Your A-Z Fitness & Training Terminology Guide

Categories from A to Z (General Fitness & Gym)

1. Aerobic Exercise (Cardio): Physical activity that increases heart rate and oxygen consumption over a sustained period (e.g., running, cycling).
2. Anaerobic Exercise: Short-burst, high-intensity exercise where the body relies on glucose for energy without using oxygen (e.g., sprinting, heavy weightlifting).
3. Barbell: A long metal bar onto which weight plates are loaded, used for compound lifts.
4. Body Composition: The proportion of fat and fat-free mass (muscle, bone, water) in the body.
5. Bodyweight Exercise: Movements using only the individual’s own weight for resistance (e.g., push-ups, squats).
6. Cardiovascular Fitness: The ability of the heart, blood vessels, and respiratory system to supply oxygen and fuel to muscles during sustained physical activity.
7. Circuit Training: A series of exercises performed one after another with minimal rest between stations.
8. Compound Exercise: An exercise that engages multiple joints and muscle groups simultaneously (e.g., squat, deadlift).
9. Core Strength: Strength in the muscles of the abdomen, lower back, and hips, essential for stability.
10. Cool-down: Low-intensity activity performed after a workout to gradually lower the heart rate and aid recovery.
11. Dumbbell: A short bar with a weight at each end, held in one hand.
12. Dynamic Stretching: Stretching exercises involving movement, often used during a warm-up.
13. Endurance: The ability to sustain physical or mental effort for a prolonged period.
14. Flexibility: The range of motion at a joint.
15. Form (Technique): The specific way an exercise is executed, crucial for effectiveness and injury prevention.
16. Free Weights: Weights not attached to a machine (e.g., dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells).
17. Functional Training: Exercises that mimic real-life movements to improve daily function.
18. Gains: Slang term for muscle growth or strength improvement.
19. HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training): Alternating short periods of intense anaerobic exercise with less intense recovery periods.
20. Hypertrophy: The enlargement of muscle tissue, typically induced by resistance training (muscle growth).
21. Incline: The elevation angle of a piece of equipment (e.g., treadmill, bench).
22. Isometric Exercise: Exercises where the muscle contracts without noticeable change in length or joint movement (e.g., plank).
23. Kettlebell: A cast-iron weight shaped like a ball with a handle, used for dynamic movements.
24. Lifting Weights (Resistance Training): A general term for strength training using external resistance.
25. LISS (Low-Intensity Steady-State): Cardio performed at a low-to-moderate intensity for an extended duration.
26. Mobility: The ability to move a joint actively through a range of motion.
27. One Rep Max (1RM): The maximum weight an individual can lift for one repetition of a specific exercise.
28. Plateau: A point in training where progress stalls despite continued effort.
29. Plyometrics: Exercises involving rapid and repeated stretching and contracting of muscles (e.g., jumping, bounding) to increase power.
30. Power: The ability to exert maximum force in the shortest time possible.
31. Progression: The act of gradually increasing the difficulty or demand of a workout.
32. Proprioception: The body’s awareness of its position in space.
33. Recovery: The time allowed for muscles to repair and rebuild after exercise.
34. Rep (Repetition): One complete cycle of an exercise movement.
35. Resistance: The opposing force applied to a muscle during exercise.
36. Set: A group of consecutive repetitions, followed by a rest period.
37. Spotting: Assisting a person during a weightlifting exercise for safety, especially during failure.
38. Static Stretching: Holding a stretch in a challenging but comfortable position for a period of time.
39. Strength Training: Exercise aimed at improving muscular fitness by working against external resistance.
40. Superset: Performing two different exercises back-to-back with no rest in between.
41. Suspension Training (TRX): Using straps anchored to leverage bodyweight and gravity for resistance.
42. Tempo: The speed or pace at which an exercise repetition is performed (e.g., a count for lowering, holding, and lifting the weight).
43. Volume: The total amount of work performed in a workout or training phase (often calculated by sets × reps × weight).
44. Warm-up: Low-intensity activities performed before a workout to prepare the body and prevent injury.
45. Working Set: The set of an exercise performed at the intended training weight/intensity (not a warm-up set).

Training/Workouts & Programs

46. Training Block: A segment of a larger training plan (mesocycle) focused on a specific goal (e.g., hypertrophy, strength).
47. Workouts: A single session of physical exercise.
48. Custom Programs: Training routines specifically designed for an individual’s goals, capacity, and lifestyle.
49. Personalized Workout: Synonymous with “custom program”; tailored to the client.
50. Program Design: The structured process of planning a workout routine over a specific timeline.
51. Periodization: The systematic planning of training, often involving cycles (macro/meso/micro) to prevent overtraining and ensure peak performance.
52. Macrocycle: The longest training cycle, typically spanning an entire year.
53. Mesocycle: A medium-length training cycle (4-12 weeks) focused on a specific phase or goal.
54. Microcycle: The shortest training cycle, usually a single week of workouts.
55. Deload Week: An intentional reduction in training intensity or volume to facilitate recovery and prevent overtraining.
56. Working Out: Engaging in physical exercise.

Coaching & Service Delivery

57. Personal Training (PT): Working one-on-one with a certified fitness professional to create and execute a fitness program.
58. In-Person Training: Direct, face-to-face coaching sessions with a trainer.
59. Online Coaching (Virtual Workouts): Delivery of workout programs, nutrition guidance, and accountability remotely via digital platforms.
60. Remote Fitness Coaching: Synonymous with Online Coaching.
61. 1-on-1 Coaching: Direct, individualized guidance and instruction from a single trainer to a single client.
62. Hands-on Guidance: Physical or direct verbal cues used by a trainer to correct technique and maximize results.
63. Technique Correction: The process of identifying and fixing flaws in exercise form.
64. Coaching Support: Ongoing assistance, motivation, and professional advice provided by the trainer.
65. Weekly Check-ins: Scheduled communication (text, call, or video) to review client progress and adjust the plan.
66. Direct Personal Training: Emphasizes the immediate and focused nature of 1-on-1 instruction.
67. Session: A single, scheduled meeting time for training (e.g., a 60-minute session).
68. Client: The individual receiving training or coaching services.
69. Trainer: A certified fitness professional who guides a client through exercise.
70. Compliance: The degree to which a client follows the prescribed workout and nutrition plan.

Technology & Tracking

71. Trainerize: A specific mobile app used for personal training to deliver programs, track metrics, and communicate.
72. Use of App: Utilizing software (like Trainerize) for service delivery and management.
73. Logging Workouts: Recording the details of completed exercises (sets, reps, weight) in an app.
74. Tracking Metrics: Monitoring quantifiable data points like weight, body fat, strength levels, etc.
75. Messaging: The communication feature within the app for direct contact between client and coach.
76. Client Calendar View: A feature showing the client’s scheduled workouts and tasks.
77. Intelligent Coach Dashboard: A centralized digital interface for the trainer to manage client progress and data efficiently.

Progress Tracking & Support

78. Accountability: The coaching mechanism of ensuring the client follows through on their commitments and goals.
79. Progress Tracking: Monitoring changes in a client’s body, performance, or habits over time.
80. Metrics: Data points used to measure progress (e.g., weight, heart rate, lifts).
81. Goal Setting: Establishing clear, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives.
82. Motivation: The internal or external drive that compels a person to action.
83. Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE): A subjective scale (1-10) used to measure the intensity of an exercise or set.
84. Reps in Reserve (RIR): The number of additional repetitions a client could have performed at the end of a set.
85. Adherence: The client’s commitment to staying consistent with the program.
86. Biofeedback: Biological information (like heart rate and sleep) used to inform training decisions.
87. Lifestyle Metrics: Tracking non-training data like sleep quality, stress levels, and energy.

Nutrition & Diet Coaching

88. Nutrition: The study of how food provides nutrients and affects health.
89. Diet Plan: A structured outline of the foods and meals a client should consume.
90. Personalized Diet Plan: A meal or macro/calorie plan tailored to the individual’s specific goals, metabolism, preferences, and lifestyle.
91. Nutrition Coaching: Professional guidance and support focused on improving eating habits and dietary choices.
92. Macros (Macronutrients): The three main components of food: protein, carbohydrates, and fats.
93. Calories: A unit of energy derived from food, used to quantify energy intake.
94. Energy Balance: The relationship between calories consumed and calories expended.
95. Meal Plans: Specific menus or recipes provided to a client.
96. Flexible Dieting: An approach to nutrition focusing on hitting macro and calorie targets regardless of the food source (often via tracking).
97. Whole Foods: Foods that are minimally processed and close to their natural state.
98. Micronutrients: Essential vitamins and minerals required in small quantities (e.g., Vitamin C, iron).
99. Hydration: Maintaining adequate fluid intake (usually water).
100. BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate): The number of calories the body burns at rest to perform basic life-sustaining functions.
101. TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure): The total number of calories burned in 24 hours, including BMR, activity, and digestion.
102. Nutrition Intervention: A specific action or strategy applied to address a nutrition-related problem.
103. Portion Control: Managing the amount of food consumed at each meal.
104. Habit Formation: The process of establishing consistent, healthy, and automatic behaviors related to diet and lifestyle.
105. Sustainable Changes: Modifications to diet or lifestyle that can be maintained long-term, not just short-term fixes.

Lifestyle/Mindset (Coaching Focus)

106. Mindset: A client’s established set of attitudes and beliefs, which significantly impacts their fitness journey.
107. Consistency: The key principle of performing the prescribed workouts and diet repeatedly over time.
108. Motivation: The enthusiasm or drive to start and maintain a fitness routine.
109. Lifestyle Factors: Non-exercise and non-nutrition elements impacting health (e.g., sleep, stress, relationships).
110. Behavior Change: The process of modifying habits and actions to support long-term fitness goals.
111. Stress Management: Techniques used to cope with or reduce psychological stress, which can affect weight and recovery.
112. Work-Life Balance: Achieving a healthy equilibrium between career, personal life, and wellness goals.
113. Intrinsic Motivation: Motivation that comes from within the individual (enjoyment, challenge).
114. Extrinsic Motivation: Motivation that comes from external rewards (praise, visible results).
115. Cognitive Restructuring: A coaching technique focused on challenging and changing negative thought patterns.
116. Self-efficacy: A person’s belief in their ability to succeed in a particular situation.

Specific Services/Roles

117. Customized Workouts: Exercise routines tailored to individual needs and current capabilities.
118. Personal Trainer (PT): A certified professional who prescribes, demonstrates, and monitors exercise programs.
119. Fitness Coach: A professional who provides comprehensive guidance, including exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle (often used interchangeably with “personal trainer”).
120. Nutrition Coach: A professional providing guidance on dietary changes and healthy eating habits.
121. Remote Fitness Coaching: The specialized service delivery model of providing fitness guidance virtually.
122. Fitness Journey: The long-term process of achieving and maintaining health and fitness goals.
123. Group Training: A training session conducted by a coach for multiple clients simultaneously.
124. Semi-Private Training: Training for a very small group (2-4 people) with a focus on individualized attention.
125. Virtual Workouts: Live or recorded exercise sessions delivered online.
126. Consultation (Discovery Session): An initial meeting to assess the client’s needs, goals, and history.
127. 127. DOMS: Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (muscle pain appearing 24-72 hours post-exercise).
128. 128. BMI: Body Mass Index (a measure of body fat based on height and weight).
129. 129. RDL: Romanian Deadlift (a variation of the deadlift focusing on hamstrings and glutes).
130. 130. PR: Personal Record (achieving a new best in a lift or time).
131. 131. PB: Personal Best (synonymous with PR).
132. 132. AMRAP: As Many Rounds/Reps As Possible (a workout structure).
133. 133. EMOM: Every Minute On the Minute (a workout structure).
134. 134. DB: Dumbbell (abbreviation).
135. 135. BB: Barbell (abbreviation).
136. 136. DB Bench: Dumbbell Bench Press (exercise abbreviation).
137. 137. Lat Pulldown: A machine exercise targeting the back muscles (latissimus dorsi).
138. 138. Squat: A fundamental compound lower-body exercise.
139. 139. Deadlift: A full-body compound exercise involving lifting a weight from the floor.
140. 140. Bench Press: A compound upper-body exercise targeting the chest, shoulders, and triceps.
141. 141. Lunge: A unilateral (single-leg) exercise for the lower body.
142. 142. Plank: An isometric core exercise.
143. 143. Metabolic Conditioning (Metcon): High-intensity training designed to elicit a maximal metabolic response.
144. 144. Glute Activation: Performing light exercises to ‘wake up’ the glute muscles before a workout.
145. 145. Sticking Point: The most difficult part of an exercise repetition is where the lift usually fails.
146. 146. Failure (Training to): Performing reps until the muscle can no longer complete another repetition with good form.
147. 147. Taper: A period of reduced training volume/intensity leading up to a competition or event.
148. 148. Holistic Approach: A coaching philosophy that considers the client’s entire well-being (mental, physical, emotional).
149. 149. Mind-Muscle Connection: The mental focus on contracting the specific muscle being worked during an exercise.
150. 150. Progressive Overload: The principle of continually increasing the stress placed on the body during exercise to force adaptation.
151. 151. Cues: Short, instructional phrases used by a trainer to prompt a client to correct their form.
152. 152. Nutritional Guidance: General advice and education on healthy eating.