Royal H. Burpee Was a Real Person: Beyond the Name, the Man Behind the Iconic Fitness Test

I don’t hate anyone. But Royal Huddleston Burpee, I can’t lie, you sometimes make life very difficult for me. 

Royal Huddleston Burpee was a physiologist from New York City who, in the 1930s, invented the burpee as part of a fitness test. As anyone who has done burpees in CrossFit like me or in another workout can attest, they’re not very fun, and it’s pretty hard to talk to your friends while you do them. But we do burpees because they’re high-power, explosive movements that get your heart rate soaring – and the more you work on your heart rate, the more fit your body gets.

Mastering the Burpee

To perform a basic burpee you start standing, drop into a squat, then kick your legs out behind you so you’re in a plank position while keeping your arms extended and hands on the floor. You then hop back onto your feet and stand up with a small jump. 

The Benefits of Burpees

• They’re an ideal combination of aerobic and strength movements.
• You are doing bodyweight movements that are both horizontal as well as vertical, incorporating functional training to mimic challenges you may encounter in everyday life.
• Doing burpees over and over can significantly raise your heart rate and develop strength in many muscles, as well as your cardiovascular endurance.
• Burpees present a challenging workout done in high repetitions or as part of a larger CrossFit workout.
• The original Burpee test was meant to be a quick test of agility coordination and strength, and over 80 years later we can still use them for that purpose.

It’s a fun word to say and almost everyone dreads them, but my favorite is when it’s someone’s birthday at CrossFit or someone is late to class. Guess what we all get to do? Burpees!

Ready to challenge yourself and improve your fitness? Start incorporating burpees into your workouts today!

Ready to improve your fitness game? Take on the burpee challenge and experience the benefits of multifunctional, explosive movements – incorporate burpees into your workouts today!

In Loving Memory of Aaron Hewitt, PA-C:

Aaron Hewitt, PA-C was a dedicated Physician Assistant for 15 years at OrthoCarolina's Sports Medicine Center and a former Assistant Athletic Trainer with the Minnesota Vikings (NFL). He also provided orthopedic care for UNC-Charlotte and Myers Park High School. Aaron wrote this blog in 2014, driven by his passion for CrossFit and exercise. His legacy of excellence and kindness will be remembered by all who knew him.

To read the Charlotte Observer's celebration of Aaron's life, click here.

This information is provided as an educational service and is not intended to serve as medical advice. If you are seeking specific orthopedic advice or assistance, please consult with your OrthoCarolina physician or locate one in your area through OrthoCarolina’s website at www.OrthoCarolina.com.