Everyday at boxes (gyms) all across the country, people walk in without knowing what their workout will be that day. Each day, a different workout is posted, and the ‘WOD’ can be an official CrossFit series of exercises or one made up by a trainer at the gym.

The original workouts, named the Benchmark workouts, are all women’s names. That’s also why they are called ‘the girls’.

Why are CrossFit Workouts Named After Girls?

CrossFit founder Greg Glassman : “Any workout that leaves you flat on your back, staring up at the sky, wondering what the hell happened deserves a girl’s name.”

Benchmark WOD: ‘The Girls’

1) Bodyweight Only – Pull-ups, Push-ups, Sit-ups, Running, Air Squats, Handstand Push-ups and Double-unders.

Barbara Chelsea Mary Cindy Annie

2) Bodyweight & Lifting (no-barbell) – These include a combination of box jumps, wall balls, and kettlebells along with the bodyweight movements mentioned in the 1st group.

Nicole Angie Eva Helen Kelly Karen

3) Bodyweight & Barbell – Mixture of bodyweight and gymnastics movements combined with barbell movements.

Amanda Jackie Diane Fran Elizabeth Nancy Lynn

4) Barbell-Only or “The Heavies” – Benchmark WODs with only barbell movements.

Isabel Linda Grace

CrossFit Abbreviations and Acronyms

AFAP: As Fast as Possible AMRAP: As Many Reps as Possible EMOM: Every minute on the minute for the specified amount of time