Common CrossFit Terms: A Comprehensive Guide

Embarking on a journey into the world of CrossFit? You're in for an exciting, challenging, and rewarding experience. But first, let's familiarize ourselves with some common CrossFit terms that you'll encounter along the way. Understanding these terms will not only help you navigate the CrossFit community but also enhance your workouts and progress.

Gym Terminology Explained: Fitness & Workout Terms You Should Know 🏋️‍♀️

CrossFit is a high-intensity fitness program that combines elements from various sports and types of exercise. It's known for its functional movements, intensity, and community. Now, let's dive into some key CrossFit terms, starting with the basics.

CrossFit Basics

Before we delve into specific movements and workouts, let's cover some fundamental CrossFit terms.

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**WOD (Workout of the Day):** Every CrossFit box (gym) posts a WOD each day, which is a specific workout that everyone in the class performs. WODs can range from short, high-intensity intervals to longer, endurance-based workouts.

Workout Structure

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**AMRAP (As Many Rounds/Reps As Possible):** This term is used when the goal of the workout is to complete as many rounds or reps of a given workout as possible within a set time frame.

**EMOM (Every Minute on the Minute):** In an EMOM workout, you perform a specific task at the start of every minute. The goal is to complete the task as quickly as possible and rest for the remainder of the minute.

CrossFit Movements

Must-Know CrossFit Terms, Phrases and Slang

**Olympic Lifts:** These are advanced barbell movements that involve lifting a barbell from the ground to overhead in one fluid motion. They include the snatch, clean, and jerk.

**Gymnastics Movements:** CrossFit incorporates a lot of bodyweight exercises, often referred to as gymnastics movements. These include pull-ups, push-ups, handstand push-ups, and ring rows, among others.

CrossFit Scaling and Progression

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CrossFit is scalable, meaning workouts can be adjusted to suit each individual's fitness level. Understanding these terms will help you scale workouts appropriately.

**Scale:** To adjust a workout to make it more or less challenging, based on your current fitness level. This could mean using lighter weights, breaking up movements, or modifying the range of motion.

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What are the physiological effects of CrossFit? - NuBest Nutrition

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Scaling Options

**Banded:** Using resistance bands to assist or increase the difficulty of a movement. For example, using a band to help with pull-ups or to increase the challenge of a push-up.

**Reduced Range of Motion (ROM):** Performing a movement with a shorter range of motion to make it less challenging. For instance, doing a push-up on your knees instead of with your feet on the ground.

Progression

**Progression:** Gradually increasing the difficulty of a movement over time. This could mean adding weight, increasing the range of motion, or improving the speed and efficiency of the movement.

**Progression Markers:** Specific benchmarks that indicate you're ready to progress to the next level. For example, performing a certain number of unbroken reps or reaching a specific weight for a lift.

CrossFit Community and Competitions

CrossFit is known for its strong community. Here are some terms related to the community and competitions.

**Box:** A CrossFit gym. The term comes from the fact that many early CrossFit gyms were located in warehouse-like spaces with concrete floors, reminiscent of a box.

Community Events

**Box Hopping:** Visiting different CrossFit boxes, often while traveling. This is a great way to experience different coaching styles and box cultures.

**Potluck:** A community event where members bring food to share. It's a great way to socialize and connect with fellow CrossFitters.

Competitions

**Local Competition:** A CrossFit competition held at a local box, often for fun and to raise money for a cause.

**Regional/National/Local Competition:** Competitions that feed into the CrossFit Games, the annual CrossFit competition where the Fittest on Earth are crowned.

Now that you're equipped with these common CrossFit terms, you're ready to dive into the world of CrossFit. Remember, it's a journey, and every step counts. Keep learning, keep moving, and most importantly, keep having fun. See you at the box!