Fitness Vocabulary and Common Gym Terms

One complete movement of an exercise.

Example: Lowering and pressing the weight once during a bench press counts as one rep.

A group of repetitions performed without resting.

Example: 3 sets of 10 reps means you perform 10 reps, rest, and repeat that two more times.

The total amount of work performed in a workout.

Example: 5 sets of 10 reps has more volume than 3 sets of 5 reps.

An exercise that works multiple muscle groups at the same time.

Example: Squats, bench press, and deadlifts are compound exercises.

An exercise that primarily targets one muscle group.

Example: Bicep curls or leg extensions.

Gradually increasing difficulty over time to continue making progress.

Example: Adding weight, doing more reps, or improving form week to week.

As many reps as possible.

Example: Perform push-ups until you cannot complete another rep with good form.

A scale, usually from 1 to 10, that measures how hard a set feels.

Example: RPE 8 means you could probably do two more reps before failure.

The point where you cannot complete another rep with proper form.

Example: Stopping a set when the weight will not move despite your effort.

The speed at which you perform each phase of a lift.

Example: Lowering the weight slowly and lifting it with control.

The time you rest between sets.

Example: Rest 60 seconds between sets of an accessory exercise.

Training focused on building muscle size.

Example: Moderate weights, moderate reps, controlled tempo.

Training focused on increasing how much weight you can lift.

Example: Lower reps, heavier loads, longer rest periods.