So you’re new to the gym or just working out in general. You’re going online to figure out where to start. But half of what you’re reading seems like total gibberish to you. Workout lingo can be tough, especially if you’re just starting off. If you go to practically any online source, there will be some sort of workout lingo that they’re using. So, here’s a guide on some gym slang to help clarify any of your confusion and get you started on an amazing fitness journey!
Gym Slang: Rep
Definition: The number of repetitions of an exercise that you perform. For example, if you repeat the same exercise 10 times, you have done 10 reps.
Gym Slang: Set
Definition: When you do multiple reps in sequence. For example, if a workout calls for 3 sets of 10 squats, you do 10 squats in succession and repeat that 3 times.
Gym Slang: Strength Training
Definition: This involves exercising your muscles usually with some form of resistance which can include resistance bands or weights.
Gym Slang: Cardio Workout
Definition: Also known as aerobic exercise, cardio is anything that gets your heart rate above its resting rate.
Gym Slang: HIIT
Definition: Stands for High Intensity Interval Training. Involves doing intense exercises for short amounts of time ranging from 15-45 seconds.
Gym Slang: Active Recovery
Definition: Days in between intense workouts that involve low impact exercise like walking or swimming.
Gym Slang: Bulking
Definition: Increasing calorie intake and doing heavy weightlifting to build more muscle.
Gym Slang: Cutting
Definition: Reducing calorie intake than what your body uses which causes fat loss.
Gym Slang: AMRAP
Definition: As many reps as possible. Basically, repeating the same exercise until you can no longer do more.
Gym Slang: Pump
Definition: A temporary swelling of the muscles after an intense workout.
Gym Slang: Preworkout
Definition: Supplements taken before a workout to give the user more energy.
Gym Slang: Push and Pull
Definition: Different types of exercises. Push usually involves pushing away from your body. This includes things like push-ups or bench presses. Pull is pulling towards your body. This includes things like bicep curls or rows.
Gym Slang: Spotting
Definition: The act of watching someone lift heavy in order to ensure their safety if they fail.
Gym Slang: Gains
Definition: The progress you receive from working out, usually seen with changes in your body.
Gym Slang: Workout Split
Definition: The different parts of your body that you target each day of the week. For example, here is an example of a workout split.
Monday: Cardio
Tuesday: Legs
Wednesday: Arms
Friday: Core
Gym Slang: Free Weights
Definition: Weights that are not attached to any machine. Usually consisting of dumbbells or plates.
The gym and active world can be intimidating especially if you have no idea what anything means. But hopefully this guide can be of some use and clarify some commonly used gym slang. Now get out there and workout with confidence!
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