Do you ever feel completely and utterly confused by all of the unique phrases and acronyms in the fitness industry? There’s a lot to know and keep up with since new terms often emerge over time as different training styles are developed.
Our goal is to help you succeed on your fitness journey, and we want you to be just as fluent in the language of fitness as we are. Maybe you’ve read a workout description with an unfamiliar word? Perhaps you’ve heard your trainer use a new-to-you expression? Either way, we’re here to break down and help you understand the top 32 most common fitness terms!
Aerobic
A term for a cardiovascular exercise that focuses on the body's use of oxygen. Some examples of aerobic exercise include walking, running, cycling, rowing, and lifting weights.
AMRAP
This stands for As Many Reps As Possible or As Many Rounds As Possible. It’s a training structure where you try to complete as many reps of an exercise as you can. With rounds, it’s the same concept, but you try to complete as many rounds as possible in a given timeframe.
Anaerobic
A term for quick bursts of energy at maximum effort for a short period of time, enabling your body to break down glucose for energy without the use of oxygen. Some examples of anaerobic exercise include sprinting and heavy weightlifting.
BMR
This stands for Basal Metabolic Rate. It’s a term that’s used to measure the minimum number of calories your body needs to simply function, like breathing and maintaining your temperature. This term is also known as your metabolism.
BPM
This stands for Beats Per Minute. It’s a term that refers to how fast your heart is beating per minute. It’s a good indicator of how hard you’re working during your workout.
Circuit
A form of training where you work through several exercises, one after the next, with a quick break after each exercise.
Dynamic
This is when you move your muscles through a specific range of motion to complete an exercise. Some examples include climbing stairs, walking lunges, and core twists. (Dynamic is also a common term for stretches.)
EMOM
This stands for Every Minute On The Minute. It’s a training structure that gives you 1 minute to complete a certain number of reps. The remaining time serves as a recovery until the 60 seconds are over, then you’d repeat with another 1-minute-long round of exercises.
Endurance
The ability to endure a specific activity for a prolonged period of time.
Fartlek
A Swedish term that means “speed play.” With this form of training, your speed changes spontaneously throughout your workout.
HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training)
A form of training that consists of quick, intense bursts of exercise to keep your heart rate elevated.
Interval
A period of either activity or rest.
Lactate Threshold
The intensity of exercise at which lactate begins to build up in your blood faster than it can be removed. This is a popular method for improving your endurance performance.
LISS (Low-Intensity Steady State)
A form of training where you exercise at a low-to-moderate endurance level for a long period of time. Some examples of LISS training include walking, hiking, jogging, swimming, and cycling. The Costa Rica 5K Training Series with Tommy Rivs Puzey is a great program for this type of training!
Max Heart Rate
The maximum number of beats your heart can make when exercising. To get a close estimate, subtract your age from 220.
Metabolic Conditioning (or metcon)
A method of training that utilizes short bouts of high-intensity work to increase metabolic demand and increase energy usage. The goal of a metcon session should be to achieve and sustain a high level of effort over a short period of time, with as little rest as possible in order to make your body more energy-efficient.
This refers to all of the calories you burn through your daily physical activity, excluding exercise. Some examples include things like cleaning your house, playing with your kids, mowing your lawn, or weeding your garden.
Plyometrics
A form of exercise that involves the repeated, rapid stretching and contracting of your muscles to increase your muscle power. Plyometrics consist of explosive movements, like squat jumps, burpees, box jumps, clap push-ups, and lateral bounds.
Rep
One complete motion of a specific exercise.
Round
A round is one time through a circuit or set of movements.
RMR
This stands for Resting Metabolic Rate. It’s a term that’s used to measure the number of calories your body burns while resting.
RPE
This stands for Rate of Perceived Exertion. It’s used to measure an individual's intensity while exercising. At iFit, we use a scale from 1–10, with 1 representing easy and 10 standing for maximum effort.
RPM
This stands for Rotations Per Minute. It’s a common term for cycling and the elliptical, where it tracks how many rotations you’re completing and how fast you’re pedaling. RPM is the same thing as cadence.
Self-Myofascial Release
This is also known as foam rolling, where you use a tool (like a foam roller or massage ball) to self-massage and relieve pain from your muscles or joints.
Set
A group of consecutive repetitions. Example: I did 5 sets of 10 reps.
Sprint
When you run a short distance at a fast pace in a limited period of time.
Static
This is when you contract your muscle without moving your joints. You focus on the tension while holding a position for a specific amount of time. Some examples include planks, wall sits, and calf raise holds. (Static is also a common term for stretches.)
Steady State
A cardio term used to describe a continuous, steady effort.
Superset
Two exercises that target opposing muscle groups, performed back to back, without rest. (Note: A superset is not the same as a circuit.)
Tabata
This is a type of HIIT workout that’s highly effective, because of its work-to-rest ratio. The format follows 4-minute blocks (or 8 sets of intervals), as you push for 20 seconds, then rest for 10 seconds.
Vo2 Max
A term that refers to the maximum amount of oxygen an individual can utilize during intense exercise.
Work-to-Rest Ratio
This is the comparison between how much time you’re working to the amount of time you’re resting. For example, if you’re running for 30 seconds and resting for 60 seconds, then your work-to-rest ratio is 1:2.
Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. iFIT assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment.
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When it comes to a customized, interactive workout experience, it doesn’t get better than heart rate training. Our new, groundbreaking feature called ActivePulse uses your heart rate to personalize your workout. It’s the newest way to experience an interactive, personalized experience with iFIT. What is ActivePulse? ActivePulse is iFIT’s first heart rate training feature, designed for users who want to get the most out of their workouts. With ActivePulse turned on and a Bluetooth®-enabled heart rate monitor connected to your treadmill, the intensity of your workout will be automatically adjusted, based on your target heart rate zone. You will automatically be sped up or slowed down in order to maintain the ideal heart rate zone for your workout. This includes recovery, speed, or strength runs! Ready to explore ActivePulse? Try the ActivePulse Training Series! If you’re ready to try this new feature and put heart rate training to work for you, join the ActivePulse Training Series that covers all the basics of ActivePulse and heart rate training as you explore beautiful San Diego. Filmed in 2019, this six-part program is led by iFIT Trainer Tommy Rivs Puzey. Together, you’ll run through San Diego as you learn how to use the ActivePulse feature. You’ll also learn about the five heart rate zones, cardiac drift, and how your heart responds to stress. As you explore different zones, Tommy will continue to adjust your workout in order to set the perfect intensity for your fitness level. Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. iFIT assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment.
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New Feature: Connect iFIT to your Favorite Fitness Apps
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How to Stay on Track with Your Workouts
Congratulations! If you find yourself reading this, then you have successfully completed the first step toward a healthier and more dynamic you. As you embark on a new journey to a healthier lifestyle, it's important to realize that you not only need to, but want to make a change. Keep in mind that staying on track with your workouts is as much a physical challenge as it is a mental challenge. Now, ask yourself, are you committed? Remember, mind over matter—your goals are never out of reach. Check out these tips from our iFit trainers to help you stay on track with your workout routine. Gideon Akande The time of year for reflection and rededication is upon us, and personal fitness is at the forefront in the minds of most. Whether this is your first rodeo or you’re an experienced athlete, here are my 5 top tips to improve your exercise excellence. Start somewhere. It doesn’t matter what you do, just MOVE! You can fine-tune the process at a later time, so start with the most convenient forms of exercise for you. Take it easy. Rome wasn’t built in a day; neither was your body. There is no need to feel like you must complete your goals in the first week. Build slowly and gradually to remain safe and feel accomplished. Switch gears. Fitness is a very personal journey. It is not necessary to only follow one discipline to see results. Therefore, try it all! You’ll be surprised at what your body best responds to, but, more importantly, what you may enjoy. Posse up. Studies show that success rates improve dramatically when you surround yourself with others that share similar goals. Join forces with family, friends, and coworkers to develop accountability that will push you further, longer. Rest for your best. Recovery is essential for you to feel and perform better. Stretch, massage, and sleep are great ways to increase energy, boost metabolism, and fuel your next sweat session. 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Rather than putting it at the end of the day, when a million other things can get in the way, I recommend waking up 30–60 minutes early to get your sweat on. Keep it at home. Having workout equipment at home is a major game changer, too! Taking out the commute and hassle of a gym saves so much time and eliminates excuses. Make it a lifestyle. Exercising your body should be as routine as brushing your teeth. Make it a non-negotiable. Even on your “off days,” it’s good to schedule in some body work time—stretching, foam rolling, or planning for the next workout. You can train with Elyse in Bora Bora and in studio classes on any iFit-enabled treadmill! Follow Elyse on Instagram @fitelyse Follow iFit on Instagram @ifit John Peel Sign up for a program. If you are just beginning your fitness journey or looking for a routine to get you back in the game, the iFit Alps Incline Series is the perfect program! 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That way, you'll have no excuses not complete it! You can train with John on any iFit-enabled equipment, all around the world and in the studio! Follow John on Instagram @johnpeelefitness Follow iFit on Instagram @ifit The first step to fitness success is believing you can do it. Staying on track is the hard part, but with small changes in your mindset and daily routines, you can make a lasting impact in the long run. You only have one body, so make sure you nurture it and give it the attention it deserves! Here's to a happier, healthier, and more dynamic you. You deserve it.
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