Acronyms
AMRAP: As many rounds/reps as possible
AFAP: As fast as possible
AHAP: As heavy as Possible
DOMS: Delayed onset muscle soreness. Muscle discomfort and stiffness experienced in hours or days after performing (an) exercise.
EMOM: Every Minute on the Minute. A set number of reps are performed at the start of every minute.
FT: For time. Perform an exercise, set or circuit for a given time.
GVT: German Volume Training.
HIIT: High-Intensity Interval Training. This refers to exercises which alternate between high-intensity periods and low-intensity recovery periods.
PB: Personal Best. Your maximum effort, usually used when referring to the maximum weight one can lift for a given exercise.
PT: Personal Trainer. These are the coaches you can hire to help you train in the gym.
RPE: Rate of Perceived Exertion. This is a subjective metric used to give an indication of how hard an exercise, set or workout was perceived. The higher the number on the scale, the more intense the exercise.
YGIG: You go then I go.
WOD: Workout of the Day.
1RM: 1 Rep Max. The most weight you can lift for a single repetition. It’s not uncommon to also see 3RM which would then refer to your 3 Rep Max.
Methods
BOSU: Short for Both Sides Up. BOSU balls are the (usually blue) half sphere shaped training balls most commonly used for balance or core training.
Intervals: A set amount of time in work, followed by a set amount of time in rest.
Tabata: A method of interval training which consists of eight rounds of 20-second, high intensity work intervals, followed by 10 seconds of rest.
TRX: Total Body Resistance Exercise. Training straps with handles usually anchored to a wall or a rack used for bodyweight and suspension training.
Superset: Two exercises performed in succession as part of one set.
training Equipment
Cardio Machines: All the machines which focus on cardiovascular training (i.e. treadmills, rowers, cross-trainers etc…)
Collar: The attachment that secures plate weights on a barbell, so the weight doesn’t slip off.
Foam roller: A long, cylinder made of foam used for soft tissue massage (which is often called myofascial release).
Free weights: Dumbbells or other equipment used freely as opposed to machines or cables.
Kettlebell: Cast iron weight equipment in the shape of a bell. Used for swings, lifts and carries.
Medicine ball: Firm, weighted ball often used for throwing and catching with resistance. Not designed for slamming on the ground. There are pliable balls called slam balls made specifically for slamming.
Other
Core: In fitness, it refers to the area between the legs and arms. Core training often focuses on abdominals, but also includes back, hip and shoulder training.
Rep: Short for a Repetition which refers to one complete motion of a given exercise.
Set: A group of consecutive repetitions of one or multiple exercises.
Spot: The act of assisting or watching someone as they perform an exercise, to help them minimise risk.