Fitness terms
Looking for the meaning of popular fitness terms?
This comprehensive guide provides clear explanations of commonly used fitness terms. Whether you're just starting out or have been training for a while, this glossary will keep you up-to-date.
Strength training
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A phase in which you increase your calorie intake to build muscle mass.
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A strength training exercise that involves lifting a weight off the ground.
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Hand weights used for strength training.
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A technique where you lower the weight after reaching muscle failure to continue training.
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The range of motion in the joints and muscles.
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Equipment or materials used for strength training.
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An informal term for a frequent gym goer, often someone who focuses on bodybuilding.
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Exercises that target one specific muscle group, such as bicep curls.
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A weight in the shape of a ball with a handle, used for functional strength training.
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A chest exercise where you lie on your back and push dumbbells up.
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Muscle pain that occurs after intense exercise.
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The basics of strength training, where you challenge your muscles by increasing the weight or intensity.
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The slow, controlled phase of a repetition, aimed at building muscle.
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- Gradually increasing the load to stimulate continued muscle growth and strength development.
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The process of recovery after exercise, essential for muscle growth and maintenance.
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A complete execution of an exercise.
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A series of repetitions of an exercise.
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An exercise where you squat down and come back up.
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The body's ability to sustain physical exertion for extended periods of time.
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The total amount of work you do in the gym, usually measured in sets and repetitions.
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A series of light exercises designed to prepare your body for intense training.
Cardiovascular Training
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A phase in which you increase your calorie intake to build muscle mass.
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A strength training exercise that involves lifting a weight off the ground.
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Hand weights used for strength training.
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A technique where you lower the weight after reaching muscle failure to continue training.
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The range of motion in the joints and muscles.
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Equipment or materials used for strength training.
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An informal term for a frequent gym goer, often someone who focuses on bodybuilding.
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Exercises that target one specific muscle group, such as bicep curls.
-
A weight in the shape of a ball with a handle, used for functional strength training.
-
A chest exercise where you lie on your back and push dumbbells up.
-
Muscle pain that occurs after intense exercise.
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The basics of strength training, where you challenge your muscles by increasing the weight or intensity.
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The slow, controlled phase of a repetition, aimed at building muscle.
-
- Gradually increasing the load to stimulate continued muscle growth and strength development.
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The process of recovery after exercise, essential for muscle growth and maintenance.
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A complete execution of an exercise.
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A series of repetitions of an exercise.
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An exercise where you squat down and come back up.
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The body's ability to sustain physical exertion for extended periods of time.
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The total amount of work you do in the gym, usually measured in sets and repetitions.
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A series of light exercises designed to prepare your body for intense training.
Bodyweight Training
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A phase in which you increase your calorie intake to build muscle mass.
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A strength training exercise that involves lifting a weight off the ground.
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Hand weights used for strength training.
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A technique where you lower the weight after reaching muscle failure to continue training.
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The range of motion in the joints and muscles.
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Equipment or materials used for strength training.
-
An informal term for a frequent gym goer, often someone who focuses on bodybuilding.
-
Exercises that target one specific muscle group, such as bicep curls.
-
A weight in the shape of a ball with a handle, used for functional strength training.
-
A chest exercise where you lie on your back and push dumbbells up.
-
Muscle pain that occurs after intense exercise.
-
The basics of strength training, where you challenge your muscles by increasing the weight or intensity.
-
The slow, controlled phase of a repetition, aimed at building muscle.
-
- Gradually increasing the load to stimulate continued muscle growth and strength development.
-
The process of recovery after exercise, essential for muscle growth and maintenance.
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A complete execution of an exercise.
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A series of repetitions of an exercise.
-
An exercise where you squat down and come back up.
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The body's ability to sustain physical exertion for extended periods of time.
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The total amount of work you do in the gym, usually measured in sets and repetitions.
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A series of light exercises designed to prepare your body for intense training.
Flexibility and Mobility
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A phase in which you increase your calorie intake to build muscle mass.
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A strength training exercise that involves lifting a weight off the ground.
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Hand weights used for strength training.
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A technique where you lower the weight after reaching muscle failure to continue training.
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The range of motion in the joints and muscles.
-
Equipment or materials used for strength training.
-
An informal term for a frequent gym goer, often someone who focuses on bodybuilding.
-
Exercises that target one specific muscle group, such as bicep curls.
-
A weight in the shape of a ball with a handle, used for functional strength training.
-
A chest exercise where you lie on your back and push dumbbells up.
-
Muscle pain that occurs after intense exercise.
-
The basics of strength training, where you challenge your muscles by increasing the weight or intensity.
-
The slow, controlled phase of a repetition, aimed at building muscle.
-
- Gradually increasing the load to stimulate continued muscle growth and strength development.
-
The process of recovery after exercise, essential for muscle growth and maintenance.
-
A complete execution of an exercise.
-
A series of repetitions of an exercise.
-
An exercise where you squat down and come back up.
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The body's ability to sustain physical exertion for extended periods of time.
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The total amount of work you do in the gym, usually measured in sets and repetitions.
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A series of light exercises designed to prepare your body for intense training.
Sports Specific Training
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A phase in which you increase your calorie intake to build muscle mass.
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A strength training exercise that involves lifting a weight off the ground.
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Hand weights used for strength training.
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A technique where you lower the weight after reaching muscle failure to continue training.
-
The range of motion in the joints and muscles.
-
Equipment or materials used for strength training.
-
An informal term for a frequent gym goer, often someone who focuses on bodybuilding.
-
Exercises that target one specific muscle group, such as bicep curls.
-
A weight in the shape of a ball with a handle, used for functional strength training.
-
A chest exercise where you lie on your back and push dumbbells up.
-
Muscle pain that occurs after intense exercise.
-
The basics of strength training, where you challenge your muscles by increasing the weight or intensity.
-
The slow, controlled phase of a repetition, aimed at building muscle.
-
- Gradually increasing the load to stimulate continued muscle growth and strength development.
-
The process of recovery after exercise, essential for muscle growth and maintenance.
-
A complete execution of an exercise.
-
A series of repetitions of an exercise.
-
An exercise where you squat down and come back up.
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The body's ability to sustain physical exertion for extended periods of time.
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The total amount of work you do in the gym, usually measured in sets and repetitions.
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A series of light exercises designed to prepare your body for intense training.
Functional Training
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A phase in which you increase your calorie intake to build muscle mass.
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A strength training exercise that involves lifting a weight off the ground.
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Hand weights used for strength training.
-
A technique where you lower the weight after reaching muscle failure to continue training.
-
The range of motion in the joints and muscles.
-
Equipment or materials used for strength training.
-
An informal term for a frequent gym goer, often someone who focuses on bodybuilding.
-
Exercises that target one specific muscle group, such as bicep curls.
-
A weight in the shape of a ball with a handle, used for functional strength training.
-
A chest exercise where you lie on your back and push dumbbells up.
-
Muscle pain that occurs after intense exercise.
-
The basics of strength training, where you challenge your muscles by increasing the weight or intensity.
-
The slow, controlled phase of a repetition, aimed at building muscle.
-
- Gradually increasing the load to stimulate continued muscle growth and strength development.
-
The process of recovery after exercise, essential for muscle growth and maintenance.
-
A complete execution of an exercise.
-
A series of repetitions of an exercise.
-
An exercise where you squat down and come back up.
-
The body's ability to sustain physical exertion for extended periods of time.
-
The total amount of work you do in the gym, usually measured in sets and repetitions.
-
A series of light exercises designed to prepare your body for intense training.
Fitness Terms: What Do They Actually Mean?
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The process of gaining weight, often through muscle mass or fat.
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A form of exercise that uses repetitive movements and rhythmic music to increase the heart rate.
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Training that involves short, intense bursts of exercise during which the body does not receive enough oxygen.
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Exercises that use your own body weight for resistance, such as push-ups and squats.
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A martial art that focuses on punching and footwork.
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An intensive form of training that combines different types of exercises.
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A phase in which you increase your calorie intake to build muscle mass.
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Cardiovascular exercises that increase the heart rate, such as running, cycling and swimming.
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A combination of several exercises performed in a certain order, usually with little rest.
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An intensive form of training that combines elements of strength training and cardio.
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A strength training exercise that involves lifting a weight off the ground.
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A technique where you lower the weight after reaching muscle failure to continue training.
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Hand weights used for strength training.
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Essential nutrients that aid in muscle recovery and building.
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The body's ability to sustain prolonged physical activity.
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The range of motion in the joints and muscles.
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Exercises that focus on movements you encounter in everyday life.
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Equipment or materials used for strength training.
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A training plan designed to achieve specific fitness goals.
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An informal term for a frequent gym goer, often someone who focuses on bodybuilding.
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Short periods of intense training followed by recovery periods.
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The process of getting enough fluids to keep the body functioning properly.
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A training method that alternates periods of high intensity with periods of low intensity or rest.
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Exercises that target one specific muscle group, such as bicep curls.
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Plyometric exercises that improve explosive power and speed, such as box jumps.
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A weight in the shape of a ball with a handle, used for functional strength training.
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Focuses on building muscle strength and mass through the use of weights and resistance equipment.
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A chest exercise where you lie on your back and push dumbbells up.
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An exercise in which one leg is brought forward into a squat position.
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Nutrients you need in large quantities: proteins, carbohydrates and fats.
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The chemical processes in the body that produce energy from food.
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Muscle pain that occurs after intense exercise.
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The slow, controlled phase of a repetition, aimed at building muscle.
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The basics of strength training, where you challenge your muscles by increasing the weight or intensity.
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A form of training that focuses on the core muscles, stability and flexibility.
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Gradually increasing the load to stimulate continued muscle growth and strength development.
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A drink containing protein, often used after exercise to promote muscle recovery.
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A traditional Chinese exercise that combines movement, breathing and meditation.
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The process of recovery after exercise, essential for muscle growth and maintenance.
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A complete execution of an exercise.
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A form of strength training that uses resistance to strengthen muscles.
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A series of repetitions of an exercise.
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An exercise where you squat down and come back up.
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A form of HIIT with 20 seconds of maximum effort, followed by 10 seconds of rest, repeated for 4 minutes.
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Endurance : The body's ability to sustain physical exertion for extended periods of time.
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Volume : The total amount of work you do in the gym, usually measured in sets and repetitions.
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Warm-up : A series of light exercises designed to prepare your body for intense exercise.
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X-Factor : A term sometimes used to indicate a specific quality or technique that makes your training more effective.
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Yoga : A holistic approach to fitness that combines physical postures, breathing, and meditation.
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Lateral lunges : An exercise that strengthens the hips and thighs by moving sideways.
Fitness Jargon: What Does It Mean?
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Performing two exercises in a row without rest.
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A structured physical activity aimed at improving fitness or performance.
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The process of strengthening and shaping muscles without significantly increasing muscle volume.
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The intake of foods and drinks that provide the body with energy and nutrients.
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A session of physical exercises and training.
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A lifestyle with little to no physical activity, which can lead to health problems.