There is a lot of different vocabulary used in CrossFit, and we have compiled a list of abbreviations and terms you make come across while in the gym. Knowing the language of CrossFit should help reduce confusion and allow you to focus on your performance.

  • 3,2,1, GO – A Count down used at the start of the workout
  • AMRAP – As Many Reps/Rounds As Possible
  • Athlete – This is YOU. As long as you are pursuing health and fitness here at CrossFit Reflex we will refer to you as an athlete
  • Box – CrossFit gyms are typically referred to as a ‘box’ because they are traditionally located in industrial type warehouses
  • BP – Bench press
  • BS – Back squat
  • BW – Body weight
  • C&J – Clean and jerk
  • DL – Deadlift
  • DNF – Did Not Finish. For WODs with a fixed amount of work and a time cap, it is possible to not finish the prescribed amount of work in the given time. In such cases, the score will be appended with “DNF”
  • DU’s – Double unders. When jumping rope the rope passes under your feet 2 times between each jump
  • EMOM – Every minute on the minute. So for instance on the whiteboard one day it is written; 10 Push-ups EMOM for 10 minutes. This means that you must do 10 Push ups at the top or beginning of every minute for 10 minutes
  • FS – Front Squat
  • Girls – Several classic CrossFit benchmark workouts that are given female names. The names of these workouts are arbitrary and not named after actual girls.
  • Gymnastics – Historically, the term “gymnastics” is used relatively loosely in CrossFit to describe exercises that involve controlling body movement, typically bodyweight movements such as; sit-ups, push-ups, air squats, ring-rows, box jumps, etc
  • Hang squat (clean or snatch). Start with bar “at the hang,” about knee height. Initiate pull. As the bar rises drop into a full squat and catch the bar in the racked position. From there, rise to a standing position
  • Heroes – Several CrossFit Benchmark Workouts are named after actual military, law enforcement and firefighters that have died in the line of duty. These workouts are typically very difficult as a way of honoring these heroes. Unfortunately, the list of Hero WODs continues to grow
  • HSPU – Hand Stand Push Up. While in a handstand position against the wall or freestanding. You touch your head to the ground and press all the way up until your arms are locked out
  • KB – Kettlebell
  • K2E – Knees to elbows. Similar to T2Bs described below (May be used as a scale of T2B)
  • ME – Maximum Effort. For example if on the board it is written: 2 min ME rowing. That means you will row as hard as you possibly can for 2 full minutes therefore putting forth a “maximum effort”
  • Metcon – This is an abbreviation for ‘metabolic conditioning.’ The “Metcon” is training with the intent to enhance performance in the three metabolic pathways that provide energy. These metabolic pathways are known as the phosphagen pathway (10 seconds or less), the glycolytic pathway (last up to several minutes) and the oxidative pathway (last in excess of several minutes). The term “metcon” is often misunderstood and incorrectly used by CrossFitters as a synonym for longer-duration cardio vascular training
  • MU – Muscle ups. Hanging from rings you do a combination pull-up and dip so you end in an upright support
  • OHS – Overhead squat, A full-depth squat performed while arms are locked out in a wide grip press position above (and usually behind) the head while holding onto a weighted object (usually a barbell)
  • PC – Power clean
  • Pood – weight measure for kettlebells
  • PP – Push press
  • PR – Personal record
  • Rep -Repetition. One performance of an exercise
  • RM – Repetition maximum. Your 1RM is your max lift for one rep. Your 10 RM is the most you can lift 10 times
  • Rx – Or prescribed. Every WOD and movement a set standard. Performing a WOD or movement according to the standards is referred to as “doing it Rx’d”; aka as prescribed. If you modify or “scale” a WOD or movement, it is not “Rx’d”. Performing a movement with a partial range of motion or with assistance is also not an Rx
  • SDHP – Sumo Deadlift High Pull. Using a wide stance and narrow grip, you pull the bar from the ground up to your chin, keeping the bar close to your body
  • Set – A number of repetitions. For example; 3 sets of 10 reps, often seen as 3×10, means do 10 reps, rest, repeat, rest, repeat
  • T2B – Toes to bar. While hanging from a bar. Bending only at the waist (possible kicking with the knees and ankles due to range of motion), raise your toes to touch the bar, slowly lower them and repeat
  • WOD – Workout of the Day