The Beginner's Guide to Gym Lingo: From AMRAPs to DOMS

Entering the world of fitness can feel like stepping into a foreign land with its unique language and terminology. From AMRAPs to DOMS, deciphering gym jargon is a crucial step in feeling confident and comfortable in the fitness realm.

This article aims to demystify common gym terms for beginners, providing clarity on terms like AMRAPs, DOMS, HIIT, and more, allowing newcomers to feel more comfortable and informed as they start their fitness journey.

AMRAP - As Many Reps (or Rounds) As Possible:

AMRAP is a popular workout structure where individuals perform as many repetitions or rounds of a specific exercise or set of exercises within a designated time frame. It's a versatile approach that challenges endurance and strength. For instance, a workout might involve doing AMRAP of squats for five minutes, aiming to complete as many squats as possible within that time.

DOMS - Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness:

Ever experienced muscle soreness a day or two after an intense workout? That's DOMS kicking in. It's the discomfort and tenderness felt in muscles 24 to 48 hours post-exercise, often occurring when muscles are subjected to unfamiliar or strenuous activities. Contrary to popular belief, DOMS is not an indicator of an unsuccessful workout; rather, it signifies that muscles are adapting and getting stronger.

HIIT - High-Intensity Interval Training:

HIIT involves short bursts of intense exercise followed by brief periods of rest or low-intensity activity. This form of training is known for its efficiency in burning calories and improving cardiovascular fitness in a shorter amount of time compared to traditional steady-state workouts.

Rep - Repetition:

A rep refers to the complete execution of an exercise, from start to finish. For instance, in a bicep curl, one full motion of lifting the weight up and lowering it back down constitutes one repetition.

Set:

A set is a group of consecutive repetitions of an exercise. Completing a specific number of repetitions (e.g., 10 reps) followed by a rest period makes one set. For example, performing three sets of 12 squats means doing 12 squats, resting, and repeating that sequence two more times.

Circuit Training:

Circuit training involves moving through a series of different exercises, targeting different muscle groups, with minimal rest in between. It's a versatile and time-efficient way to combine strength and cardiovascular exercises in one workout session.

Super Set:

A superset involves performing two exercises back-to-back without resting in between. These exercises can target the same muscle group (e.g., bicep curls followed by hammer curls) or opposing muscle groups (e.g., chest press followed by rows).

Form:

Form refers to the proper technique and posture when performing exercises. Maintaining correct form is crucial for maximizing effectiveness and minimizing the risk of injury. Focus on mastering form before increasing weight or intensity.

Cooldown:

Cooldown involves performing light exercises or stretches at the end of a workout to gradually bring the heart rate down and help the body recover. This can include walking, stretching, or using a foam roller to prevent muscle stiffness and aid in recovery.

Progressive Overload:

Progressive overload is the principle of gradually increasing the intensity, duration, or frequency of workouts to continually challenge the body and stimulate muscle growth or improvement in fitness.

Navigating the gym lingo can seem overwhelming at first, but understanding these terms lays the groundwork for a more informed and enjoyable fitness journey. As you embark on your workouts, embrace these terms, and don't hesitate to ask gym staff or trainers for clarification. Building a strong foundation in gym lingo paves the way for a confident and successful fitness routine.