Fitness Glossary

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A

Aerobics

Aerobics is a type of physical exercise that combines rhythmic movements with stretching and strength training. It is usually performed to music and may be practiced in a group setting or at home.

Anaerobic exercise

Anaerobic exercise is a type of physical activity that involves short, high-intensity bursts of activity. This type of exercise is also known as “interval training.” It is a great way to improve your overall fitness level and burn calories.

B

Body building

Body building is the process of developing muscle mass and strength. The most important factors that go into body building include weightlifting, diet, and rest.

Body mass index

The body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. The BMI can be used to determine if a person is overweight, underweight, or normal weight.

Bulking

Bulking is the process of adding muscle mass while minimizing fat gain. This can be achieved by eating a calorie surplus, lifting weights, and doing compound exercises.

C

Calisthenics

Calisthenics are a type of physical exercise that involves using your own body weight as resistance. They’re a great way to get a full-body workout while improving strength, flexibility, and balance.

Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a type of lipid that is found in the blood. It is used to produce hormones and cell membranes. Too much cholesterol in the blood can lead to a condition called atherosclerosis, which is a build-up of plaque in the arteries. This can lead to heart disease and other health problems.

Circuit training

Circuit training is a type of physical exercise that involves completing a series of exercises in quick succession. It is a great way to improve overall fitness and conditioning because it targets multiple muscle groups at once.

Cutting

Cutting is the process of losing body fat. This is done by reducing the number of calories you eat and/or increasing the amount of exercise you do.

D

Deltoids

The deltoid muscle is a triangular muscle that makes up the shoulder. The muscle is responsible for moving the arm away from the body, rotating the arm, and lifting the arm up.

Diuretics

Diuretics are a type of medication that increase the amount of urine produced by the body. This can help to lower blood pressure and improve the function of the heart. The most common type of diuretic is a water pill, which helps the body to get rid of excess fluid.

E

Endurance training

Endurance training is a type of physical activity that improves the body’s ability to use oxygen to produce energy. This type of training is often used by athletes who need to maintain a high level of energy for a long period of time. Some of the most common types of endurance training include running, cycling, and swimming.

Estrogen

Estrogen is a hormone that is produced by the ovaries. It is responsible for the development of female sexual characteristics. It also helps to regulate the menstrual cycle and influences the body’s ability to use energy.

F

Fartlek training

Fartlek training is a type of physical exercise that involves alternating between high and low-intensity activity. It is often used in running, where a runner will alternate between a slow jog and a fast sprint, or between a fast walk and a slow jog.

H

Hypertrophy

Hypertrophy is a result of muscle overload, meaning that the muscle is worked beyond its current level of strength. This overload must be consistent and progressive in order to cause hypertrophy.

HIIT

High intensity interval training is one of the most effective ways to torch calories and build muscle. This type of training involves short, high-intensity bursts of activity followed by a brief recovery period. It’s a great way to rev your metabolism and get your heart rate up.

I

Isokinetic exercise

Isokinetic exercise is a type of exercise that uses a machine to measure the amount of force a person can generate. This allows people to exercise at a set speed and level of resistance. This type of exercise is often used to rehabilitate injuries.

Isolation exercise

Isolation exercises are exercises that target one muscle group at a time. This type of exercise is usually done with weight machines or free weights. Isolation exercises are a good way to focus on and strengthen a particular muscle group.

Isometric exercise

Isometric exercise is a type of strength training in which you hold a weight or resistance against a fixed object (such as a wall) and push or pull against it using your muscles, maintaining the tension in your muscles for a set period of time.

Isotonic exercise

Isotonic exercise involves movement against a constant resistance, such as using a weight machine in the gym. For example, when you curl a weight in a biceps curl, the biceps muscle contracts as it shortens.

J

Ju jitsu

Jujitsu is a martial art that uses throws and joint locks to subdue an opponent. It is often considered a form of self-defense, as it can be used to defend oneself against larger and stronger opponents.

L

Lats

Latissimus Dorsi is the largest muscle in the back. It starts at the lower back and goes all the way to the upper arm. The lats are important for pulling motions, such as in a rowing motion or in a pull-up.

M

Metabolism

Metabolism is the process by which the body converts food into energy. This occurs in the cells of the body. The food is broken down into molecules that the cells can use. These molecules are called metabolites.

Myositis

Myositis is a condition that causes inflammation of the muscles. The most common symptoms of myositis are muscle weakness and pain.

Muay thai

Muay thai is a martial art that uses kicks and punches to subdue an opponent. It originates from Thailand and is often used in competitions.

O

Obliques

Obliques are the muscles that make up the side of the waist. The obliques are responsible for rotating the torso, as well as flexing and bending the waist. The right and left obliques work together to twist the torso. The obliques are also responsible for keeping the spine stable.

P

Pilates

Pilates is a method of exercise that consists of low-impact flexibility and muscular strength and endurance movements. Pilates focuses on strengthening the deep abdominal muscles, which can help improve posture, balance, and ease back pain.

Plyometrics

Plyometrics are a type of physical activity that involves explosive movements. When you perform plyometrics, you jump and then land as quickly as possible. This type of exercise is designed to improve your power, speed, and agility.

Power lifting

Power lifting is a popular form of strength training in which participants attempt to lift weights in three lifts: the squat, the bench press, and the deadlift.

Progressive overload

Progressive overload is the gradual increase of stress placed upon the body during training. This principle can be applied to all areas of training, including resistance training, cardiovascular training, and even diet.

Pump

A pump is a feeling of fullness in the muscles that is caused by the accumulation of blood. When you lift weights, the muscle tissues are damaged. This damage signals the body to send more blood and nutrients to the muscles to help them repair and grow. The result is a pump – a feeling of extreme fullness and tightness in the muscles.

Q

Quads

The quads are the muscles that make up the front of the thigh. The four muscles that make up the quads are the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and vastus intermedius.

R

Rest pause training

Rest pause training is a type of workout that involves taking a brief break between sets. This type of training is said to improve muscle endurance and strength. It is also said to improve the overall workout by allowing the person to lift more weight or do more repetitions.

S

Strength training

Strength training is a type of workout that involves using resistance to increase muscle strength and size. Resistance can come from weights, elastic bands, or your own body weight. The benefits of strength training include increased muscle mass, improved bone density, reduced body fat, and improved overall health.

T

Tai chi

Tai chi is a martial art that uses slow, flowing movements to achieve a state of relaxation. It is often practiced for its health benefits, such as improving balance, flexibility, and strength.

Testosterone

Testosterone is a hormone that is produced by the testes. It is responsible for the development of male sexual characteristics. It also helps to increase muscle mass and strength.

Traps

The trapezius muscle is a large, triangular muscle that extends from the base of the skull to the middle of the back. The traps help lift the shoulders, and rotate and tilt the head.