Fitness Terminology beginners

[Sportsmedjosh]

Fitness Terminology

You are entering a world of fitness. Part of that world may include some new terms. While none of the terms are difficult, it is easy to get confused at first, so having a basic concept of the definitions and terms can make things easier. Knowing basic vocabulary will make it easier to communicate not just with your trainer but also with others in the gym. As you move along in your fitness program many of these terms will become second nature.

A Rep is a shortened term for repetition. It means the number of lift/lower that are done at one time in an exercise without resting. A series of reps is a single Set. When your trainer instructs you to do 3 sets of 10, that actually means 3 groups of 10 repetitions. To do that you would perform 10 repetitions, then rest, (usually 30-45 seconds), then perform another group of 10 repetitions, rest and perform the last group of 10 repetitions. For most strength programs you may do 5-10 reps, and for toning or endurance type programs you may be doing 12-20 reps.

Rate is the speed you perform a repetition. It is usually expressed in reps per second. A rate of one rep every 2 seconds with a biceps curl would mean that you would lift the weight up in one second and lower the weight in one second.

Working the Negative is the motion that is done when you lower the weight or load to its original starting position. As indicated above in the rate description, usually the negative lift is done at the same rate as the lift portion of the rep.

Weight is usually expressed in pounds. However, in most areas outside the USA, it may be in kilograms. You may encounter equipment that uses kilograms made outside the USA. Be sure to check with your trainer as you are introduced to each machine.

Often, you will hear abbreviated muscles. Lats stands for Latissimus dorsi, a large muscle of the back. Pecs stands for Pectoralis major, the prime muscle of the chest. Quads are the muscles on the front of your thighs and the hams are the muscles on the backs of your thighs. The thigh abductors are the muscles on the outside of your thigh and the adductors are the muscles on the inside of the thigh. The triceps is the muscle on the back of your upper arm. The biceps is the muscle on the front of your upper arm. The delts are the Deltoids, a group of muscles in the shoulder area. The anterior delt is on the front, the lateral delt is on the side, the posterior delt is on the back. The abs are your abdominal muscles.

At first, the world of the fitness center can be intimidating and overwhelming. It is a new environment with new words and new people. But, with proper orientation and understanding of equipment and terms, there is no reason why the new exerciser� cannot easily adapt and learn until they too, will soon be the next experienced lifter. Stick with your trainer and ask questions. Your trainer is there to make your introduction and transition to an experienced gym member as fast and easy as possible.

[desperate housewife]

thanks Josh...it was an awesome write up!

[bsb4tyke]

i agree!

[E36Guy]

Good post.. :)

[Sportsmedjosh]

Thanks I really should be expanding on that.

[E36Guy]

Do it up.. :)

[werked323is]

Originally Posted by desperate housewife

thanks Josh...it was an awesome write up!

+1

[Sportsmedjosh]

It's nice to get some feed back, since you guys enjoy that sort of stuff I'll post some more stuff like that up.

[E36Guy]

Please do. Especially the beginners stuff. Because a lot of the main articles I get so lost because they are talking so technical.. and I dont understand technical yet, so obviously I can't follow. :bigsad