The Secret History of the Burpee: The One Exercise to Rule Them All

If you’ve ever played sports, or really, any physical activity, then you’re most likely familiar with the Burpee. We’ve all done them and from junior high gym class, to military boot camp, to the Crossfit Games, the burpee remains undefeated. This unique blend of strength training and cardio is often used to bring teams together – such as in the case of the Detroit Lions under head coach Dan Campbell – despite simultaneously tearing your insides apart.

But where did this whole thing begin? And why? And where did that name come from?

Today, ESPN’s Dave Fleming tells the tale of the secret history of the burpee. The humble calisthenic that became the one exercise to rule them all.

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