If you’re new to CrossFit, you may have heard the term “Rx” thrown around and wondered what it means. Rx stands for “as prescribed” and refers to a workout’s recommended performance standard. It means doing the workout exactly as written, with the prescribed weights, movements, and reps.
When a workout is Rx’d, it means you are completing the workout by meeting the three key criteria set out by CrossFit HQ. These criteria are the weights, movements, and reps, defining each workout’s Rx level.
If you complete the workout at the Rx level, you can be sure you’ve done it exactly as intended.
Understanding what Rx means in CrossFit is important because it helps you to set goals and track your progress. As you become more experienced, you may find that you can complete workouts at the Rx level more often, which is a sign that you are getting fitter and stronger.
However, it’s important to remember that Rx is not the be-all and end-all of CrossFit. Scaling workouts to suit your abilities is also an important part of the sport and can help you avoid injury and build a solid fitness foundation.
Definition of RX in CrossFit
If you’re new to CrossFit, you’ve probably heard the term “RX” used frequently. RX stands for “prescribed” or “as prescribed” in CrossFit. It refers to the recommended standard of performance for a particular workout. Each CrossFit workout, also known as a WOD (Workout of the Day), has specific movements, weights, and repetitions that define the RX level.
When a WOD is RX’d, you complete the workout by meeting specific criteria. The criteria include:
- Completing the workout with the weights and movements that have been prescribed
- Completing the workout within the time cap that has been prescribed
- Completing the workout with proper form and technique
It’s important to note that RX is not a requirement in CrossFit. Many athletes scale the workout to their fitness level by reducing the weight reps or modifying the movements. Scaling allows athletes to maintain the intended stimulus of the workout while still challenging themselves appropriately.
RX is a way for athletes to measure their progress and performance in CrossFit. As you improve your fitness level, you may be able to complete more workouts RX’d. It’s important to remember that RX is not the ultimate goal in CrossFit. The goal is to improve your fitness and health over time, regardless of whether you complete a workout RX’d or scaled.
In summary, RX in CrossFit refers to the recommended performance standard for a particular workout.
Completing a workout RX’d means meeting specific criteria, including completing the workout with the weights and movements that have been prescribed, completing the workout within the time cap that has been specified, and completing the workout with proper form and technique.
RX is not a requirement in CrossFit, and scaling is a common practice to maintain the intended stimulus of the workout while still challenging yourself appropriately.
History and Evolution of the Term RX
CrossFit is a high-intensity fitness regimen that originated in the United States in the early 2000s. The term RX, “prescribed” or “as prescribed,” was first used in CrossFit to denote the recommended performance standard for a particular workout.
Each CrossFit workout, also known as a WOD (Workout of the Day), has specific movements, weights, and repetitions that define the RX level.
The term RX was borrowed from the medical field, where it is used to indicate a prescribed medication. In CrossFit, the term RX indicates the recommended performance standard for a particular workout.
The RX level is the highest level of performance for a specific workout, and it is the level that athletes strive to achieve.
Over the years, the meaning of the term RX has evolved in CrossFit. Originally, RX meant “as prescribed,” but it has come to mean much more than that. Today, RX signifies performing a workout “as prescribed.”
Doing workouts, RX would hold significance within the CrossFit community for a fair comparison, goal setting, and mental toughness development. It is a badge of honor that athletes wear with pride.
In addition to the RX level, each workout has scaled and modified levels. These levels are designed to accommodate athletes of all skill levels and abilities. Scaled workouts are designed to be less intense than the RX level, while modified workouts are designed to be more intense than the RX level.
The scaled and modified levels allow athletes to participate in CrossFit workouts regardless of their skill level or ability.
Overall, the term RX has become an integral part of CrossFit culture. It represents the highest level of performance for a particular workout and is a badge of honor that athletes wear with pride. Whether you are a seasoned CrossFit athlete or just starting, striving to achieve the RX level is an important part of the CrossFit experience.
Significance of RX in CrossFit Training
When you see “RX” written next to a CrossFit workout, the workout is being performed “as prescribed.” This means the athlete completes the workout at the level the coach or programmer sets.
The significance of RX in CrossFit training lies in its ability to provide a standard of comparison for athletes. When a workout is performed RX, the athlete has met the prescribed difficulty level.
This allows athletes to compare their performance to others who have completed the same workout at the same difficulty level.
In addition to providing a standard of comparison, RX workouts also serve as a goal for athletes to strive towards. By setting a goal to complete a workout RX, athletes can work towards improving their strength, endurance, and overall fitness.
It is important to note that RX workouts are not always appropriate for every athlete. In some cases, athletes may need to scale the workout to a lower difficulty level to maintain proper form and prevent injury. This is where the guidance of a coach or trainer is essential.
Overall, RX workouts serve as a benchmark for athletes to measure their progress and set goals for their training. By striving to complete workouts RX, athletes can improve their fitness and achieve a higher level of performance.
Common RX Movements and Workouts
When it comes to RX movements and workouts in CrossFit, there are several that you will encounter frequently. These movements are considered the foundation of the sport and are essential to building strength, power, and endurance.
Barbell Movements
Barbell movements are some of the most common RX movements in CrossFit. These movements include the squat, deadlift, clean, and snatch. These lifts are performed with a barbell and require proper form and technique to execute safely and effectively.
In addition to building strength, barbell movements also improve flexibility and mobility.
Gymnastics Movements
Gymnastics movements are another common type of RX movement in CrossFit. These movements include pull-ups, push-ups, dips, and handstand push-ups. These movements require high body control and strength and are essential for building upper body strength and endurance.
Cardiovascular Movements
Cardiovascular movements are also a key component of RX workouts in CrossFit. These movements include running, rowing, and cycling. These movements are designed to build endurance and improve cardiovascular health.
Benchmark Workouts
Benchmark workouts are a series of workouts used to measure CrossFit’s progress and fitness levels. These workouts include burpees, box jumps, and wall balls. These workouts are performed at the RX level and are designed to challenge athletes and push them to their limits.
In conclusion, RX movements and workouts are an essential part of CrossFit. Incorporating these movements into your training regimen can build strength, power, and endurance and improve your overall fitness.
Scaling RX Workouts and Alternatives
Regarding CrossFit, RX stands for “as prescribed” or “as written”. The program’s developers design an RX workout. It is intended to be a challenging fitness test appropriate for experienced athletes proficient in the movements and can handle the prescribed weights and reps. However, not everyone is capable of performing the RX workouts.
If you’re new to CrossFit, starting with scaled workouts is important. Scaled workouts maintain the overall structure and intent of the RX workouts but with modifications that make them more accessible and achievable.
Scaled workouts are suitable for athletes who have been doing CrossFit for some time but may not have the capacity or proficiency to perform the RX workouts.
Scaling workouts can involve modifying the weight, reps, movements, or equipment. For example, if an RX workout calls for pull-ups, you can scale the movement using a resistance band or performing jumping pull-ups.
Alternatively, you can scale the weight to a more manageable load if a workout requires a heavy barbell.
It’s important to remember that scaling workouts doesn’t mean you’re taking the easy way out. It simply means adjusting the workout to suit your fitness level and abilities. Scaling workouts can help you progress faster by allowing you to focus on proper form and technique, which will ultimately lead to better performance in the long run.
Talk to your coach if you’re unsure how to scale a workout. They can provide alternatives and modifications to help you get the most out of your workout.
Remember, CrossFit is all about pushing yourself to be the best you can be and scaling workouts is just one way to help you achieve your goals.
