met-con

Definition

Short for metabolic conditioning, high-intensity workouts designed to improve energy system efficiency. Cardio that lifters can respect, barely.

Example Usage

We did a 20-minute met-con with kettlebells and rowing, which was supposedly for conditioning but felt like punishment.

Origin

Term gained prominence through CrossFit in the 2000s, though the concept existed in earlier training methods

Fun Fact

Met-con workouts keep your metabolism elevated for hours afterward (the 'afterburn effect'), meaning you're technically still working out while eating pizza later.

Source: Functional fitness and sports conditioning terminology

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