Fitness Glossary
Essential fitness terms explained simply.
1RM (One Rep Max)
The maximum weight you can lift for a single repetition with proper form. Used to calculate training percentages.
AMRAP
As Many Reps As Possible. A set performed to technical failure or within a time limit.
BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate)
The number of calories your body burns at complete rest to maintain basic functions like breathing and circulation.
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
A psychological approach that helps identify and change negative thought patterns. Used in fitness for mental resilience and performance anxiety.
Compound Exercise
An exercise that works multiple muscle groups and joints simultaneously. Examples: squat, deadlift, bench press.
Cut
A phase of intentional fat loss while trying to preserve muscle mass, typically eating in a caloric deficit.
DOMS
Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness. The muscle pain that typically peaks 24-72 hours after intense exercise.
Drop Set
A technique where you perform a set to failure, reduce the weight, and immediately continue for more reps.
HIIT
High-Intensity Interval Training. Short bursts of intense exercise alternated with rest periods.
Hypertrophy
The increase in muscle size through training. Typically achieved with moderate weights and 8-12 rep ranges.
Isolation Exercise
An exercise that targets a single muscle group. Examples: bicep curl, leg extension.
Macros (Macronutrients)
The three main nutrients that provide calories: protein (4 cal/g), carbohydrates (4 cal/g), and fat (9 cal/g).
Mind-Muscle Connection
The conscious focus on contracting a specific muscle during exercise to improve activation and results.
Progressive Overload
The gradual increase of stress placed on the body during training. Essential for continued muscle and strength gains.
PR (Personal Record)
Your best performance on a specific exercise or workout. Also called PB (Personal Best).
RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion)
A 1-10 scale measuring how hard a set felt. RPE 10 = maximum effort, RPE 7 = could do 3 more reps.
Superset
Two exercises performed back-to-back with no rest between them.
TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure)
The total calories you burn per day including BMR, activity, and exercise. The basis for setting calorie goals.
Time Under Tension
The total time a muscle spends under load during a set. Longer TUT can increase hypertrophy.
Volume
Total amount of work performed. Typically calculated as sets × reps × weight.
Put These Terms Into Practice
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