Wetzel Hero WOD
Broken but not beaten
This workout is more than just physical exertion—it’s a tribute to the relentless resilience of Josh and Paige Wetzel in the face of unimaginable adversity. Every movement, every rep and every challenge in this workout carries deep symbolism, honoring their journey of survival, struggle and triumph.
You will struggle.
You will push through.
And in the end, you will rise.
You will push through.
And in the end, you will rise.
The Wetzel Overview
Each movement must be done the way Josh does it—arms only!
400M overhead plate carry
5 min max calories on assault bike
31 deadlifts
12 inchworms with 3 pushups
5 min max calories on rower
31 hang power clean
5 min max calories ski
31 shoulder to overhead presses
01
The Journey Begins: Life in Pieces
The workout starts with an empty barbell, symbolizing the brokenness and devastation that follows trauma, much like what Josh and Paige experienced on May 31, 2012. When life shatters, you are left to pick up the pieces, uncertain what comes next.
02
Moving Forward Through the Pain
At the start, you will grab a weight plate and carry it overhead as you walk. This movement represents the burden of trauma—the weight of grief, uncertainty and hardship pressing down, making it difficult to breathe or find comfort. But as in life, you keep moving forward because staying still is not an option.
03
Rebuilding, One Piece at a Time
After the overhead carry, you’ll return to your barbell and begin loading weight, symbolizing the process of rebuilding slowly, deliberately and with effort. The listed movements hold deep significance.
01
THE JOURNEY BEGINS: LIFE IN PIECES
The workout starts with an empty barbell, symbolizing the brokenness and devastation that follows trauma, much like what Josh and Paige experienced on May 31, 2012. When life shatters, you are left to pick up the pieces, uncertain what comes next.
02
MOVING THROUGH THE PAIN
At the start, you will grab a weight plate and carry it overhead as you walk. This movement represents the burden of trauma—the weight of grief, uncertainty and hardship pressing down, making it difficult to breathe or find comfort. But as in life, you keep moving forward because staying still is not an option.
03
REBUILDING, ONE PIECE AT A TIME
After the overhead carry, you’ll return to your barbell and begin loading weight, symbolizing the process of rebuilding slowly, deliberately and with effort. The listed movements hold deep significance.
04
The Breathless Fight for Recovery
The inclusion of machines (bike, row, ski) is intentional. They take your breath away, just as the recovery process often left Josh and Paige speechless—overwhelmed, exhausted, yet unwilling to quit. These machines also represent movements that Josh never thought he’d master but ultimately conquered through perseverance.
05
Closing the Chapter, But Not the Journey
As the workout nears its end, you will strip the weight from your bar—a representation of the broken pieces of your former life that you may never get back. Yet, you refuse to let them define you. Instead, you gather what remains, pick up the pieces and move forward—because that is what resilience demands.
04
THE BREATHLESS FIGHT FOR RECOVERY
The inclusion of machines (bike, row, ski) is intentional. They take your breath away, just as the recovery process often left Josh and Paige speechless—overwhelmed, exhausted, yet unwilling to quit. These machines also represent movements that Josh never thought he’d master but ultimately conquered through perseverance.
05
CLOSING THE CHAPTER, BUT NOT THE JOURNEY
As the workout nears its end, you will strip the weight from your bar—a representation of the broken pieces of your former life that you may never get back. Yet, you refuse to let them define you. Instead, you gather what remains, pick up the pieces and move forward—because that is what resilience demands.
This workout is more than physical strength; it’s about heart, faith, and the unwavering determination to keep going, no matter what. Josh and Paige’s story is one of relentless forward progress, and you can step into that journey with them.
