Confused by CrossFit acronyms? Don’t know your WB from your WOD? Here are the most useful terms to understand

The CrossFit brand and workout format has grown steadily since its conception in 2001, with more than ten-million regular participants globally and the annual CrossFit Games allowing participants to battle it out to gain the title of ‘Fittest on Earth’. But if you’re new to the discipline, you’ll need to be prepared for the numerous acronyms and abbreviations it uses.

So, what is it?

CrossFit describes its concept as ‘constantly varied functional movement at high intensity’. It combines fitness and sociability; if you dislike the isolation of working out alone at the gym, but want to improve your strength, conditioning and cardio in the company of like-minded others, then CrossFit might be for you. Its very essence is built on fitness camaraderie: achieving the best you can and encouraging others.

CrossFit workouts are designed to be full-body, reasonably short, but intense. The resistance exercises will build both strength and muscle mass, while the plyometric moves – think burpees, squat jumps, skipping and so on – will improve your power, speed and general endurance.

Some acronyms and abbreviations relate to general workout details; others to specific exercises. Here are some of the basic terms you’re likely to encounter.

“WALL BALLS ARE USED IN MANY WODS, AS THEY CHALLENGE BOTH STRENGTH AND ENDURANCE, AND TARGET THE LEGS, ARMS, CHEST, GLUTES AND LOWER BACK”