Stop Calling Only the Metcon “The Workout”

If you’re coaching classes that include two parts - for example, a strength session followed by a conditioning piece - how you talk about the structure of class matters more than most coaches realize.

For better or for worse a lot of classes follow this format: strength first, then a Metcon. That’s we can talk about the merits and pitfalls of this another time. This weeks email is about a sneaky trap that many coaches fall into without even realizing it: referring to the second half of class as “the workout.”

You’ve probably said it yourself:

“All right team, lets get ready for the workout…”

Here’s the problem - the moment you say that, you subtly tell your members that the first half of class, the strength portion, wasn’t the workout. And over time, that language shapes how they perceive effort and value. They start thinking the Metcon is when the real training happens which is simply not the case.

Anyone who’s ever done heavy squats, presses, or deadlifts knows that’s far from the truth. Strength is a workout. It’s demanding, intense, and essential to long-term progress and a fundamental part of any good strength and conditioning program.

Why Language Matters

The way you frame things as a coach defines the culture of your class. When members consistently hear that only the conditioning piece is “the workout,” they unconsciously hold back during the strength portion. They save energy for “the real thing,” and in doing so, they rob themselves of progress. They will also build up an expectation that if they don’t do a metcon they haven’t worked out. Shooting yourself in the foot for when you realize that stand-alone strength days are the bomb.com

That subtle miscommunication turns into a habit - one that’s hard to undo later. You’re essentially teaching people that effort only counts when its them sucking wind.

How to Fix It

This is a simple fix, but it takes consistency. When you brief class, set the tone clearly from the start:

“Hey team, today’s workout has two parts. First, we’re building strength with back squats. Then we’ll move into a conditioning piece with running and wall balls.”

By saying “today’s workout has two parts”, you connect both segments under one umbrella - the workout. It teaches members that every element of class matters equally and deserves their full focus.

This will also help you distinguish when you are doing a strength “skill” vs a strength focus day. On the skill day you will talk about it as such.

This may sound like a small linguistic tweak, but it shapes the mindset and effort level of your athletes in a big way.

The Bigger Picture

As a coach, your job is to influence not just how people move, but how they think about training.
Precision in language leads to precision in culture.

So stop calling only the Metcon “the workout.”

Stay Virtuous

Pat