Glossary of Weight Training
A glossary of weight training, strength training and resistance training describing common terms in use.
Definition of Powerlifting
Powerlifting is a weight lifting competition sport. It comprises three lifts: the squat, the deadlift and the bench press. Each lift has rules and regulations for what constitutes a valid lift.
Powerlifting is a weight lifting competition sport. It comprises three lifts: the squat, the deadlift and the bench press. Each lift has rules and regulations for what constitutes a valid lift.
Definition of Fast and Slow Twitch Muscle Fibers
Muscle fibers exist in two basic forms: fast and slow twitch -- also called white and red, or type 2 and type 1. Muscle fibers are elongated muscle cells.
Muscle fibers exist in two basic forms: fast and slow twitch -- also called white and red, or type 2 and type 1. Muscle fibers are elongated muscle cells.
Definition of Hamstring Muscle
The hamstrings are a group of muscles at the rear of the upper leg. They include the biceps femoris, semitendinosus and semimembranosus. The hamstrings flex the knee joint, adduct the leg, and extend the thigh.
The hamstrings are a group of muscles at the rear of the upper leg. They include the biceps femoris, semitendinosus and semimembranosus. The hamstrings flex the knee joint, adduct the leg, and extend the thigh.
Definition of Gluteus Muscle
The gluteus muscles are in the buttocks. There are three, in decreasing size: gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, gluteus minimus.
The gluteus muscles are in the buttocks. There are three, in decreasing size: gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, gluteus minimus.
Definition of the Quadriceps Muscles
The quadriceps muscles consist of 4 large muscles at the front of the thigh: rectus femoris, vastus intermedius, vastus lateralis, and vastus medialis. The "quads" are powerful muscles involved in movement and propulsion.
The quadriceps muscles consist of 4 large muscles at the front of the thigh: rectus femoris, vastus intermedius, vastus lateralis, and vastus medialis. The "quads" are powerful muscles involved in movement and propulsion.
Definition of Muscle Hypertrophy
Muscle hypertrophy is the growth of, and increase in size of muscle (cells). Hypertrophy should be distinguished from muscle hyperplasia, which is the increase in number of muscle cells.
Muscle hypertrophy is the growth of, and increase in size of muscle (cells). Hypertrophy should be distinguished from muscle hyperplasia, which is the increase in number of muscle cells.
Definition of Eccentric Weight Training
When you curl your arm, the movement is "concentric," which means a shortening of the target muscle, the biceps. When you straighten your arm from the curl position the movement is "eccentric," which is a lengthening of the biceps muscle.
When you curl your arm, the movement is "concentric," which means a shortening of the target muscle, the biceps. When you straighten your arm from the curl position the movement is "eccentric," which is a lengthening of the biceps muscle.
Definition of Weight Training Tempo
Tempo in weight training is the rhythm at which you raise and lower a weight, including the rest time at the top of the lift and the bottom of the lift or return of the weight.
Tempo in weight training is the rhythm at which you raise and lower a weight, including the rest time at the top of the lift and the bottom of the lift or return of the weight.
Definition of Drop Sets
Drop sets are weight training sets in which the weight is decreased in each subsequent set in a group of sets.
Drop sets are weight training sets in which the weight is decreased in each subsequent set in a group of sets.
Definition of Repetition Maximum
A repetition maximum or RM is the most weight you can lift for a defined number of exercise movements. Example 1RM.
A repetition maximum or RM is the most weight you can lift for a defined number of exercise movements. Example 1RM.
Definition of Pyramid Sets
Pyramid sets are weight training sets in which the progression is from lighter weights with a greater number of repetitions in the first set, to heavier weights with fewer repetitions in subsequent sets.
Pyramid sets are weight training sets in which the progression is from lighter weights with a greater number of repetitions in the first set, to heavier weights with fewer repetitions in subsequent sets.
Definition of Superslow Weight Training
Superslow weight training is technique in which the weights are lifted slower than normally recommended for each repetition.
Superslow weight training is technique in which the weights are lifted slower than normally recommended for each repetition.
Definition of Split System Training
Split system training is a system of weight training that divides training sessions by body regions - usually upper and lower body training.
Split system training is a system of weight training that divides training sessions by body regions - usually upper and lower body training.
Definition of Compound Exercise
Compound exercises in weight training are those that involve more than on joint and muscle group. (See also "isolation exercise.")
Compound exercises in weight training are those that involve more than on joint and muscle group. (See also "isolation exercise.")
Definition of Isolation Exercises
Isolation exercises in weight training are exercises that involve only one joint and a limited number of muscle groups.
Isolation exercises in weight training are exercises that involve only one joint and a limited number of muscle groups.
Definition of Weight Training Supersets
Supersets are series of exercise sets using opposing, or at least different muscle groups.
Supersets are series of exercise sets using opposing, or at least different muscle groups.
Definition of Sets and Repetitions
Sets and repetitions are a standard way to refer to the number of exercises to be performed in weight training.
Sets and repetitions are a standard way to refer to the number of exercises to be performed in weight training.
Body fat percentage
Body fat is a lipid (fat) produced in the body, which may be influenced by diet, exercise and genetics.
Body fat is a lipid (fat) produced in the body, which may be influenced by diet, exercise and genetics.
Basic exercise
A basic exercise in weight training and strength training is one that targets the large muscle groups of the body: the arms, shoulders, back, buttocks, legs and abdominals.
A basic exercise in weight training and strength training is one that targets the large muscle groups of the body: the arms, shoulders, back, buttocks, legs and abdominals.
Barbell
A barbell is a steel rod, usually measuring five to seven feet in length (1.5-2.1 metres), with round weights at either end.
A barbell is a steel rod, usually measuring five to seven feet in length (1.5-2.1 metres), with round weights at either end.
Anatomy
Anatomy is the science of the structure of the body and the relation of its parts.
Anatomy is the science of the structure of the body and the relation of its parts.
Anaerobic exercise
Anaerobic exercise is any activity in which the working muscles require and utilize oxygen at a faster rate than the body can supply it.
Anaerobic exercise is any activity in which the working muscles require and utilize oxygen at a faster rate than the body can supply it.
Anabolic steroid
Anabolic steroids are are a group of natural and synthetic steroid hormones.
Anabolic steroids are are a group of natural and synthetic steroid hormones.
Amino acid
Amino acids are the chemical building blocks or sub-units of protein.
Amino acids are the chemical building blocks or sub-units of protein.
Definition of Trapezius Muscle
In human anatomy, the trapezius is a large, triangular muscle on either side of the upper back extending from the shoulder to the neck that serves chiefly to move the shoulder blades (scapula).
In human anatomy, the trapezius is a large, triangular muscle on either side of the upper back extending from the shoulder to the neck that serves chiefly to move the shoulder blades (scapula).
Phosphocreatine Energy System
Phosphocreatine is one part of the human energy production system.
Phosphocreatine is one part of the human energy production system.
Definition of Body Fat Percentage
What body fat percentages are all about.
What body fat percentages are all about.
Definition of Biomechanics - What is Biomechanics
Biomechanics is the science of body movement.
Biomechanics is the science of body movement.