23/09/2026
🏋🏾♀️ Gym Glossary: Beginner Edition
REP
Short for 'Repetition' One complete movement of an exercise.
👉 10 squats = 10 reps.
SET
A group of reps performed together.
👉3 sets of 10 = 10 reps, rest, 10 reps, rest, 10 reps.
REST
The bit where you get to breathe and recover before your next set.
👉 Rest is part of your workout, it's NOT 'giving up'!
WARM UP
Gentle movement before your workout to prepare your body for exercise.
COOL DOWN
Lower intensity movement at the end of your workout to gradually bring things back down.
RESISTANCE TRAINING
Exercise where your body works against resistance - weights, bands, or even your own bodyweight.
FORM
How you perform an exercise.
👉 Good form helps you perform movements safely and effectively.
CORE
The muscles around your midsection that help support and stabilise your body.
DOMS
Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness = That achy feeling that can happen after a workout.
COMPOUND EXERCISE
An exercise that uses multiple joints and muscle groups.
👉 Squats, deadlifts and rows are good examples.
ISOLATION EXERCISE
An exercise that mainly focuses on one muscle group or joint movement.
👉 Bicep curls are a classic example.
Are there any more that you've been pretending to know? Let us know!
