Do you remember your first CrossFit session? Did you feel lost looking at the whiteboard?

We coaches certainly do, especially when we see puzzled faces as we talk about AMRAPs, WODs, or buy-outs. That’s why we’d like to provide you with a small CrossFit Dictionary here. This will be continuously updated, so if there’s ever a term you’re unfamiliar with, let us know, and we’ll add it to the list. We’ve linked demonstration videos for exercises where it makes sense.

General Training

  • AMRAP = as many rounds or reps as possible (as many rounds or repetitions as possible within a set time)
  • EMOM = every minute on the minute (complete a set number of exercises at the start of each minute for a set time, with the rest of the minute as a break)
  • For time = as fast as possible (complete a set of exercises as quickly as possible)
  • Max effort = day’s maximum weight with optimal technique
  • XX RFT = XX rounds for time (complete a set number of rounds with a set exercise as fast as possible)
  • TABATA = 20 seconds of high-intensity effort, followed by 10 seconds of rest in eight rounds of a specific exercise (e.g., push-ups or sprints). A session lasts four minutes. The HIIT method (high-intensity intervals) is based on a 1996 study by Professor Izumi Tabata with Olympic speed skaters who greatly improved their performance with Tabata. These short, intense sessions train the entire cardiovascular system, improving both aerobic and anaerobic endurance in endurance sports.
  • WOD = Workout of the day (the main workout of the day – the heart of every CrossFit session)
  • The Burgener Warm-up (special barbell warm-up)

Equipment

  • MB = Medball (medicine balls)
  • KB = Kettlebell
  • Abmat = e.g., used in sit-ups (supports lumbar spine – extends the range of motion of the abdominal muscles)
  • JR = Jump rope
  • Rope = Climbing rope
  • Barbell = barbell
  • DB = Dumbbell
  • Bands = resistance bands for mobility exercises
  • Bumper Plates = weight plates for dropping (rubber, not metal plates)
  • Boxes = jump boxes
  • Chalk = magnesium (only used in the bucket)
  • Battlerope = long black ropes, great for endurance work on upper limbs and strengthening shoulders
  • Fractional Plates = small weight plates
  • Jaw Lock Collars = secures weights on the barbell
  • Rig = large setup (ours is by Eleiko) for pull-ups, strength training, etc.
  • J Cups = small adjustable supports on the rack for barbells (e.g., for squats)

Miscellaneous

  • PR = Personal Record
  • ATG = Ass to Grass (maximum squat depth)
  • DNF = Did not finish
  • TC = Time Cap (time limit for a workout)
  • Cash-in = exercise before the WOD starts
  • Buy-out = exercise at the end of a WOD
  • UB = unbroken (without breaks/rest)
  • TNG = touch and go (consecutive reps without pause)
  • PB = Personal Best

Exercises

Lifts:

Presses:

Olympic Lifts:

Others:

Jumps:

Burpees:

Gymnastics:

Jump Rope:

Ergometers: