Whether you’re a newbie or someone who’s been involved in health clubs for years, there are fitness terms that you should be aware of. It’s always interesting to learn the meanings behind each term to determine how they can contribute to your fitness journey.
Listed below are ten common fitness terms and their meanings:
- Cardio
Cardio is the short-term for cardiovascular or cardiorespiratory exercise, making the heart pump nutrient-carrying blood and oxygen to the muscles. These exercises are commonly performed on stationary bikes, treadmills, and elliptical runners. Cardio aims to provide cardiorespiratory health benefits.
- Burning
The word ‘burning’ in fitness terminology refers to the feeling due to the accumulation of the muscles’ metabolic waste, resulting in fatigue. Acidosis, or the change in blood acidity, heightens the levels of hydrogen ions and lactic acid. This condition is experienced when a person feels a burning sensation in the muscles. Burning is also a sign of the recovery period that must allow the body to get rid of the metabolic wastes and replenish new nutrients to the muscles.
- Plyometrics
Plyometrics, also called ‘plyos,’ is a term used to describe the muscles’ physiological impact when doing jump training and other explosive movements. Soviet sport scientists developed plyometric training, which was originally called ‘shock training.’ It is essential to perform only a few repetitions to achieve the best level of force results possible.
- Core Training
One of the most famous terms when it comes to fitness training is core training. Almost every personal fitness studio provides core training programs. The term ‘core’ refers to the muscles found in the body’s midsection (including the ‘six-pack’ in some individuals).
The core is considered the body’s center of gravity. Activities related to core training include lifting an object, walking, moving from a place to another, and other movements that use the rib cage, spine, and pelvis.
- Metabolic Conditioning
Metabolic conditioning is a fitness terminology used to describe a high-intensity exercise done until you experience muscle soreness and being out of breath. Any type of exercise that involves muscle contraction can be considered metabolic conditioning. Even standing from your chair requires your metabolism to energize your muscles.
- Toning
Typically, the goal of fitness training services is to tone up the body and get into shape. The term ‘tone’ refers to the look of well-defined muscles. It is also a short term for “tonus,” a technical word for the state of contraction of normal working muscles. Utilizing the muscles repeatedly on strength training activities will result in contraction, thus, creating a well-defined appearance.
- High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
This term is often used to describe exercises that are done at maximal intensity. It is a cardiovascular exercise, a form of interval training that alternates short periods of intense exercise with little recovery time.
For individuals who have been living a sedentary lifestyle or dealing with a chronic medical condition, simply walking for several minutes can be deemed as “high intensity.”
- Mind-Body
Mind-body is a common term to describe some types of exercise such as Pilates or yoga. These exercises are done with body weight and require focus to execute difficult sequences of movements. Any physical movement that needs activity patterns, learning, and cognitive focus can be classified as mind-body technically.
- Muscle Confusion
Muscle confusion is a term that describes the physiological impact of organizing exercise programs periodically. Sports scientists in the Soviet Union developed this periodization concept. The idea is that high-intensity exercises must be followed by a period of low-stress exercises. In that way, the body can effectively recover from the various workouts and let the body adapt physiologically.
- Tabata
Named after the Japanese scientist Dr. Isumi Tabata, this term refers to a certain protocol of high-interval fitness training of 20-second intervals. This is followed by a 10-second interval for recovery, performed for eight cycles or a total of 4 minutes.
Conclusion
Every fitness program aims to help individuals to be a better version of themselves. Choosing to have a healthy body requires persistence, passion, and responsibility. Part of every fitness journey is to be well-rounded with the critical things about your health and wellness routine, starting with knowing the important terms related to health, fitness, and exercise.
The Fit Factor Personal Training takes pride in providing exclusive fitness training services. If you’re looking for a reliable fitness training program in Wellesley, then we are the best place to visit. Start your fitness journey with us!
Chad has been my personal trainer for over 10 years. He is very dedicated and resourceful as a trainer. I would highly recommend Chad. He has kept my body healthy through all these years and in my 50s. Chad is also very accommodating to working with your schedule. Wouldn't go anywhere else.
I love working out with Chad! I have been working out with him for the past year and a half and have had the best results compared with other trainers. Chad’s dedication to his clients, humor, warmth and expertise are a winning combination. I look forward to our sessions and always leave feeling stronger, more flexible and energetic. I highly recommend Chad.
I have been working with Chad (the trainer) for almost three years now and have gone through an amazing transformation! He bonds greatly with his clients and is a very qualified trainer. He tailors workouts to individual clients and has helped me perform better as an equestrian and achieve my physique goals. If you are looking for a great one-on-one trainer, I would highly recommend.
When I started going to the fit factor I went in thinking I had a pretty good knowledge of weight lifting and exercise without having much to improve. I was so wrong! Chad was incredible and really took the time to explain and show proper technique as well as a variety of different exercises that I had never done before. I now have much more confidence in my form and have a really great and well rounded routine. Additionally, Chad catered to my personal goals and really listened to what I wanted to accomplish. I cannot recommend The fit factor and Chad enough!
I have been weight lifting for over five years but have never had dedicated instruction from a trainer. Chad was able to notice where my form was failing and correct it immediately. He also guided me towards effective exercises so that I could keep achieving my goals and moving up. After a couple of months of working with him I was able to see some great results. Chad knows his stuff!
Chad has been great with not only the types of specialized workouts each session but also with checking in after the sessions. He has a real passion for seeing people make big health changes; which makes it fun. Would highly recommend!
I went to Chad looking to get back in shape and lose weight, which had crept up from working long hours. Chad was super patient and non-judgmental. We started at a level where I would see results but not get so sore or so disappointed at what I could not do it. He focused on what I could do if I pushed myself hard and taught me that step/skill building was an integral part of the process. We also talked about nutrition and self-care. As other reviews have mentioned, he cares about his clients beyond the appointment time, and wants them to make positive change to their lives that will stick. I lost 30+ pounds and I am in the best shape of my life. I have been able to maintain this for 2 years. He taught me how to create a sustainable workout plan. Even during the pandemic I was able to maintain my weight and my fitness level thanks for his frequent check-ins and the solid fitness base we created through his work and fitness mentorship. I highly recommend him!
I started with Chad in August 2020, my first semester of college was cancelled and i needed something active to do. At that point I was a small underweight kid looking to gain muscle and gain weight. I went to Chad 3 times a week until late January 2021. Those 5 months were great, I really enjoyed going to chad and it was the highlight of my week and something I would look forward to going to 3 times every week. Throughout this time Chad has perfected my form on workouts and had a great and unique workout for me everytime. I went in weighing 125 pounds at 5’10 and now I weigh 150 pounds after the five months. Not only did Chad give workouts but he also gave me a diet for me to follow so I could maximize my time with him. He really personalizes workouts for each person. Currently i’m in the best shape of my life and am super confident in my body. GO TO FIT-FACTOR!!