Fitness Vocabulary
Aerobic Exercise – Any activity that increases heart rate and breathing for an extended period.
Anaerobic Exercise – High-intensity activity that doesn’t rely on oxygen, like weightlifting.
Cardiovascular Endurance – The ability of the heart, lungs, and blood vessels to supply oxygen during exercise.
Muscular Endurance – The ability of a muscle or group of muscles to perform repeated contractions over time.
Muscular Strength – The maximum force a muscle can exert in a single effort.
Flexibility – The range of motion available at a joint.
Balance – The ability to maintain stability while stationary or moving.
Coordination – The ability to use different parts of the body together smoothly.
Agility – The ability to change direction quickly and efficiently.
Power – The combination of strength and speed in movement.
Speed – The ability to move quickly over a short period.
Endurance – The ability to sustain physical activity over time.
Plyometrics – Explosive movements like jumping and bounding to build power.
Strength Training – Exercise focused on increasing muscular strength.
Resistance Training – Workouts that involve resistance to build muscle and strength.
HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) – Short bursts of intense exercise followed by rest.
Lactic Acid – A byproduct of anaerobic metabolism that can cause muscle fatigue.
Reps (Repetitions) – The number of times an exercise is performed.
Sets – A group of repetitions performed without resting.
Progressive Overload – Gradually increasing resistance or intensity in training.
Warm-up – Light activity to prepare the body for exercise.
Cool-down – Gentle exercise to bring the body back to rest after a workout.
Stretching – Exercises that improve flexibility and reduce injury risk.
Dynamic Stretching – Moving stretches that improve mobility and circulation.
Static Stretching – Holding a stretch position to improve flexibility.
Foam Rolling – Self-massage using a foam roller to relieve muscle tension.
Core – The muscles of the abdomen, lower back, and pelvis.
Functional Training – Exercises that mimic real-life movements.
Body Composition – The ratio of fat to lean mass in the body.
BMI (Body Mass Index) – A measurement of body fat based on height and weight.
BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) – The number of calories the body burns at rest.
Metabolism – The process by which the body converts food into energy.
Caloric Deficit – Consuming fewer calories than the body burns, leading to weight loss.
Caloric Surplus – Consuming more calories than the body burns, leading to weight gain.
Macronutrients – The three main nutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
Micronutrients – Essential vitamins and minerals needed in small amounts.
Protein – A macronutrient essential for muscle repair and growth.
Carbohydrates – The body’s primary source of energy.
Fats – A macronutrient essential for hormone production and energy storage.
Hydration – Maintaining proper fluid balance in the body.
Electrolytes – Minerals that help regulate muscle and nerve function.
VO2 Max – The maximum amount of oxygen the body can use during exercise.
Heart Rate – The number of times the heart beats per minute.
Resting Heart Rate – The number of heartbeats per minute while at rest.
Target Heart Rate – The optimal heart rate range for cardiovascular exercise.
Overtraining – Excessive exercise without adequate recovery.
Recovery – The process of allowing muscles to heal after exercise.
DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) – Muscle soreness that occurs after intense exercise.
Active Recovery – Light activity that promotes muscle recovery.
Periodization – A structured training approach that cycles intensity and volume.
Strength Cycle – A period of focused strength training.
Cutting – A phase of reducing body fat while maintaining muscle.
Bulking – A phase of consuming excess calories to build muscle.
Lean Mass – Muscle, bones, and other non-fat tissues in the body.
Fat Mass – The total amount of fat in the body.
Muscle Hypertrophy – The growth of muscle fibers from training.
Isometric Exercise – Exercises where muscles contract without changing length.
Isotonic Exercise – Exercises that involve movement and changing muscle length.
Eccentric Contraction – Muscle lengthening under tension.
Concentric Contraction – Muscle shortening under tension.
Compound Exercise – Movements that engage multiple muscle groups.
Isolation Exercise – Movements that target a single muscle group.
Superset – Performing two exercises back-to-back without rest.
Drop Set – Performing an exercise to failure, then reducing weight and continuing.
Time Under Tension – The duration a muscle is under strain during exercise.
Mind-Muscle Connection – The focus on engaging specific muscles during movement.
Biomechanics – The study of movement mechanics in the human body.
Kinesiology – The study of body movement.
Gains – Slang for muscle or strength improvements.
Plateau – A period where progress stalls.
Form – The correct way to perform an exercise.
Toning – Reducing body fat and increasing muscle definition.
Cross-Training – Incorporating various forms of exercise into a routine.
Athletic Performance – The ability to perform well in physical activities.
Endorphins – Hormones released during exercise that boost mood.
Interval Training – Alternating between high and low-intensity activity.
Sprint – Running at maximum speed for a short distance.
Steady-State Cardio – Sustained, moderate-intensity aerobic exercise.
Circuit Training – Performing a series of exercises in a sequence.
Bootcamp – A high-intensity group workout.
Personal Training – One-on-one coaching to help individuals reach fitness goals.
Group Fitness – Exercise classes led by an instructor.
Weightlifting – Training with weights to build strength.
Olympic Lifting – Competitive lifts including the snatch and clean & jerk.
Powerlifting – Competitive strength training focusing on squat, bench press, and deadlift.
Deadlift – A weightlifting exercise involving lifting a barbell from the ground.
Squat – A lower-body strength exercise.
Bench Press – A chest-focused strength exercise.
Pull-up – A bodyweight exercise for upper body strength.
Push-up – A bodyweight exercise for upper body and core strength.
Rowing – A full-body cardio and strength exercise.
Yoga – A practice focusing on flexibility, balance, and mindfulness.
Pilates – A workout that emphasizes core strength and stability.
Zumba – A dance-based fitness program.
Calisthenics – Bodyweight exercises like push-ups and pull-ups.
Mobility – The ability to move freely and easily.
Kettlebell – A weighted ball with a handle for dynamic strength training.
TRX Training – Suspension training using straps.
Gymnastics – A sport focused on strength, flexibility, and coordination.
Self-Care – Activities that support physical and mental well-being.