What is a "metcon" in CrossFit?

A "metcon," short for metabolic conditioning, refers specifically to a type of workout designed to improve the efficiency of the body's energy systems. These workouts are typically high-intensity and often involve varied movements performed in a timed or circuit format. The focus of a metcon is to enhance both aerobic and anaerobic capacity, enabling athletes to perform better in a broad range of physical activities.

Metcons can include a mixture of strength exercises, gymnastics movements, and cardio, making them versatile and highly effective for building overall fitness. They are foundational to CrossFit, as they address multiple domains of fitness, encapsulating the principles of constantly varied functional movements executed at high intensity.

In contrast, the other options relate to specific training modalities but do not encompass the broad and integrative nature of a metcon. For instance, a type of weightlifting program is more focused on developing strength rather than conditioning, a specific type of strength exercise emphasizes particular lifts rather than a holistic workout, and a method of endurance training typically targets cardiovascular endurance in a more narrow scope. Therefore, the defining trait of a metcon is its emphasis on metabolic conditioning through a diverse and dynamic approach to fitness.