Gym Glossary A–Z: Fitness & Nutrition Terms

AAnatomy

Abdominals

Muscles around the front and sides of the trunk that help control the ribcage, pelvis and spine.

Full explanation

ATraining

Accessory work

Exercises used after or alongside main lifts to add targeted practice, muscle work or capacity.

Full explanation

ARecovery

Active recovery

Low-intensity movement performed between harder sessions to support comfort, circulation or routine without adding much fatigue.

Full explanation

AAnatomy

Adductors

A group of inner-thigh muscles that draw the leg towards the body and help control the hip.

Full explanation

ATraining

Aerobic exercise

Exercise performed continuously using oxygen to produce most of the energy required by the working muscles.

Full explanation

ATraining

AMRAP

An abbreviation for “as many rounds or repetitions as possible” within a set amount of time or with a given load.

Full explanation

ANutrition

Anabolic

A term describing metabolic processes that build larger molecules and support tissue growth or repair.

Full explanation

ATraining

Anaerobic exercise

Short, demanding activity that relies heavily on energy pathways that do not require oxygen to supply energy immediately.

Full explanation

ATraining

Anaerobic threshold

An exercise intensity above which lactate and breathing rise rapidly because the effort is becoming difficult to sustain.

Full explanation

ATraining

ATG squat

Informal language for squatting through a very deep range, commonly expanded as “ass to grass”.

Full explanation

BEquipment

Barbell

A long loadable bar used for resistance exercises such as squats, presses, rows and deadlifts.

Full explanation

BTraining

Barbell back squat

A squat variation performed with a barbell supported across the upper back.

Full explanation

BTraining

Barbell bench press

A horizontal press performed lying on a bench and lowering a barbell towards the chest before pressing it up.

Full explanation

BEquipment

Barbell collars

Clips or clamps fitted outside weight plates to stop them sliding along or off a barbell.

Full explanation

BAnatomy

Biceps

The biceps brachii is a two-headed upper-arm muscle that bends the elbow and helps turn the palm upwards.

Full explanation

BTraining

Bilateral exercise

An exercise where both limbs work at the same time, such as a squat, barbell press or lat pulldown.

Full explanation

BTraining

Blood flow restriction training

Low-load training performed with specialised cuffs that partially restrict blood flow to a working limb.

Full explanation

BNutrition

BMR

Basal metabolic rate is an estimate of the energy your body uses at complete rest to maintain essential functions.

Full explanation

BNutrition

Body mass index

Body mass index is body weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared.

Full explanation

BTraining

Bodyweight exercise

An exercise that uses the body itself as the main source of resistance.

Full explanation

BTraining

Boot camp

A group fitness format that commonly combines conditioning, resistance exercises and timed stations.

Full explanation

BTraining

Bro split

A programme split that dedicates separate sessions to individual muscles or body regions, often once per week.

Full explanation

BNutrition

Bulking

A phase focused on gaining muscle and body weight through progressive training and a calorie surplus.

Full explanation

BTraining

Burnout set

A high-effort set placed near the end of an exercise or session to create additional local fatigue.

Full explanation

CEquipment

Cable machine

A resistance machine that transfers weight through adjustable pulleys and cables.

Full explanation

CNutrition

Calorie deficit

A period in which average energy intake is lower than average energy expenditure.

Full explanation

CNutrition

Calorie surplus

A period in which average energy intake is higher than average energy expenditure.

Full explanation

CAnatomy

Calves

The gastrocnemius and soleus are the main muscles at the back of the lower leg.

Full explanation

CNutrition

Carbohydrate

A macronutrient found in foods such as grains, fruit, potatoes, pulses, dairy and sugar.

Full explanation

CNutrition

Catabolic

A term describing metabolic processes that break larger molecules into smaller ones and release energy.

Full explanation

CEquipment

Chalk

Magnesium carbonate used on the hands to improve grip by reducing moisture.

Full explanation

CTraining

Circuit training

A sequence of exercises performed one after another, usually with limited rest before the circuit repeats.

Full explanation

CTraining

Compound exercise

A movement that involves more than one joint and usually trains several muscle groups at the same time.

Full explanation

CTraining

Concentric

The phase of a repetition in which the working muscle shortens while producing force.

Full explanation

CTraining

Conditioning

Training that develops the ability to perform and recover from repeated physical work.

Full explanation

CRecovery

Cooldown

A brief period of easier movement after training that gradually reduces effort and helps transition out of the session.

Full explanation

CAnatomy

Core

The muscles around the trunk and pelvis that help control position and transfer force.

Full explanation

CNutrition

Creatine

A substance stored in muscle that helps rapidly regenerate energy during short, high-intensity efforts.

Full explanation

CTraining

Cross-training

Using more than one activity or training method to develop fitness or reduce repetitive loading.

Full explanation

CNutrition

Cutting

A phase focused on reducing body fat through a sustained calorie deficit while trying to retain muscle.

Full explanation

DTraining

Deadlift

A loaded hinge in which a weight is lifted from a lower position to standing through hip and knee extension.

Full explanation

DRecovery

Deload

A planned reduction in training stress, usually achieved by lowering load, volume, effort or a combination of them.

Full explanation

DAnatomy

Deltoids

The deltoids are the main shoulder muscles, with front, side and rear regions that move the upper arm in different directions.

Full explanation

DNutrition

Dietary fat

A macronutrient that provides energy and supports cell membranes, hormones and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Full explanation

DRecovery

DOMS

Delayed onset muscle soreness is discomfort that commonly develops several hours after unfamiliar or demanding exercise.

Full explanation

DTraining

Drop set

A set extended by reducing the load after reaching or nearing failure and continuing with little rest.

Full explanation

DEquipment

Dumbbell

A handheld free weight available in fixed or adjustable loads.

Full explanation

DTraining

Dynamic set

A set performed with an intentionally fast lifting phase while control and technique are maintained.

Full explanation

DTraining

Dynamic warm-up

A warm-up using controlled movement through relevant ranges rather than long static holds.

Full explanation

ETraining

Eccentric

The phase of a repetition in which a working muscle lengthens while producing force.

Full explanation

ENutrition

Electrolytes

Minerals with an electrical charge, including sodium and potassium, that help regulate fluid balance and nerve and muscle function.

Full explanation

EEquipment

Elliptical machine

A stationary cardio machine that guides the feet through an oval path, often with moving handles.

Full explanation

ETraining

EMOM

Every minute on the minute is a format where prescribed work begins at the start of each minute and the remaining time is rest.

Full explanation

ETraining

Endurance

The ability to sustain or repeat physical effort over time.

Full explanation

ENutrition

Energy balance

The relationship between the energy consumed through food and drink and the energy used by the body.

Full explanation

ETraining

EPOC

Excess post-exercise oxygen consumption is the temporary elevation in oxygen use after exercise.

Full explanation

ETraining

Exercise form

The technique, positions and movement standard used to perform an exercise.

Full explanation

EEquipment

EZ curl bar

A shorter bar with angled hand positions, commonly used for curls and triceps exercises.

Full explanation

FTraining

Failure

The point in a set where another complete repetition cannot be performed with the intended technique.

Full explanation

FTraining

Fartlek training

An endurance method that mixes faster and easier periods without requiring rigid interval lengths.

Full explanation

FRecovery

Fatigue

A temporary reduction in physical or mental performance caused by training, activity, stress, poor sleep or other demands.

Full explanation

FNutrition

Fibre

A group of carbohydrates found mainly in plant foods that are not fully digested in the small intestine.

Full explanation

FAnatomy

Flexibility

The passive range available around a joint or across tissues.

Full explanation

FEquipment

Foam roller

A firm cylinder used for self-massage by applying body weight to soft tissue.

Full explanation

FEquipment

Free weights

Resistance equipment that moves freely rather than along a fixed machine path.

Full explanation

FTraining

Full-body workout

A session that trains most major movement patterns or muscle groups rather than one body region only.

Full explanation

FTraining

Functional training

Training selected to improve performance in particular everyday, occupational or sporting tasks.

Full explanation

GTraining

Gains

Informal gym language for improvements such as increased strength, muscle, fitness or skill.

Full explanation

GTraining

Giant set

A sequence of three or more exercises performed with little rest, often for the same muscle group.

Full explanation

GAnatomy

Glutes

The gluteal muscles at the back and side of the hip help extend, rotate and stabilise the hip.

Full explanation

GNutrition

Glycogen

The stored form of carbohydrate held mainly in skeletal muscle and the liver.

Full explanation

GTraining

Gym rat

Informal language for someone who spends a great deal of time training or strongly identifies with gym culture.

Full explanation

HTraining

Half rep

An informal term for a repetition completed through a shortened range of motion.

Full explanation

HAnatomy

Hamstrings

A group of muscles at the back of the thigh that bend the knee and help extend the hip.

Full explanation

HAnatomy

Heart rate

The number of times the heart beats per minute.

Full explanation

HTraining

Heart-rate zone

A range of heart rates used to describe or guide cardiovascular exercise intensity.

Full explanation

HTraining

High-impact exercise

Activity in which both feet may leave the ground and landing forces must be absorbed.

Full explanation

HTraining

HIIT

High-intensity interval training alternates short hard efforts with recovery periods.

Full explanation

HAnatomy

Hip flexors

Muscles that bring the thigh towards the trunk and help control the pelvis and hip.

Full explanation

HTraining

Hip hinge

A movement pattern where the hips travel backwards while the trunk inclines and the spine remains controlled.

Full explanation

HNutrition

Hydration

The state of having enough fluid available for normal body function and activity.

Full explanation

HTraining

Hypertrophy

An increase in the size of muscle tissue, usually developed through progressive resistance training and adequate recovery.

Full explanation

IEquipment

Incline

The upward angle set on a bench, treadmill or other piece of exercise equipment.

Full explanation

ITraining

Intensity

A term that can describe load relative to maximum strength or how hard a set feels relative to failure.

Full explanation

ITraining

Interval training

Training that alternates planned work periods with easier recovery or complete rest.

Full explanation

ITraining

Isolation exercise

An exercise designed to emphasise movement at one main joint and target a smaller group of muscles.

Full explanation

ITraining

Isometric exercise

An exercise or muscle action that produces force without visible movement at the working joint.

Full explanation

JAnatomy

Joint stability

The ability to control a joint’s position while forces act on it during movement or stillness.

Full explanation

JEquipment

Jump rope

A rope rotated around the body and jumped over repeatedly for coordination and cardiovascular training.

Full explanation

JTraining

Junk volume

Informal language for training sets that add fatigue but contribute little useful stimulus or skill practice.

Full explanation

KEquipment

Kettlebell

A free weight with a handle positioned above the main mass, allowing carries, presses, squats and ballistic movements.

Full explanation

KNutrition

Kilocalorie

A unit of energy commonly written as kcal; food labels usually use “calorie” to mean one kilocalorie.

Full explanation

LAnatomy

Lactate

A substance produced and used during energy metabolism, including during demanding exercise.

Full explanation

LTraining

Lactate threshold

The exercise intensity around which blood lactate begins to accumulate faster than it can be cleared.

Full explanation

LAnatomy

Latissimus dorsi

Large back muscles that draw the upper arm down and back and help control the shoulder and trunk.

Full explanation

LEquipment

Leg press machine

A resistance machine where the legs push a platform or carriage away from the body.

Full explanation

LEquipment

Lifting belt

A belt worn around the trunk to provide a surface to brace against during heavy lifting.

Full explanation

LTraining

Linear progression

A progression method that increases a training variable in regular steps, often from session to session or week to week.

Full explanation

LTraining

LISS

Low-intensity steady-state cardio is continuous aerobic work performed at an easy, stable effort.

Full explanation

LTraining

Low-impact exercise

Activity that limits landing forces, commonly keeping at least one foot supported or using a machine.

Full explanation

LTraining

Lunge

A lower-body movement using a split stance and bending the hips and knees to lower the body.

Full explanation

MNutrition

Macronutrients

Protein, carbohydrate and fat: nutrients required in relatively large amounts that contribute energy or essential functions.

Full explanation

MNutrition

Maintenance calories

The approximate average calorie intake at which body weight remains broadly stable over time.

Full explanation

MEquipment

Medicine ball

A weighted ball used for throws, carries, slams and controlled strength exercises.

Full explanation

MTraining

Metabolic conditioning

Structured training that challenges energy systems through repeated work and recovery periods.

Full explanation

MNutrition

Micronutrients

Vitamins and minerals needed in relatively small amounts for health, metabolism and normal body function.

Full explanation

MTraining

Military press

A standing overhead press performed with a barbell, traditionally using a relatively strict stance and no leg drive.

Full explanation

MTraining

Mind-muscle connection

Deliberately focusing attention on a target muscle while performing an exercise.

Full explanation

MTraining

Mobility

The ability to actively control movement through a useful joint range.

Full explanation

NNutrition

NEAT

Non-exercise activity thermogenesis is energy used during everyday movement outside planned exercise.

Full explanation

NTraining

Neutral grip

A hand position where the palms face each other, commonly used for rows, presses and curls.

Full explanation

NTraining

Newbie

Informal language for someone who is new to training, a gym or a particular exercise.

Full explanation

OTraining

Olympic lifts

The snatch and clean and jerk, plus related variations used in weightlifting and power development.

Full explanation

OTraining

One-repetition maximum

The greatest load a person can lift once through the required range of motion with an accepted technique.

Full explanation

OTraining

Overload

Training stress that is greater than the body’s current accustomed level and therefore creates a reason to adapt.

Full explanation

ORecovery

Overreaching

A short period of deliberately or accidentally increased training stress that temporarily reduces performance.

Full explanation

ORecovery

Overtraining

A prolonged maladaptive state where performance and wellbeing remain reduced after excessive stress and insufficient recovery.

Full explanation

PTraining

Periodisation

The planned organisation of training variables across time to manage fatigue and develop specific qualities.

Full explanation

PTraining

Personal best

A person’s best recorded performance for a defined lift, distance, time or repetition target.

Full explanation

PTraining

Plank

An isometric trunk exercise performed while maintaining a supported straight-body position.

Full explanation

PTraining

Plateau

A period where a measurable training outcome stops improving despite continued practice.

Full explanation

PTraining

Plyometrics

Fast, explosive exercises that use a rapid stretch-and-shortening action, such as jumps, hops or bounds.

Full explanation

PRecovery

Post-workout

The period after exercise when the body begins restoring energy, regulating temperature and repairing trained tissue.

Full explanation

PEquipment

Power rack

A sturdy frame used for barbell exercises with adjustable hooks and safety bars or straps.

Full explanation

PTraining

Power training

Training intended to improve the ability to produce force quickly.

Full explanation

PTraining

Powerlifting

A strength sport based on the squat, bench press and deadlift, with the heaviest successful attempts forming the total.

Full explanation

PTraining

PPL split

A programme organised into push, pull and legs sessions.

Full explanation

PTraining

Progressive overload

The planned increase of training demands over time as strength, skill or work capacity improves.

Full explanation

PNutrition

Protein

A macronutrient made from amino acids that supports muscle, organs, enzymes and many repair processes.

Full explanation

PNutrition

Protein synthesis

The process of building new proteins in the body; muscle protein synthesis refers specifically to muscle tissue.

Full explanation

PEquipment

Pull-up bar

A fixed bar designed for hanging, pull-ups and related bodyweight exercises.

Full explanation

PAnatomy

Pump

A temporary feeling of fullness and tightness in a working muscle caused partly by increased fluid and blood flow.

Full explanation

QAnatomy

Quadriceps

A group of four muscles at the front of the thigh that primarily extend the knee.

Full explanation

QTraining

Quality repetition

A repetition completed with the intended range, control and technique for the exercise and training goal.

Full explanation

RTraining

Range of motion

The distance and joint movement covered during an exercise repetition.

Full explanation

RRecovery

Recovery

The process of restoring performance and adapting after training and other physical or psychological stress.

Full explanation

RTraining

Repetition

One complete cycle of an exercise movement, commonly shortened to “rep”.

Full explanation

RTraining

Repetitions in reserve

An estimate of how many additional good repetitions could have been completed at the end of a set.

Full explanation

RTraining

Resistance

The external or internal force that muscles work against during an exercise.

Full explanation

REquipment

Resistance band

An elastic band or tube that provides increasing resistance as it stretches.

Full explanation

RRecovery

Rest day

A day without planned hard training, used to manage fatigue and support physical and mental recovery.

Full explanation

RTraining

Rest interval

The time taken between sets, exercises or repeated efforts.

Full explanation

RTraining

Rest-pause set

A set extended with one or more very short rests before additional repetitions are performed.

Full explanation

RNutrition

Resting metabolic rate

An estimate of energy used at rest under less strict testing conditions than basal metabolic rate.

Full explanation

RTraining

Romanian deadlift

A hip-hinge exercise that lowers a held weight while keeping a small knee bend and controlled trunk.

Full explanation

RAnatomy

Rotator cuff

A group of four shoulder muscles and tendons that help centre and control the upper-arm bone in the socket.

Full explanation

REquipment

Rowing machine

A cardio machine that simulates rowing through coordinated leg, trunk and arm actions.

Full explanation

RTraining

RPE

Rating of perceived exertion is a scale used to describe how difficult an effort feels; in lifting it is often linked to repetitions in reserve.

Full explanation

STraining

SAID principle

Specific adaptation to imposed demands means the body adapts in ways related to the stress it repeatedly experiences.

Full explanation

SNutrition

Satiety

The feeling of fullness and reduced desire to eat after a meal.

Full explanation

STraining

Set

A group of consecutive exercise repetitions performed before a rest period or exercise change.

Full explanation

STraining

Skullcrusher

A lying elbow-extension exercise performed with a bar or dumbbells to train the triceps.

Full explanation

SRecovery

Sleep

A recurring biological state that supports learning, mood, immune function, tissue repair and performance.

Full explanation

SEquipment

Smith machine

A machine with a bar that travels along fixed rails and can be secured at multiple heights.

Full explanation

SNutrition

Sodium

An essential mineral and electrolyte found naturally in food and commonly consumed as part of salt.

Full explanation

STraining

Spotting

Helping monitor and assist another person during a lift if they cannot complete it safely.

Full explanation

STraining

Squat

A movement that lowers and raises the body through coordinated bending of the hips, knees and ankles.

Full explanation

SEquipment

Stability ball

A large inflatable ball used for supported movement, balance and selected trunk exercises.

Full explanation

SEquipment

Stair climber

A cardio machine that provides continuous stepping against a rotating or moving staircase.

Full explanation

SRecovery

Static stretching

Holding a muscle or joint near the end of a comfortable range for a period of time.

Full explanation

SEquipment

Stationary bike

A fixed cycling machine used for steady cardio, intervals or warm-ups.

Full explanation

STraining

Steady-state cardio

Continuous cardiovascular exercise performed at a broadly consistent pace or effort.

Full explanation

STraining

Strength training

Planned exercise using resistance to improve the ability to produce force.

Full explanation

SRecovery

Stress management

Practical habits used to reduce, organise or respond more effectively to psychological and physical stress.

Full explanation

STraining

Superset

Two exercises performed consecutively with little or no rest between them before a longer rest.

Full explanation

TTraining

Tabata

A specific interval format using eight rounds of 20 seconds of work and 10 seconds of rest.

Full explanation

TTraining

Target heart rate

A planned heart-rate range used to guide the intensity of cardiovascular exercise.

Full explanation

TNutrition

TDEE

Total daily energy expenditure is an estimate of all energy used across rest, digestion, daily movement and planned exercise.

Full explanation

TTraining

Tempo

The planned speed or duration of different phases of an exercise repetition.

Full explanation

TTraining

Time under tension

The amount of time a muscle or movement is loaded during a repetition or set.

Full explanation

TTraining

Training frequency

How often an exercise, muscle group or training type is performed within a set period.

Full explanation

TRecovery

Training readiness

A practical judgement of how prepared someone is to train based on performance, soreness, sleep, motivation and health.

Full explanation

TTraining

Training volume

The amount of training completed, often described through hard sets, repetitions, load or total work.

Full explanation

TEquipment

Trap bar

A frame-shaped bar that allows the lifter to stand inside it, usually with handles at the sides.

Full explanation

TEquipment

Treadmill

A motorised or curved machine with a moving belt for indoor walking or running.

Full explanation

TTraining

Tri-set

Three exercises performed consecutively with little rest before the sequence repeats.

Full explanation

UTraining

Unilateral exercise

An exercise that trains one side or limb at a time, or places substantially different demands on each side.

Full explanation

UTraining

Upper/lower split

A programme structure that separates primarily upper-body and lower-body training sessions.

Full explanation

VTraining

VO2 max

The maximum rate at which the body can take in and use oxygen during intense exercise.

Full explanation

WTraining

Warm-up

Preparation performed before training to raise readiness and practise the movements or loads about to be used.

Full explanation

WTraining

Weekend warrior

Informal language for someone who concentrates most planned exercise into one or two weekend days.

Full explanation

WEquipment

Weight bench

A stable padded platform used for seated, lying or supported resistance exercises.

Full explanation

WEquipment

Weight plates

Discs loaded onto barbells or machines to provide resistance.

Full explanation

WTraining

Working set

A set intended to provide the main training stimulus after any necessary preparation sets.

Full explanation

WTraining

Workout of the day

A workout published or selected for a particular day, commonly abbreviated to WOD.

Full explanation

XAnatomy

Xiphoid process

The small lower portion of the sternum, located near the bottom of the breastbone.

Full explanation

YTraining

Y-raise

A shoulder exercise where the arms are raised into a Y shape, usually with light resistance.

Full explanation

YNutrition

Yo-yo dieting

A repeated pattern of restrictive dieting, weight loss and subsequent regain.

Full explanation

ZTraining

Zercher squat

A squat variation where a barbell is supported in the crooks of the elbows in front of the body.

Full explanation

ZTraining

Zone 2 cardio

A commonly used label for steady aerobic exercise performed at a relatively easy, sustainable intensity.

Full explanation

Understand the language.Use it with confidence.

Understand the language.
Use it with confidence.