Workout Lingo 101: Understanding Fitness Terminology

Introduction

Whether you are a fitness newbie or a seasoned gym-goer, understanding workout lingo is essential for your fitness journey. Properly understanding these terms will allow you to effectively communicate with trainers and fitness enthusiasts and ultimately help you achieve your fitness goals.

Common Fitness Terms

• Rep (repetition): A complete movement of an exercise, such as one push-up or one bench press.
• Sets: A group of repetitions that are completed together, such as three sets of ten reps.
• Rest: A break between sets or exercises, allowing your muscles to recover.
• Cardio: Short for cardiovascular exercise, which involves any form of exercise that increases your heart rate, such as running, cycling, or jumping rope.
• HIIT: High-Intensity Interval Training is a workout that alternates between short, intense bursts of activity and brief periods of rest or recovery.
• Compound Exercise: Any exercise that engages multiple muscle groups and allows you to lift heavier weights, such as the squat or deadlift.
• Isolated Exercise: Any exercise that targets a specific muscle group, such as bicep curls or calf raises.

Weightlifting Terms

• Reps: The number of times you lift and lower a weight, or complete a specific exercise.
• Sets: A group of repetitions that are completed together, such as three sets of ten reps.
• Max (one-rep max): The heaviest amount of weight that can be lifted for one repetition.
• Spotter: A person who assists in stabilizing a weight while you perform an exercise.
• Plate: Weight plates that are placed on the barbell or dumbbell to increase resistance.

FAQs

What is the difference between cardio and strength training?

Cardio exercises like running, cycling, and jumping rope work to improve your cardiovascular health by getting your heart rate up and improving your breathing. Strength training with weights or bodyweight exercises builds muscle, improves bone density, and increases metabolism which helps to burn more calories while at rest. Both cardio and strength training are equally important for overall health.

What is the best type of exercise for weight loss?

While any type of exercise will help you lose weight, HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) is one of the most effective ways to burn calories and shed pounds. It combines short bursts of intense, all-out effort, followed by a recovery period. Doing HIIT workouts two to three times per week can help you reach your weight loss goals.

How often should I rest between sets?

It is recommended to rest for 30 to 90 seconds between sets depending on your fitness level and training goals. If your goal is strength training, you'll need longer rests to enable your body to recover properly. If your goal is endurance or cardio, shorter rests are best to maintain a high heart rate and make the most of your workout.