What Does RX Really Mean?
In CrossFit we have a lot of nomenclature. We have specific words for technical movements, and it can be a lot for the new CrossFitter to grok.
As such, we have borrowed the term RX – as prescribed – from the medical world. We have replaced “take 3 pills as prescribed” with “complete Cindy RX.” Anytime you see an RX after the name of the WOD you must do it exactly as written in order to earn the RX by your name. For example, Cindy RX is As Many Rounds As Possible In 20 Minutes of 5 pull-ups, 10 chest-to-the-ground push-ups, and 15 air squats. In order for your Cindy time to qualify for the RX stamp your chin must go above the bar on the pull-ups and those squats must be performed with the hip crease below the knee. Every rep.
Let’s say you complete 14 rounds of Cindy in the allotted 20 minutes, but by round nine you had to use your knees on the push-ups. By round 12 you almost got your chin above the bar. We salute you. We high five you. We will even encourage you to ring the PR bell if it’s a new record for you. But your Cindy time is no longer RX. It is “scaled.”
Who cares, and why does this matter? WCCF participates in the CrossFit Open every year in February. Despite the fact that you might not be aiming for Regionals, we still hold high standards on every movement. The high bar to which we hold everyone in the gym makes us better coaches, and it makes you better athletes. In addition, standards serve two purposes: First, they keep us safe. Second, with standards the movement can be fairly judged.
Still uncertain about what all this means? Just put yourself in the “scaled” category and have a good time!
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