So you’ve recently joined a CrossFit gym…
You’re standing in front of the whiteboard…
And the coach starts talking like they’re speaking a completely different language.
AMRAP. EMOM. Rx’d. TTB.
What?!
First things first — you’re not behind, and you’re definitely not the only one. Every single CrossFit member has stood exactly where you are now, wondering what on earth is going on.
And here’s the good news 👇
You don’t actually need to memorise any of it.
That’s what the coaches are for. As long as you listen, we’ll explain everything you need to know in every class. In fact, we’ve got members who’ve been training for years and still don’t remember half the acronyms — and that’s absolutely fine.
Understanding CrossFit language, just like fitness itself, takes time.
Common Types of WODs (Workout of the Day)
AMRAP – As Many Rounds As Possible
A set time is given, and you repeat the movements as many times as you can until the clock runs out.
EMOM – Every Minute On the Minute
At the start of every minute, you perform a set task. Whatever time you have left in that minute is your rest before the next one begins.
For Time
Complete the workout as written, as quickly as possible (while maintaining good form).
Chipper
You work through a list of movements one by one, finishing all the reps of one exercise before moving on to the next — usually for time.
Tabata
20 seconds of work, 10 seconds of rest, repeated for 8 rounds. Short, sharp, and spicy.
Couplet
A workout with two movements.
Hero Workout
A workout created in honour of a service member who has lost their life in the line of duty. These are often longer and more challenging — and completed with respect.
Benchmark Workouts
Standardised workouts or lifts we repeat over time to track progress and improvements.
Common Movement Abbreviations You’ll See
- BP – Bench Press
- BS – Back Squat
- BW / BWT – Bodyweight
- C&J – Clean & Jerk
- DL – Deadlift
- DU – Double Unders
- GHD – Glute-Ham Developer
- HSPU – Handstand Push-Up
- KBS – Kettlebell Swing
- MU – Muscle-Up
- OHS – Overhead Squat
- PU – Pull-Up (or Push-Up depending on context)
- TTB – Toes to Bar
- WB – Wall Ball
Other Terms You’ll Hear
PR / PB – Personal Record or Personal Best
Rx’d (As Prescribed)
This is the workout written exactly as intended. It’s designed to challenge the fittest athletes.
👉 Most people scale — and scaling is not a failure, it’s smart training.
The Most Important Thing to Remember
You don’t need to understand CrossFit before you start CrossFit.
Ask questions. Listen to your coach. Take your time.
Nobody expects perfection — we expect effort.
And if you ever feel unsure? Just ask.
That’s what we’re here for.
Ready to get started……..Book a No Sweat Intro today! No work out, no pressure, just a chat about you……what you want to achieve and how we can help you get there!