Glossary

This page is designed as a one-stop-shop for all the definitions commonly used in the fitness industry. Got an acronym you don't recognise? A term you don't understand? Well have a squiz here, this will be an ever growing reference list! Please note, too, that in an industry full of jargon there might be differing definitions for some terms. Just look at exercise names! A Press, Shoulder Press, Overhead Press, Barbell Press, Standing Press and Military Press might all be exactly the same exercise, or be completely different depending on who you ask. Which is right and which is wrong doesn't really matter, so long as all parties involved are using the same definitions.

And just before we start, if you you have come across a term I don't have listed here, please let me know via the Contact section to the right on screen (or directly below if you're on mobile) and I will update the list.

AMRAP

As Many Reps As Possible - A set taken to failure, often as a way of benchmarking strength, or to accumulate fatigue.

BB

Barbell

Benchmark Set

A set performed as, or before, the first volume set. Designed to give us an idea of what your strength or performance is like today. This information will then be used to make decisions about the rest of your prescription.

DB

Dumbbell

e1RM

Estimated 1 Rep Max - An estimation of what your 1 Rep Maximum load is. Determined by the performance of you benchmark set, and then used to inform your Volume Sets

EMOM

Every Minute On the Minute - To start a set by the clock, for a determined amount of time. e.g. 8 sets EMOM is 8 sets, with a set performed every minute on the minute.

Failure

The point at which you cannot perform any more repetitions. Can be either technical (where a technical standard can no longer be maintained) or complete (where you simply cannot perform any more repetitions).

Fatigue

A general and nebulous term used to describe the potentially multi-factorial decrease in performance during and after a bout of training. Can occur acutely (e.g. between sets due to depleted energy substrates), or cumulatively (over the course of a training program because it's unrealistic to expect you're fully recovered before training again).

KB

Kettlebell

Repetition/s

To perform an exercise once, or numerous times with no significant break in between. e.g. 1 air squat repetition, or 5 air squat repetitions.

Rest Period

The time spent recovering between sets. Often timed, but not always.

RM

Rep Max - The maximum load you can do for a defined number of reps. e.g. your 1RM is the maximum load you can do for 1 rep. Your 5RM is the maximum load you can do for 5 reps.

RIR

Reps in Reserve - The number of extra reps you could or should be able to do at the end of a set. Written as "xRIR". E.G. 3RIR = 3 Reps in Reserve

RPE

Rate of Perceived Exertion - A subjective quantification of prescription for the difficulty of a set. Written as "@x" or "RPEx". E.G. @8 and RPE8 = 

Set

The grouping of repetitions, with a significant break in between. e.g. 1 set of 5 repetitions, or 3 sets of 8 repetitions.

Volume Set

The meat and potatoes of your training. These sets are what actually makes you stronger and bigger. Some variable (typically the load) of these sets will be determined by your benchmark set.