to scale themselves. You will be challenged, but you will reach a new level of fitness if you put in the work to do the competitors class.
Steven G.
The CrossFit competitors class is a fast paced comprehensive 90 minute session, including strength and accessory training to support mainstream WODs. Experienced athletes will love how far this class can push them out of their comfort zone.
Sean D.
Additional information
| Membership | Add-On, Competitors Only, Single Class |
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