5 Essential Fitness Vocabulary Words Every Beginner Should Know
Whether you’re just starting a fitness routine or you’re a seasoned gym-goer, understanding fitness vocabulary words is essential to getting the most out of your workout. In this article, we’ll explore five essential fitness vocabulary words that every beginner should know.
1. Repetitions (reps)
Repetitions, or reps, refer to the number of times you perform a particular exercise. For example, if you do 10 push-ups, you’ve completed 10 reps of that exercise.
It’s important to know how many reps are recommended for each exercise to make the most of your workout. For beginners, it’s generally recommended to start with a lower number of reps, like 8-10, and gradually increase as you become more comfortable with the exercise.
2. Sets
Sets refer to the number of times you perform a particular group of exercises. For example, if you do 3 sets of 10 push-ups, you’ll complete a total of 30 push-ups.
Understanding how many sets to complete for each exercise is important to achieve optimal results. For beginners, it’s generally recommended to start with 2-3 sets per exercise.
3. Cardiovascular exercises
Cardiovascular exercises, also known as cardio, are exercises that get your heart rate up and increase blood flow. These types of exercises are essential to improve heart health and burn calories.
Examples of cardio exercises include running, cycling, swimming, and jumping jacks. For beginners, it’s generally recommended to start with 20-30 minutes of cardio exercise per day, three to four times a week.
4. Resistance Training
Resistance training, also known as strength training, is a type of exercise that involves the use of weights or resistance bands to build muscle and increase strength. Examples of resistance training exercises include squats, lunges, and bicep curls.
It’s important to know which muscles you want to target and how much resistance is needed to achieve optimal results. For beginners, it’s generally recommended to start with lower weights and gradually increase as you become more comfortable with the exercise.
5. Rest Days
Rest days refer to the days where you take a break from your workout routine to allow your body to recover and avoid overexertion. It’s important to give your muscles time to rest and rebuild to prevent injury and burnout.
For beginners, rest days are especially important since your muscles are not yet accustomed to the workout routine. It’s generally recommended to take one or two rest days per week.
Conclusion
By understanding these essential fitness vocabulary words, beginners can start their fitness journey with a solid foundation of knowledge. Remember to start slow and gradually increase the intensity of your workout routine, while also giving your body time to rest and recover. With determination and consistency, anyone can achieve their fitness goals.