Fitness is an essential part of overall health, and it’s important to understand the vocabulary that comes along with it. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced fitness enthusiast, knowing the common terms used in the industry can help you to better understand your body and reach your fitness goals. Here are ten must-know fitness vocabulary words for beginners.
1. Repetition (or “rep”): A repetition is a single movement of an exercise. For example, one repetition of a push-up is the movement from lowering your body to the ground and then back up.
2. Set: A set is a group of repetitions performed back-to-back without rest. For example, if you perform ten push-ups, rest for thirty seconds, and then perform ten more, that would be two sets of ten repetitions.
3. Cardiovascular Exercise (or “Cardio”): This refers to any exercise that raises the heart rate and increases overall cardiovascular endurance. Examples of cardiovascular exercises include running, cycling, and swimming.
4. Resistance Training: This refers to any exercise that uses resistance or weights to build muscle. Examples of resistance training exercises include weightlifting, resistance bands, and push-ups.
5. Bodyweight Exercise: This refers to any exercise that uses the weight of your body as resistance. Examples of bodyweight exercises include push-ups, pull-ups, and squats.
6. Repetition Maximum (or “RM”): This refers to the maximum amount of weight you can lift for a given number of repetitions. For example, your 1RM for bench press would be the maximum weight you could lift for one repetition.
7. Flexibility: This refers to the range of motion that your body can achieve. Flexibility can be improved through stretching and can help to prevent injury.
8. Target Heart Rate: This refers to the heart rate range that you should aim for during cardiovascular exercise in order to maximize the workout’s benefits. Your target heart rate can be calculated based on your age and fitness level.
9. Rest Day: This refers to a day off from exercise in order to allow the body to recover and repair itself. Rest days are important for preventing injury and improving overall performance.
10. Compound Exercise: This refers to an exercise that works multiple muscle groups at the same time. Examples of compound exercises include squats, lunges, and bench press.
Understanding these ten fitness vocabulary words is essential for anyone looking to start a fitness journey. By incorporating them into your workouts, you will be better equipped to understand your body and maximize your fitness results. Remember to always prioritize safety and consult with a fitness professional before beginning any new exercise routine.
