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// 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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1RM

One-Rep Max; the maximum weight one can lift for a single repetition.

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AMRAP

As Many Reps As Possible; perform an exercise until failure within a set time.

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beast 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.

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cheat 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.

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deload

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.

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ego 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.

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failure

The point during exercise when muscles can no longer perform a movement.

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gear

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.

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half 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.

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isolation exercise

Exercises targeting a single muscle group (e.g., bicep curls).

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juice

Another slang term for steroids.

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macros

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.

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natty

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.

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overtraining

Exercising excessively without adequate rest, leading to decreased performance.

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plateau

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.

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sarms

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.

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tren

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.