Mastering the Language of CrossFit

 

A Beginner's Guide to Understanding Workout Terms and Abbreviations

If you're new to Blended Athletics, you may feel a bit intimidated by the whiteboards that we use to describe our workouts. But fear not! With a little practice, you'll be able to read these boards like a pro. Here are some of the most common terms and abbreviations that you'll see on our whiteboards:

  • AMRAP "As Many Rounds as Possible" - In an AMRAP workout, the objective is to complete as many rounds of a specific set of exercises as possible within a designated time frame. While pushing to maximize your score, it's essential to maintain proper form and technique throughout the workout. Remember, good technique is crucial not only for avoiding injury but also for improving your performance.

  • EMOM "Every Minute on the Minute." The idea is to complete a certain number of reps within a minute, and then rest until the next minute starts.

  • RFT "Round for Time" - The goal is to complete a certain number of rounds of a given workout as quickly as possible.

  • AHAP "As Heavy as Possible" - The idea is to use the heaviest weight that you can handle while still maintaining proper form.

  • T2B or TTB "Toes to Bar" - The goal is to touch your toes to the pull-up bar while hanging from it.

  • DU "Double Under" - The goal is to jump rope and pass the rope under your feet twice for every jump.

  • OH “Overhead” - This movement involves holding a weight or a barbell overhead while standing or performing other exercises. Overhead movements can be challenging, but they offer many benefits, such as improving stability, mobility, and overall strength.

  • KBS “Kettlebell Swings” - This is a dynamic exercise that involves swinging a kettlebell between the legs and up to chest or eye level, using the momentum generated by the hips and glutes.

  • FR “Front Rack” - This term refers to the position of a weight when it is resting across the front of the shoulders, with the elbows pointing forward. Front rack movements include exercises such as front squats, thrusters, and push presses.

  • G2OH “Ground to Overhead” - This is a movement that involves picking up an object from the ground and bringing it overhead. It can be done with various objects, such as a barbell, dumbbell, kettlebell, or sandbag. Ground to overhead movements are an excellent way to build full-body strength, power, and explosiveness, as they require coordination, balance, and stability.

  • TnG “Touch and Go” - This refers to a style of lifting where the athlete performs multiple repetitions without putting the weight down or resetting between reps. Touch and go lifting requires a high level of skill and technique, as well as muscular endurance. It can be used with various exercises, such as deadlifts, cleans, and snatches.

  • SA “Single Arm” - This term refers to exercises that are performed with one arm at a time. Single-arm movements can be used to correct muscle imbalances, improve stability and coordination, and challenge the core. Examples of single-arm exercises include rows, presses, and snatches.

  • SL “Single Leg” - This refers to exercises that are performed on one leg at a time, such as lunges, step-ups, and single-leg deadlifts. Single-leg exercises can be used to improve balance, coordination, and stability, as well as target specific muscle groups in the legs and hips.

  • SDL “Sumo Deadlift” - This is a variation of the traditional deadlift, where the feet are placed wider apart and the hands are inside the legs, creating a "sumo" stance. Sumo deadlifts can be used to target the muscles of the lower body, particularly the glutes, hamstrings, and adductors, while also offering some advantages over the conventional deadlift, such as less strain on the lower back.

Remember, these terms and abbreviations are used to describe the movements and goals of each workout, and they're meant to help you track your progress and push yourself to new limits. So don't be intimidated by the whiteboard – embrace it as a tool to challenge yourself and achieve your fitness goals. With practice and dedication, you'll soon be able to read these boards like a pro and tackle any workout that comes your way. And if you ever need any help or guidance along the way, our coaches are always here to support you and answer any questions you may have. Welcome to the Blended Athletics community – let's get after it!

 
Kimberley Kidd