Understanding the Language of CrossFit
CrossFit is not only a high-intensity fitness program; it's also a culture with its own jargon. Whether you're a beginner or just curious about the workout regime, decoding CrossFit's unique acronyms can help you understand the community and the workouts much better. This guide will walk you through the essential acronyms you'll encounter in the world of CrossFit, so you can feel more at home in the box—that's CrossFit speak for the gym.
WOD: Workout of the Day
At the heart of CrossFit is the WOD, or Workout of the Day. This is the specific set of exercises, prescribed by your CrossFit gym, that all members complete on a given day. The WOD changes daily and is known for its intensity and variety, challenging various aspects of physical fitness.
AMRAP: As Many Rounds (or Reps) as Possible
AMRAP is a type of CrossFit workout format that challenges athletes to complete as many rounds or repetitions of a series of movements as possible within a specified time frame. It emphasizes endurance, speed, and efficiency as athletes push themselves to the limit.
EMOM: Every Minute on the Minute
Another workout format is the EMOM. In an EMOM, athletes perform a specific number of reps of a movement every minute on the minute for a set number of minutes. It requires concentration and pacing since you only have the remainder of each minute to rest after completing the reps.
RFT: Rounds for Time
RFT workouts are structured around completing a certain number of rounds of a sequence of movements as quickly as possible. Time is the primary measure of performance here, and athletes are encouraged to maintain a high intensity throughout the workout.
PR: Personal Record
In CrossFit, personal triumphs are celebrated often. When an athlete achieves their best performance in a particular exercise or WOD, it's known as a PR or Personal Record. PRs are a vital part of the CrossFit culture, signifying progression and personal improvement.
RX: As Prescribed
When a CrossFit athlete completes a WOD RX, it means they've done it as prescribed with the suggested weights and standards. CrossFit workouts are scalable to every skill level, so performing an RX WOD is a sign that an athlete is competing at peak prescribed levels of difficulty.
1RM: One Rep Max
CrossFit places a significant emphasis on strength development. 1RM stands for One Rep Max, which is the maximum weight an athlete can lift for one repetition of a given lift. It's a valuable measure of an athlete's maximal strength.
UB: Unbroken
UB, or Unbroken, is a term used when an athlete completes a series of reps in succession without stopping or resting. Going unbroken through a set of difficult exercises requires not only physical strength but also mental fortitude.
MetCon: Metabolic Conditioning
MetCon stands for Metabolic Conditioning. In CrossFit, this refers to structured patterns of work and rest periods intended to elicit a specific metabolic response. These workouts often combine both cardio and strength elements and aim to improve endurance, stamina, and overall fitness.
Chipper: Long, Single-Round WODs
A Chipper is a type of workout that involves a large number of reps spread across various exercises, all to be completed in one long round. It 'chips away' at the athlete's stamina and is typically structured to challenge endurance and mental toughness.
Tabata: High-Intensity Interval Training
Although not exclusive to CrossFit, Tabata has found its place in many WODS. This form of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) involves cycles of 20 seconds of maximum effort followed by 10 seconds of rest, repeated 8 times for a total of 4 minutes. It's demanding yet time-efficient and can incinerate calories.
With this lexicon of CrossFit acronyms in hand, you’ll have a much easier time following along with the fast-paced and dynamic world of CrossFit. Arm yourself with this knowledge, step into the box with confidence, and prepare to tackle the WOD with the tenacity of a seasoned CrossFitter.
