Stepping into a gym for the first time can be a bit like entering a new world with its own language.
In this guide, we’ll break down common gym terminology to help you feel more confident!
AMRAP: Stands for "As Many Rounds (or Reps) As Possible." It's a workout strategy where the individual performs as many repetitions or rounds of a specific exercise or set of exercises within a set time frame.
EMOM: Stands for "Every Minute On the Minute." It's a workout structure where you perform a specific exercise or set of exercises at the beginning of every minute, resting for the remainder of the minute.
HIIT: Stands for "High-Intensity Interval Training." It involves short bursts of intense exercise alternated with periods of rest or lower-intensity exercise.
Jacked: Informal slang meaning to have a well-developed and muscular physique.
Load: The amount of weight lifted during an exercise.
Sets: A group of repetitions performed consecutively in a workout.
Reps: Stands for repetitions, which is the number of times a specific exercise is performed.
Superset: Involves performing two exercises back-to-back with little to no rest in between.
1RM: Stands for "One Repetition Maximum." It's the maximum amount of weight a person can lift for a single repetition of a given exercise.
Spotter: A person who assists another during a weightlifting exercise, especially with free weights, to help prevent injury.
Progressive Overload: The principle of gradually increasing the demands on the body during exercise to continually make gains in muscle size, strength, and endurance.
Compound Exercise: Involves multiple muscle groups and joints, such as squats or deadlifts.
Isolation Exercise: Targets a specific muscle group, involving movement at only one joint, like bicep curls.
Concentric: The phase of muscle contraction where the muscle shortens.
Eccentric: The phase of muscle contraction where the muscle lengthens.
Isometric: Involves muscle contraction without a change in the length of the muscle.
DOMS: Stands for "Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness." It's the pain and stiffness felt in muscles several hours to days after intense exercise, especially if the exercise is new or more intense than usual.
Deload: Refers to a planned reduction in training volume or intensity to allow the body to recover from accumulated fatigue. It's often used to prevent overtraining and promote long-term progress.
Macros: Short for macronutrients, which include carbohydrates, proteins, and fats—essential components of a balanced diet.
Bulking: Refers to a phase in bodybuilding or fitness where the goal is to increase muscle mass through a caloric surplus.
Cutting: Refers to a phase in bodybuilding or fitness where the goal is to reduce body fat while preserving muscle mass.
Navigating the gym scene becomes much more enjoyable when you understand the language. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification or guidance from your coaches - everyone started somewhere, and embracing the learning process is a crucial part of the fitness experience! Happy Lifting!!
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