Ten Important Fitness Terms You Should Know and Their Meanings

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to fitness terminology, but these terms are a great starting point for anyone looking to improve their overall health and fitness.

Fitness is a complex world, full of jargon and terminology that can be overwhelming to those new to the game. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been hitting the gym for years, understanding these important fitness terms is essential for achieving your goals and staying on top of your game. So, without further ado, let’s dive in and explore 10 important fitness terms you should know and their meanings.

Table of Contents

Cardiovascular Fitness

Cardiovascular fitness is the ability of your heart and lungs to efficiently deliver oxygen and nutrients to your muscles during exercise. This type of exercise is often referred to as “cardio” and can include activities such as running, cycling, and swimming.

Strength Training

Strength training is any type of exercise that uses resistance to build muscle and increase strength. This can include weightlifting, bodyweight exercises, and resistance bands.

Repetition

In fitness, a repetition (or “rep” for short) refers to the number of times you perform a particular exercise or movement. For example, if you do 10 push-ups, you have completed 10 repetitions of that exercise.

Set

A set refers to a group of repetitions. For example, if you do 3 sets of 10 push-ups, you would perform 10 push-ups, rest for a period of time, then repeat that process 2 more times for a total of 30 push-ups.

Flexibility

Flexibility refers to the range of motion in your joints and muscles. This can be improved through stretching exercises such as yoga or Pilates.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on your height and weight. It is often used as an indicator of overall health and fitness. However, it’s important to note that BMI is not always an accurate measure, as it doesn’t take into account factors such as muscle mass.

Repetition Maximum (RM)

Your Repetition Maximum (RM) is the maximum amount of weight you can lift for a certain number of repetitions. For example, if your 1RM for bench press is 200 pounds, you can lift that weight for one repetition but not for two.

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a type of workout that involves short bursts of high-intensity exercise followed by periods of rest. This type of workout is great for burning calories and improving cardiovascular fitness.

Cross-Training

Cross-training involves incorporating a variety of different exercises and activities into your workout routine. This can include cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises, among others.

Rest and Recovery

Rest and recovery are essential components of any fitness routine. Giving your body time to rest and recover after workouts is important for preventing injuries and allowing your muscles to rebuild and repair.

So there you have it, 10 important fitness terms that you should know and understand. Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to fitness terminology, but these terms are a great starting point for anyone looking to improve their overall health and fitness.

Thanks for reading! We hope this helps you on your journey to becoming a fitter and healthier version of yourself. Don’t forget to follow @naijafitfam on Instagram for more helpful content.