Bodybuilding 101: Basic Terminologies

Back to Basics. Okay, now before I get everybody confused, I would like to dumb-down some of the most common terminologies gym rats use. It’s not to say that it’s hard to understand nor that they have a very low comprehension. Rather, provide information to people specially the ones new to bodybuilding.

Some others think that bodybuilding is a sport that’s pure brute and no brains involve. Some think that you just lift weights and then get big. They want results, and they want it fast. And all too often, these people are the ones that quit after a couple of weeks. One reason, they do not know what they are doing.

Bodybuilding is a sport where many different factors play a very important role.
Take for example resting, exercises, diet, cardio and the like. It mainly involves science, art and common sense.

To begin with, I want to start from the very basic terminologies. Mind you, there are so many technical words that bodybuilders use. And I kid you not, your head will spin and make you puke once you start getting into deep with the terms.

Without further blah blah. Below are some of the very basic terms commonly used. A sample of a training program is posted below for your reference.

•  Set - A set is the number of times an exercise has to be done. It’s comprised of a number of reps/repititions or rep/repitition. There is no definite nor a fixed number of sets for a given exercise. It can vary depending on one’s training program.

• Rep / Repitition - The number of times you repeat the exercise on a given set.

• 1RM / 1-Rep Max - This is determined by lifting the heaviest amount of weight you can on one repitition.

• Cardio / Cardiovascular Exercise -An activitythat involves usage of larger mucle parts such as legs. Cardio exercises have many great benefits. One of them is conditioning the heart as it helps decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

• Food Supplementation / Supplements - Many people think that supplements are things that you intake and make you strong, big and scary. In reality however, food supplements are taken to provide the nutrients that our body needs. Most of the meals we take everyday do not provide sufficient nutritional value that our bodies need to cope up with the stresses we impose on it.

• Diet - Many of the people I know tend to confuse what dieting really is. Some think that dieting means skipping meals or not eating after 6:00 PM. These however are misconceptions of the term. To go on a diet means to control the amount of food you eat. Simple. No other definition.

That’s about it for now. Feel free to add on the comments tab in case I have missed something. As I am not too sure if I was able to cover the very basic terms.