All
0// GYM & FITNESS GLOSSARY
All things Gym & Fitness in words.
Whether you're bulking, cutting, or just getting started — understand the gym language that fuels the grind.
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11RM
One-Rep Max; the maximum weight one can lift for a single repetition.
A
1AMRAP
As Many Reps As Possible; perform an exercise until failure within a set time.
B
4beast mode
A state of extreme focus and effort during workouts.
bro split
A workout routine targeting different muscle groups on separate days.
bulk af
Slang indicating someone is significantly muscular and possibly in a bulking phase.
bulking
A phase focused on gaining muscle mass, often with some fat gain.
C
6cheat day
A planned day of eating foods outside one's diet regimen.
circuit training
A series of exercises performed in sequence with minimal rest.
clean bulk
Gaining muscle with minimal fat gain through controlled diet.
compound lift
Exercises that work multiple muscle groups simultaneously (e.g., squats).
cut af
Slang indicating someone is extremely lean and defined.
cutting
A phase focused on fat loss while maintaining muscle mass.
D
4deload
A planned reduction in training intensity or volume to allow recovery.
dirty bulk
Gaining muscle with less concern for fat gain, often involving high-calorie intake.
DOMS
Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness; muscle pain occurring after intense exercise.
drop set
Continuing an exercise with a lower weight after reaching failure at a higher weight.
E
2ego lifting
Lifting heavier weights than one can handle, often compromising form.
EMOM
Every Minute On the Minute; complete a set number of reps at the start of each minute.
F
1failure
The point during exercise when muscles can no longer perform a movement.
G
5gear
Slang for anabolic steroids or performance-enhancing drugs.
gym bro
A stereotypical male gym-goer focused heavily on bodybuilding.
gym rat
Someone who spends a lot of time at the gym.
gymcel
A person who frequents the gym but struggles with social or romantic interactions.
gymfluencer
A fitness influencer who shares workout and nutrition content online.
H
2half natty lighting
Lighting that enhances muscle definition, making one appear more muscular.
HIIT
High-Intensity Interval Training; short bursts of intense exercise followed by rest.
I
1isolation exercise
Exercises targeting a single muscle group (e.g., bicep curls).
J
1juice
Another slang term for steroids.
M
4macros
Short for macronutrients; proteins, carbohydrates, and fats in one's diet.
mind-muscle connection
The focus on engaging the specific muscle being worked during exercise.
mirin'
Slang for admiring someone's physique or progress.
mirror muscles
Muscles that are visible in the mirror, often prioritized in training.
N
4natty
Short for natural; someone who doesn't use performance-enhancing drugs.
natty king
Someone celebrated for building an impressive physique naturally.
natty lite
Slang for someone who is natural but not exceptionally muscular.
natty or not
A phrase questioning whether someone is natural or using enhancements.
O
1overtraining
Exercising excessively without adequate rest, leading to decreased performance.
P
6plateau
A period where progress stalls despite continued training.
PR
Personal Record; the best performance in a specific exercise.
progressive overload
Gradually increasing weight or reps to build strength.
pump
The swelling of muscles during exercise due to increased blood flow.
pump cover
Clothing worn over gym attire, often removed after achieving a muscle pump.
push-pull-legs
A workout split dividing exercises into pushing, pulling, and leg movements.
S
5sarms
Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators; compounds that enhance performance.
shredded
Having well-defined muscles with low body fat.
spotter
A person who assists during weightlifting to ensure safety.
superset
Performing two exercises back-to-back with minimal rest.
swole
Slang for someone who is very muscular.
T
3tren
A powerful anabolic steroid, often referenced in gym culture.
tren goblin
A humorous term for someone aggressively using steroids, often with erratic behavior.
tri-set
Three exercises performed consecutively without rest.