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Q & D
Quick & Dead
20 min · Pavel Tsatsouline

Pavel's anti-glycolytic 10:2 protocol. Alternates 10 ballistic reps (swings or snatches) and 10 grind reps (pushups) on a 2-minute E2M clock — rest fills the remainder of each window. This timer sequences the pairs automatically with audio at each transition. The complete program with anti-glycolytic training methodology is in The Quick & the Dead by Pavel Tsatsouline.

How It Works
1
The protocol runs 10 paired rounds on a 2-minute clock (E2M). Each pair is one ballistic set + one grind set — the timer sequences them automatically.
2
Round starts: perform 10 swings or snatches (the ballistic). Rest fills whatever remains in the first minute. A chime marks the switch.
3
At the 1-minute mark: perform 10 pushups (the grind). Rest fills the second minute. That completes one pair.
4
Repeat for 10 pairs — 20 minutes total. A completion tone fires at the end. The anti-glycolytic approach means you should feel powerful at the end, not gassed.
FAQ

What weight should I use for Quick & Dead?

Pavel recommends 32 kg snatches for advanced men and 24 kg for intermediate. The pushup load scales with bodyweight. The book gives complete standards — err on the side of too light until the movement is crisp at each window.

Can I use swings instead of snatches?

Yes. Swings are the standard entry movement for Q&D. Snatches come later once you can complete all 10 reps in under 15 seconds with perfect form. The timer doesn't enforce this — it just runs the clock.

Does the timer work offline?

Yes. Iron Timer is a PWA. After the first load it works without internet. Add it to your home screen for native-app feel with the screen staying on during your session.

What is anti-glycolytic training?

The Q&D methodology uses short, powerful efforts with long relative rest to train the phosphocreatine energy system instead of the glycolytic (lactic acid) system. You stay powerful, not gassed. Pavel covers the science in full in The Quick & the Dead.

Can I pause mid-session?

Yes. Tap the screen to pause anywhere; tap again to resume. The 2-minute clock holds where you left it.

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