We get it — all the terms and lingo you need to learn when you first join CrossFit can be intimidating and confusing. The acronym overload is real, and we never want you to feel like you need to memorize everything right away. That’s why we want to make your life a little bit easier with this Glossary of CrossFit Terms.

Below, we’ve listed common acronyms and phrases you should learn and know as you progress in your CrossFit journey. If we say something in class that isn’t listed here, don’t be afraid to ask our coaches what we mean! We’ll be more than happy to explain.


Workout-Related Terms and Acronyms

  • WOD: Workout of the day.
  • AMRAP: As many rounds as possible (in any specific given amount of time).
  • EMOM: Every minute on the minute.
  • Couplet: A term used when a WOD consists of two exercises.
  • For Time: When you try to complete your workout as quickly as you can.
  • Chipper: A WOD that features a series of movements that won’t be repeated. For example, the “Filthy 50,” when you do 50 reps of box jumps, jumping pull ups, kettlebell swings and more without repeating the same exercise.
  • Triplet: A term used when a WOD consists of three exercises.
  • Metcon: A shortened down version of the phrase “metabolic conditioning,” which is a type of movement that is repeated for a specific amount of time.

Weight/CrossFit Movements

  • Power Clean: During this exercise, you’ll lift a bar from the ground with a wide grip. From there, you’ll slowly bring the bar mid-thigh, quickly flip your elbows underneath the bar, then bring the bar back down to your mid-thigh area or the ground.
  • Thruster: When you do a full squat and full overhead extension with a barbell in the front rack position.
  • Hang Position: When you start a lifting motion from your knees.
  • High Hang Position: When you start a lifting motion from your hip/pocket area.
  • Chin Ups: With your knuckles facing forward, you’ll pull yourself up using a pull-up bar.
  • Farmer’s Carry: When you carry heavy weight on one or both of your sides for a specified amount of distance.
  • Kipping: A swinging motion that is implemented during a pull-up.
  • Waiter’s Carry: When you carry a heavy weight on one or both of your sides over your head for a specified amount of distance.
  • Sled Pull: When you pull a weighted object behind you using a shoulder harness. You can either walk or run during this exercise.

Keep in mind that this is far from a complete list of weight and CrossFit exercises you can expect during class. Ask our coaches ASAP if you have any questions about a specific exercise.


Other CrossFit Acronyms

  • KBS: Kettlebell swings.
  • AKBS: American kettlebell swings.
  • RKBS: Russian kettlebell swings.
  • C2B: Chest to bar.
  • T2B: Toes to bar.
  • T2R: Toes to ring.
  • GTOH: Ground to overhead.
  • STOH: Shoulder to overhead.
  • HSPU: Handstand push-up.
  • GHD: Glute/ham developer — a piece of equipment that is used to GHD sit-ups, hip extensions and back extensions.

Get Started With Centripetal CrossFit

Haven’t joined our close-knit fitness family at Centripetal CrossFit yet? Contact us today to get started with your first free class.