Master the CrossFit Lingo: Top 15 Terms You Need to Know
CrossFit’s high-intensity workout program has become more and more popular over the past year. However, if you're new to the world of CrossFit, the terminology can be overwhelming. Some of you have probably heard your friends or friends or friends talking endlessly about their “WODs” or their “AMRAPS”, but what does it all mean?!?! To help you navigate the world of CrossFit, we've compiled a list of the top 15 CrossFit terms you should know.
WOD - Workout of the Day. This is the primary workout that is prescribed for each day at a CrossFit gym.
AMRAP - As Many Rounds As Possible. This term refers to a type of workout where you perform a set number of exercises for a set amount of time, with the goal of completing as many rounds as possible.
EMOM - Every Minute on the Minute. This term refers to a type of workout where you perform a specific exercise at the beginning of every minute, with the goal of completing as many reps as possible.
RX - As Prescribed. When a workout is completed "as prescribed," it means that the athlete completed the workout with the recommended weight and movements.
Kettlebell - A type of weightlifting equipment that looks like a ball with a handle. Kettlebells are often used in CrossFit workouts for exercises such as swings and Turkish get-ups.
Box Jump - A type of plyometric exercise where the athlete jumps onto a raised platform, also known as a "box".
Pull-up - A bodyweight exercise that involves pulling your body up to a bar using only your upper body strength.
Squat - A type of exercise that involves lowering your body as if you were sitting down in a chair, then standing back up.
Deadlift - A compound exercise that involves lifting a weight from the ground to a standing position.
Clean and Jerk - A weightlifting movement that involves lifting a weight from the ground to your shoulders, then pressing it overhead.
Snatch - A weightlifting movement that involves lifting a weight from the ground to overhead in one motion.
Fran - A benchmark workout that consists of 21-15-9 reps of thrusters and pull-ups.
Murph - A benchmark workout that consists of a 1-mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 squats, and another 1-mile run.
Tabata - A type of high-intensity interval training that consists of 20 seconds of work followed by 10 seconds of rest.
Metcon - Short for "metabolic conditioning," metcon is a type of workout that combines cardiovascular and strength training exercises to improve overall fitness.
By familiarizing yourself with these terms, you'll be able to better understand the workouts and communicate with other CrossFitters, even if it’s at the bar listening to them talk about their workouts.