CrossFit Lingo Explained: Understanding the Jargon

Let’s face it, CrossFitters speak their own language. If you’ve ever walked into a CrossFit box (yep, that’s what they call the gym) and heard people yelling about “WODs,” “AMRAPs,” and “RX,” you might have felt like you stumbled into a secret society. But don’t sweat it—today we’re gonna break down the most common CrossFit terms so you can walk in there like you own the place.

1. WOD (Workout of the Day)

Ever heard someone say, “What’s the WOD?” That’s the workout of the day, the main event of any CrossFit class. It changes daily and often involves a mix of weightlifting, cardio, and gymnastics movements. It keeps things fresh and keeps your muscles guessing—so you never get bored.

Pro Tip: If you see the WOD and it makes you a little nervous, that’s normal. Lean into it. That’s where growth happens.

2. AMRAP (As Many Rounds/Reps As Possible)

This is the format that turns every workout into a game you play against yourself—and sometimes others. If the workout says “10 minutes, AMRAP,” you’ve got 10 minutes to complete as many rounds (or reps) of the listed exercises as possible. It’s like a sprint against the clock, and it’ll have your lungs working overtime.

Pro Tip: Pace yourself early. Burn out too fast, and the last few minutes will feel like you’re bench-pressing an elephant.

3. EMOM (Every Minute On the Minute)

With EMOM workouts, you perform a specific movement or set of reps at the top of each minute. If it takes you 30 seconds, you get 30 seconds to rest. If it takes you 50 seconds, you only get 10. It’s an interval-based approach that can be deceptively intense.

Pro Tip: Use your rest time wisely. Catch your breath and set up for the next round.

4. RX (Prescribed)

In CrossFit-speak, “RX” means you’re performing the workout exactly as prescribed—using the recommended weight, reps, and movements. If you aren’t quite there yet, don’t stress. That’s what “scaling” is for.

Pro Tip: Don’t let ego dictate your workout. If you need to scale down from RX, that’s how you grow. You’ll hit RX weight soon enough.

5. Scaling

Scaling means adjusting a workout to match your current fitness level or accommodate injuries. Maybe you do fewer reps, use a lower weight, or modify a movement. It’s about training smarter, not grinding yourself into the floor.

Pro Tip: Scaling isn’t cheating; it’s strategic. Over time, you’ll scale less and less as you get stronger and more skilled.

6. Box

A “box” is CrossFit’s fancy term for “gym.” It’s typically more minimalistic than your average corporate gym—think barbells, pull-up rigs, kettlebells, rowers, and an open floor space for burpees. It’s called a box because, well, it often looks like one: four walls, lots of sweat, and major camaraderie inside.

Pro Tip: Every box has its own vibe. Check out a few to find one that fits your style and energy.

7. Metcon (Metabolic Conditioning)

Metcons are workouts designed to push your body’s energy systems—essentially high-intensity workouts combining strength, cardio, and skill. They often leave you breathless in the best way possible and ramp up your metabolic rate.

Pro Tip: Metcons are where mental toughness is forged. Embrace the burn.

8. Hero WODs

These are special workouts named after fallen heroes—military, law enforcement, firefighters—each with its own unique combination of movements. They’re known for being especially grueling and are meant to honor their namesakes.

Pro Tip: Respect the grind. These WODs are bigger than just a workout. They’re about community, remembrance, and pushing limits in someone’s honor.

9. PR (Personal Record)

When you see people writing “PR, baby!” on the whiteboard, that means they just hit a new best in something—like a one-rep max on a lift or a faster time on a benchmark WOD.

Pro Tip: Celebrate those PRs, no matter how big or small. They’re milestones in your CrossFit journey.

10. Benchmark WODs

You might’ve heard of workouts like “Fran,” “Murph,” or “Cindy.” These are benchmark WODs—designed to test your progress over time. They’re short names, but they can pack a serious punch.

Pro Tip: Record your results and revisit these workouts every so often to track your improvements.

Wrapping It Up

CrossFit jargon might sound like a foreign language at first, but once you understand it, you’ll feel right at home in the box. The beauty of CrossFit isn’t the fancy acronyms; it’s the mindset: pushing your limits, embracing the unknown, and building a community that’s got your back. If you haven’t tried it yet, jump in—you’ll pick up on the lingo faster than you think.

Final thought: Don’t let the acronyms intimidate you. Every single CrossFitter was a newbie at one point, clueless about what “WOD” even stood for. Stick with it, ask questions, and keep putting in work. Before you know it, you’ll be slinging slang like a pro—and hitting PRs like one, too.