Fitness terms can be overwhelming, especially for beginners. With so many different exercises, equipment, and concepts, it can be hard to know where to start. To help you navigate the fitness world, we’ve put together an A-Z guide of some common fitness terms that you might come across.
The top 5 most popular fitness methods as of 2023.
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): A type of workout that alternates short periods of intense exercise with recovery periods.
Strength Training: A type of exercise that uses resistance, such as weights or bodyweight, to build muscle and improve overall fitness.
Yoga: A practice that combines physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation to improve physical and mental well-being.
Cardiovascular Exercise: A type of exercise that raises your heart rate and improves your cardiovascular fitness, such as running, cycling, or swimming.
Pilates: A method of exercise that focuses on strengthening the core and improving posture, flexibility, and balance.
A – Active Recovery: A type of recovery between workouts that involves low-intensity physical activity to improve recovery.
A – Aerobic exercise: Physical activity that increases the heart rate and breathing for an extended period of time. Examples include running, cycling, and swimming. Aerobic exercise is great for improving cardiovascular fitness and burning calories.
A – AMRAP: Stands for As Many Reps As Possible or As Many Rounds As Possible, it is a training structure where you try to complete as many reps of an exercise as you can.
A – Ass to Grass: A term used in CrossFit gym to refer to a full-depth squat.
B – Barbell – a long metal bar used in weightlifting, on which plates slide onto each end, so the weight can be customized to each individual
B – Bench: A term frequently used as a verb referring to a bench press exercise.
B – Bench press: A weight training exercise performed on a flat bench, typically using a barbell.
B – Body composition: The ratio of lean muscle mass to fat in the body. Measuring body composition can help you understand your overall health and fitness level.
B – Bodyweight Exercise – exercise that utilizes your own body weight as resistance.
B – BOSU ball: A ball-shaped device with a flat platform on one side, used for balance and stability training.
B – Burning – the feeling of when muscles experience an accumulation of metabolic waste, which creates fatigue.
C – Cardio: Short for cardiovascular exercise, refers to activities that increase the heart rate and improve cardiovascular fitness. Cardio exercises can include running, cycling, swimming, or any other activity that gets your heart rate up.
C – Clamps: Little tension-spring devices used to hold plates securely in place on a barbell.
C – Compound Movements/Lifts: Lifting exercises that use multiple joints and work multiple muscles, such as squats, deadlifts, bench press, and standing press.
D – Deadlift: A weightlifting exercise that involves lifting a barbell from the ground to a standing position.
D – Dumbbell: A short barbell with weights at either end, used for strength training exercises. Dumbbells come in a range of weights and can be used to target specific muscle groups.
E – Elliptical: A type of cardio machine that simulates running or walking, but with low-impact on the joints.
E – Endurance: The ability of the body to sustain physical activity for an extended period of time. Building endurance can help you improve your stamina and performance in endurance sports such as running or cycling. Want to learn how to max out your endurance? Learn about how to fuel your brain to do so.
E – Exercise ball: A large, inflatable ball used for balance training, core strengthening, and flexibility exercises.
E – Exercise mats: Thick foam mats used for cushioning and comfort during floor exercises.
F – Flexibility: The ability of the joints to move through their full range of motion. Stretching and yoga are great ways to improve flexibility.
F – Free weights: A category of equipment, such as dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells, medicine balls, etc. that can be grabbed to do a variety of exercises and not attached to a machine or pulley.
F- Foam roller: A cylindrical foam tool used for massaging and releasing tension in muscles.
G – Glycogen Loading (Supercompensation) – a diet or exercise-diet procedure that elevates muscle glycogen stores to concentrations two to three times normal.
G – Glycolysis – a metabolic process that breaks down glucose to produce energy.
G – Gym: A facility equipped with weights and exercise machines for strength training and cardiovascular fitness. Gyms can be a great place to workout, but you can also get a great workout at home or outdoors.
H – HIIT: High-Intensity Interval Training, a type of cardio training that alternates periods of intense activity with periods of rest or active recovery. HIIT is a great way to burn calories and improve cardiovascular fitness in a short amount of time.
I – Isometric exercise: A type of strength training that involves contracting muscles without moving the joints. Isometric exercises can be done using equipment such as resistance bands or by using your own body weight.
J – Jump rope: A common piece of equipment used for cardio and plyometric training. Jumping rope is a great way to improve cardiovascular fitness and coordination.
K – Kettlebell: A type of weight with a handle, used for strength training exercises. Kettlebells can be used to target specific muscle groups and improve functional strength.
L – Lunges: A strength training exercise that targets the legs, glutes, and core. Lunges can be done using your own body weight or with weights.
M – Medicine ball: A weighted ball used for a variety of strength and power exercises.
M – Metabolism: The chemical processes that occur in the body to maintain life, including the conversion of food to energy. Boosting your metabolism can help you burn more calories and lose weight.
N – Nutrition: The study of how the body processes food and how it affects health. Eating a balanced diet is essential for overall health and fitness.
O – Overload: The principle of progressive resistance training, which involves gradually increasing the weight or resistance used in exercises to increase muscle strength and size.
P – Plate: A metal disc used to add weight to barbells, dumbbells, or other weightlifting equipment.
P – Plyometrics: A type of exercise that uses explosive movements to increase power and speed. Plyometric exercises can include jump squats, box jumps, and plyometric push-ups.
P – Pull-up bar: A horizontal bar mounted on a wall or door frame, used for pull-ups and other upper body exercises.
R- Resistance bands: Elastic bands of varying levels of resistance, used for strength training and rehabilitation exercises.
Q – Quadriceps: The muscle group located in the front of the thigh. The quadriceps are used in a variety of exercises such as squats, lunges and cycling.
R – Rep (repetition): One complete movement of an exercise, usually performed multiple times in a set.
R – Resistance training: Any exercise that uses resistance to increase muscle strength and size. Resistance training can include weightlifting, resistance band.
R – Rowing machine: A machine that simulates rowing, providing a low-impact cardiovascular workout.
T – Treadmill: A moving belt that allows the user to run or walk in place, providing a cardio workout.
T – TRX straps: Suspension training straps used for bodyweight exercises that target multiple muscle groups.
W – Weight plate: A disc-shaped weight used with a barbell for strength training exercises.
Y – Yoga blocks: Lightweight foam blocks used for support and stability during yoga poses.
Y – Yoga mat: A mat used for cushioning and stability during yoga and other floor exercises.
Biking Equipment Fitness Terms:
Bike computer: A device that attaches to the bike and provides data such as speed, distance, and heart rate. Bike frame: The main structure of a bicycle, made of materials such as aluminum, carbon, or steel. Bike lights: Lights that attach to the bike and provide visibility during low-light rides. Bike lock: A device used to secure a bike to a fixed object and prevent theft. Bike pump: A device used to inflate bike tires. Bike rack: A device used to securely transport a bike on a car or other vehicle. Bike shorts: Tight-fitting shorts designed for comfort during long bike rides. Bike shoes: Specialized shoes designed for cycling, with features such as cleats and stiff soles. Bike gloves: Gloves designed for comfort and grip during cycling. Bike helmet: A protective head covering worn while cycling to reduce the risk of head injury. Bike jersey: A form-fitting shirt designed for comfort during cycling. Bike multi-tool: A compact, handheld tool with multiple functions, such as a wrench or screwdriver, used for bike repairs. Bike water bottle and cage: A bottle and holder used for carrying water during a ride. Chain lubricant: A product used to lubricate the chain on a bike to reduce friction and prolong the life of the chain. Tire repair kit: A compact kit that includes tools and supplies for repairing a flat tire while on a ride.
CrossFit Exercises and Fitness Terms:
Air squat: A bodyweight exercise where you squat down and then stand back up, using your legs to lower and lift your body. Box jump: An explosive exercise where you jump onto a box or platform and then step or jump down. Burpee: A bodyweight exercise that combines a squat, a push-up, and a jump. Clean and Jerk: A weightlifting exercise where you lift a barbell from the floor to your shoulders, then push it overhead. Deadlift: A weightlifting exercise where you lift a barbell from the floor to a standing position. Dumbbell: A free weight shaped like a short bar, with adjustable or fixed weights on either end. Kettlebell: A cast-iron weight shaped like a ball with a handle, used for strength training exercises. Medicine ball: A weighted ball used for various strength training exercises, including throws and catches. Pull-ups: An exercise where you hang from a bar and pull your body up until your chin is above the bar. Rowing machine: An exercise machine that simulates the motion of rowing a boat, used for cardio and strength training. Sandbag: A heavy, bag filled with sand or other materials, used for strength training exercises. Slam ball: A heavy, weighted ball used for explosive strength training exercises, including slams and throws. Snatch: A weightlifting exercise where you lift a barbell from the floor to overhead in one fluid motion. Wall ball: A medicine ball that you throw against a wall for various strength and cardio exercises. Weight plate: Adjustable weights used in combination with barbells and dumbbells for strength training.High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) terms and Equipment and Exercise Terms:
AMRAP: Stands for “As Many Rounds As Possible”, a type of workout where you perform a set of exercises for a certain amount of time. Bodyweight exercises: Exercises that use your own body weight for resistance, such as push-ups, squats, and lunges. Circuit training: A type of workout where you move from one exercise to another, with little rest in between, to perform a full-body workout. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): A type of workout that alternates short periods of intense exercise with recovery periods. Intervals: The alternating periods of intense exercise and recovery in a HIIT workout. Metabolic conditioning: A type of workout that combines strength training and cardiovascular exercise to improve overall fitness and increase metabolism. Plyometrics: A type of exercise that involves explosive movements, such as jumping, to build power and improve athletic performance. Resistance band: A band made of elastic material, used for resistance training in HIIT workouts. Tabata: A type of HIIT workout where you perform an exercise at maximum intensity for 20 seconds, followed by 10 seconds of rest, repeated 8 times. TRX: A brand of suspension training equipment, using straps and handles to perform bodyweight exercises and increase intensity. Work to rest ratio: The ratio of time spent working at high intensity to time spent recovering, typically in the range of 1:1 to 1:4 in HIIT workouts.Pilates Fitness Terms:
Breathing: Controlled breathing is a key aspect of Pilates, used to enhance movement and relaxation. Centering: The core of the body, including the muscles of the abdomen, hips, and lower back, is referred to as the “center” in Pilates. Contrology: The term used by Joseph Pilates to describe his method of exercise, emphasizing the control and coordination of movements. Mat Pilates: Pilates exercises performed on a mat, using your bodyweight for resistance. Reformer: A Pilates machine that uses a moving carriage, adjustable resistance, and various attachments to perform a wide range of exercises. Resistance band: A band made of elastic material, used for resistance training in Pilates. Roll-down: A Pilates exercise where you roll forward and down, stretching the spine and releasing tension. Scissor: A Pilates exercise where you alternately lift one leg while keeping the other leg extended, strengthening the legs and hips. Spine stretch: A Pilates exercise where you lengthen the spine, stretching the back and improving posture. Swimming: A Pilates exercise where you imitate the movements of swimming, strengthening the arms, legs, and core. The hundred: A Pilates exercise where you perform 100 small movements, typically using your arms and legs, to build strength and endurance. Tummy tuck: A Pilates exercise where you engage the abdominal muscles, strengthening the core and improving posture. Wunda chair: A Pilates machine that uses a pedal and springs for resistance, used to perform a wide range of exercises.
Running Equipment and Fitness Terms:
Athletic shoes: Specialized shoes designed for running, with features such as cushioning and support. GPS watch: A wrist-worn device that tracks running performance and provides data such as distance, pace, and heart rate. Hydration pack: A backpack or waist pack that holds water and other essentials for long-distance runs. Heart rate monitor: A device that tracks the heart rate during exercise and can be worn on the wrist or chest. Running clothes: Lightweight, breathable clothing designed for comfort and performance during running. Running hat or visor: A head covering worn to protect from the sun or keep hair out of the face during a run. Running socks: Specialized socks designed for running, with features such as cushioning and moisture-wicking. Sports sunglasses: Protective eyewear designed for outdoor activities, with features such as UV protection and anti-fog lenses. Reflective gear: Clothing or accessories with reflective materials, used for visibility during low-light runs. Running belt: A small, adjustable waistband used to carry essentials such as a phone, keys, and gels. Running pace calculator: A device or app that helps calculate a target pace for a desired finish time. Warm-up gear: Clothing or accessories used for warming up before a run, such as a hat, gloves, or arm warmers.Swimming Equipment Fitness Terms:
Goggles: Eyewear designed to keep water out of the eyes while swimming. Kickboard: A floating device used to develop leg strength and improve kicking technique. Pull buoy: A floating device that can be placed between the legs to increase buoyancy and reduce drag. Swim fins: Footwear that helps increase speed and improve kicking technique while swimming. Swim cap: A tight-fitting head covering designed to reduce drag and keep hair out of the face while swimming. Swim parka: A jacket made of neoprene or other insulating material, used for warming up or staying warm after a swim. Swim paddles: Small, handheld devices that increase resistance and help build upper body strength. Swim snorkel: A tube-shaped device used to breathe while swimming on the surface, allowing the swimmer to concentrate on body position and technique. Swim suit: A tight-fitting, lightweight suit made of a special material that dries quickly and reduces drag. Water bottle: A bottle used for carrying water and staying hydrated before, during, and after a swim. Wetsuit: A tight-fitting suit made of neoprene or other insulating material, used for warmth in colder water.
Weight Room Equipment Fitness Terms:
Barbell: A long bar with adjustable weights used for a variety of strength training exercises. Bench press: A weight training exercise performed on a flat bench, typically using a barbell. Bumper plates: Heavy, durable plates used for Olympic-style weightlifting. Cable machine: A weight training machine that uses a cable and pulley system to provide resistance. Dumbbells: Free weights shaped like a short bar, with adjustable or fixed weights on either end. EZ curl bar: A barbell with a curved shape, used for curls and other exercises. Foam roller: A cylindrical foam device used for self-massage and stretching. Kettlebells: Cast-iron weights shaped like a ball with a handle, used for strength training exercises. Medicine ball: A weighted ball used for various strength training exercises, including throws and catches. Power rack: A large, adjustable cage used for performing weightlifting exercises, such as squats and bench press. Resistance bands: Elastic bands used for resistance training and rehabilitation exercises. Smith machine: A weight training machine that uses a barbell that moves on fixed tracks, with adjustable weights. Squat rack: A large, adjustable rack used for performing squats and other exercises, typically with a barbell. Weight plates: Adjustable weights used in combination with barbells and dumbbells for strength training. Weightlifting chalk: A powdered chalk used to improve grip during weightlifting exercises.Conclusion
In conclusion, the fitness industry is filled with a wide variety of terms, each with their own unique definition and purpose. From “aerobic exercise” to “zone training,” understanding these terms is crucial for effective and efficient workouts.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned fitness enthusiast, familiarizing yourself with these terms can help you achieve your fitness goals and improve your overall health and well-being. Remember to consult with a professional if you have any doubts about the safety of your exercise routine.
