10 CrossFit terms you need to know

What’s a WOD? Here’s your guide to the language of CrossFit

CrossFit is a highly addictive workout that will take your fitness to extreme levels.

Developed in 2001, the technique combines a series of high-intensity exercises to give you a full-body workout. Fans can’t get enough... there are now thousands of CrossFit gyms around the world.

It can be easy to feel intimidated when you are starting out, which is why it helps to get your head around the lingo we use to describe different moves or exercises.

Take a look at the following terms then head to your box with more confidence:

1. WOD
   Your Workout of the Day. Your CrossFit coach will set you up with a WOD designed to maximise your strength and fitness.


2. AMRAP
   As Many Reps / Rounds as Possible. Feel the burn!


3. The Box
   Traditionally, CrossFit gyms are located in industrial warehouses. Early trainers started calling these locations ‘The Box’ and the name has stuck.


4. EMOM
   Every Minute on the Minute. CrossFitters work to the clock. Get ready to keep an eye on it as you perform those muscle-building repetitions.


5. MetCon
   Metabolic Conditioning Workout. These exercises will get your breathing heavy and push up your heart rate.


6. The Girls
   According to CrossFit Founder Greg Glassman, “Workouts are like storms - they wreak havoc.” Hence the classic CrossFit benchmark workouts being given female names. Kelly, Isabel, Helen and their pals are going to keep you on your toes!


7. Heroes
   Several CrossFit benchmark workouts are named after actual military, law enforcers and firefighters who have died in the line of duty. Typically very difficult, these workouts were created to honor such heroes. Unfortunately, the list of Hero WODs continues to grow.


8. Rep
   Repetition. This refers to one performance of an exercise. But brace yourself, there’s no way you’re only going to be doing one!


9. 1RM, 3RM, 10RM etc
   Your 1RM is your max lift for one rep.
   Your 10RM is the most you can lift 10 times.


10. RX or RX’d
    As prescribed. This means you tackle your WOD without any adjustments in weight and  / or movement.
    

There are plenty more terms to add to your CrossFit vocabulary but these will get you off to a good start.

Happy training!