metcon

Definition

Metabolic conditioning—high-intensity circuits designed to improve your body's energy systems and work capacity while simultaneously destroying your will to continue. Cardio's angry, violent cousin.

Example Usage

Tuesday's metcon was so brutal that three people had to sit down mid-workout, and one guy dry-heaved into the garbage can.

Origin

CrossFit abbreviation for metabolic conditioning workouts

Fun Fact

Despite the hype, traditional steady-state cardio may build aerobic capacity more effectively than metcon workouts for most people.

Source: CrossFit and functional fitness terminology

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muscle confusion

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marathon

A 26.2-mile masochistic foot race that convinces otherwise rational humans to destroy their knees and toenails for a finisher's medal and Instagram bragging rights. Originally inspired by an ancient Greek messenger who died after running the distance—a warning that apparently went unheeded. Today also used metaphorically for any soul-crushing extended activity, like Netflix binges or corporate strategy sessions.

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pace bunny

A runner in a race who maintains a specific pace to help others hit their target time, essentially a human metronome in running shorts. They're the unsung heroes who sacrifice their own race times for your Boston Qualifier dreams.

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Advanced

eccentric overload

Training the lowering phase of a movement with more weight than you can actually lift, typically with assistance on the concentric portion. It's like giving your muscles trust falls with progressively heavier partners.

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