CrossFit Terminology Explained

Walk into a CrossFit class for the first time and it can sound like another language. AMRAP. EMOM. Rx. Fran.

Here's a plain-English guide to the CrossFit terminology you'll actually hear in your first few weeks.

Workout formats

• WOD: Workout of the Day. The main piece of training for that class.
• AMRAP: As Many Rounds (or Reps) As Possible in a set time. Keep going until the clock hits zero.
• EMOM: Every Minute On the Minute. A new set starts at the top of each minute. Finish your reps, rest whatever's left.
• For Time: Finish the prescribed work as fast as you can.
• Metcon: Metabolic conditioning. The high-intensity part of the class.

Rx vs Scaled

• Rx: Short for "prescribed." Doing the workout exactly as written on the whiteboard.
• Scaled: Modifying the weights, reps or movements to suit your current level. Not a downgrade, it's how you train safely until you're ready for Rx.

Movements you'll meet

• Thruster: Front squat straight into an overhead press. A staple, and a leg-burner.
• Clean: Lifting a barbell from the floor to your shoulders in one movement.
• Snatch: Barbell from floor to overhead in one movement. The technical one.
• Wall Ball: A squat with a medicine ball, thrown to a target on the wall at the top.
• KB Swing: Kettlebell swing. Hip-driven, full-body.
• Double Under (DU): Skipping rope passing under your feet twice per jump.
• T2B: Toes to Bar. Hang from the pull-up bar, bring your toes up to touch it.
• Kipping: Using a controlled swing to link gymnastic reps together. Not cheating, it's a skill.

Named workouts

• Fran: The most famous benchmark WOD. 21-15-9 reps of thrusters and pull-ups. Short, fast, and leaves you on the floor.
• Murph: The best-known Hero WOD, named after fallen Navy Lt. Michael Murphy. 1-mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 squats, 1-mile run. Usually done in a vest.
• The Open: The annual worldwide CrossFit competition, open to anyone. Five weeks, five workouts, one global leaderboard.

Gym lingo

• Box:  What a CrossFit gym is called. Yes, really.
• PR (or PB): Personal Record / Personal Best. Biggest lift, fastest time, most reps.
• 1RM: One Rep Max. The heaviest weight you can lift for a single rep.
• Unbroken: Completing a set without putting the bar (or your hands) down.

Ready to use it in the wild?

At Perpetua, we run a beginner CrossFit course that gets you fluent in the language and the movements before you drop into a regular class.

Book your CrossFit consult at Perpetua Windmill Lane.