Do You Speak Crossfit?

A guide to all the unique jargon and terms flung around in the box.

KTE: An acronym for ‘knees to elbows’, used to describe how to perform hanging knee raises.

CrossFit has a unique culture, of that there can be no doubt. For many, that is what attracts them to the box (and the physical challenge it poses, of course). Once there, though, many encounter a lingo – unique terms, acronyms and a way of talking – that can be confusing, even to the most knowledgable of fitness enthusiasts. To help you make sense of CrossFit ‘speak’, here is fitness mag’s comprehensive glossary.

AFFILIATE: A gym or box (see below) that has ‘paid their dues’ and is officially affiliated with the CrossFit brand. Affiliates require trainers who have received official CrossFit certifications.

AMRAP: An acronym for ‘as many reps (or rounds) as possible’. A workout structure commonly used in CrossFit programming.

BOX: A CrossFit affiliate gym.

BUMPER PLATES: Rubberised weights used on barbells that allow CrossFitters to drop them without causing damage to the floor or the weights.

BW: An acronym for ‘bodyweight’, usually used in reference to exercises performed without weights.