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bodybuilding dictionary

Dictionary of Weightlifting, Bodybuilding, and Exercise Terms and Techniques


last updated 2005.09.03

Copyright © 2000-2005, Trygve Lode ( www.trygve.com )
No warranty is expressed or implied. While every attempt is made to ensure the accuracy of the following information, some errors or omissions may exist. This document does not constitute medical advice and the author is not a member of the medical profession, but simply someone with a general understanding of how to pick up big, heavy things and put them back down.


0-9

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1RM
see one rep maximum
6-pack
see six pack

A

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abduction, abductor
Abduction is movement away from the central axis of the body, an abductor is a muscle whose contraction results in this movement.
Abs, abdominals
The muscles in the front of the stomach, giving the "six pack" look in people with sufficiently low bodyfat. Their function is to draw the base of the ribcage and the hips towards each other, as occurs when performing crunches . Note that conventional sit-ups are performed largely by the iliopsoas muscles
acetaminophen
a common over the counter analgesic (pain reliever) that is not a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, sold under the brand name Tylenol®, and many others.
It may be used when a pain killer is desired which will not inhibit clotting or produce gastric upset, though it will not provide any anti-inflammatory effects, nor may it be substituted for aspirin in the ECA stack.
achilles tendon
the tendon connecting the lower end of the calf muscle to the back of the heel
adduction, adductor
Abduction is movement towards the central axis of the body, an abductor is a muscle whose contraction results in this movement.
adductors, thigh
several muscles located in the upper part of the inner thigh whose function is to pull the legs towards the midline.
adenosine triphospate, ATP
the molecular "currency" that provides energy within cells for everything from protein synthesis to muscle contraction
adipose tissue
fat (bodyfat)
adrenoceptor
a receptor that responds to hormones (such as epinephrine (adrenaline)) produced by the adrenal gland
aerobic
requiring oxygen
when describing exercise, it refers to extended sustained levels of exertion during which metabolic processes that provide energy are dominated by the complete oxidation of nutrients
agonist
a chemical agent that stimulates, activates, accelerates, or enhances a process in the body
amino acids
basic building blocks of protein
anabolic, anabolism
tending to build or repair tissue, muscle tissue in particular
"The Anabolic Diet"
analgesic
tending to reduce or eliminate pain
androgenic
producing or accentuating male sexual characteristics (body hair, deepened voice, male pattern baldness). One of the characteristics of steroids, whether synthesized in the lab or naturally in the body is their anabolic-androgenic ratio: if some amount of steroid X produces the same anabolic effects as a given amount of testosterone, how do the androgenic effects compare to those produced by that quantity of testosterone.
anaerobic
antagonist
[1] a chemical agent that inhibits, prevents, slows, or stops a process in the body [2] a muscle that relaxes or stretches during the performance of a movement
anticatabolic
preventing or lessening catabolism
aromatase
an enzyme responsible for (among other things) converting testosterone into estrogens
aspartame
Artificial, noncaloric sweetener, generic name for Nutrasweet
aspirin
originally a brand name, aspirin is now a generic term for acetylsalicylic acid (C 9 H 8 O 4 ), a common over the counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
Side effects include inhibition of blood clotting (so that it may increase internal bleeding and/or the extent of bruising if used when an injury is fresh). acetaminophen (Tylenol®) may be used when a pain killer without these effects is desired, though it will not provide any anti-inflammatory effects, nor may it be substituted for aspirin in the ECA stack.
ATP
see adenosine triphospate
avulse, avulsion
tearing away a body part or structure such as tearing a tendon or ligament off of a bone.

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ballistic
movement due to momentum rather than muscular control. Ballistic stretching involves "throwing" a body part in order to stretch a joint beyond the range of motion attainable through controlled muscular contraction such as when "bouncing" at the bottom of toe-touches. It is an effective technique for causing injury to connective tissue, which can reduce flexibility rather than enhance it.
barbell [pic] [pic]
a straight or curved bar typically five to seven feet in length designed to have weights placed on the ends. A standard seven-foot olympic (takes plates with 2" holes) barbell weighs either 44 pounds (20 kilograms) or 45 pounds, not including collars.
basal metabolic rate
The rate at which the body burns calories while awake but at rest (usually measured in calories per day)
bench
A piece of gym equipment with a horizontal or mostly horizontal top surface designed to be sat upon or lain upon while performing an exercise. Benches may be flat, inclined (angled so that an exerciser lying on the bench would have his head higher than his hips), or declined (angled so that an exerciser lying on the bench would have his head lower than his hips). Benches may have uprights attached on the sides for supporting a barbell or to assist in the performance of other exercises.
bench press
An exercise performed lying face-up on a horizontal surface such as a bench. Start with a barbell held in both hands a little wider than shoulder width apart, lower it to your chest, then push upwards to return it to the starting position. A narrower grip and elbows held closer to the body will focus more on the deltoids and triceps, a wider grip with elbows further to the sides away from the body will put more stress on the pectorals
Bench presses may also be performed on an incline bench (tilted so shoulders are higher than hips) or a decline bench (tilted so that hips are higher than shoulders).
bench shirt
a very tight, sturdy shirt usually made from denim or neoprene theoretically worn for protection during bench press competitions whose main effect is to increase the amount of weight lifted by compressing and straightening the chest and arms.
bent row
An exercise for the lats and biceps. When performed using free weights, start with your waist bent so that your torso is parallel (or nearly parallel) to the ground; hold a barbell in both hands with your arms hanging downward. While keeping your torso in the same position, pull the barbell up to your stomach, then lower it until your arms are straight again and repeat.

This exercise may also be performed with dumbbells, in which case it is often done one arm at a time while the other arm may be used for support by putting your forearm on your thigh or by putting your hand on a bench. When performed on a low-row machine, the bent row is typically done in the seated position with the torso upright and a bar attached to a pully is pulled towards the stomach.

beta agonist
a beta-agonist or beta adrenoceptor agonist is a drug or chemical that partially mimics the effects of epinephrine, primarily targeting the beta adrenoceptors which accelerate heart rate and increase blood pressure (beta-1), dilate bronchial passages (beta-2), and release fatty acids from fat cells into the blood stream (all beta receptors). The most commonly encountered beta agonists are asthma drugs such as ephedrine and albuterol which target the beta-2 receptor.
biceps brachii
the familiar "make a muscle" muscle that flexes the elbow joint. Additionally, the biceps supinates the forearm and helps raise the upper arm at the shoulder.
biceps femoris
the large, two-headed muscle on the back of the thigh. Contracting this muscle flexes the knee and also extends the hip (only one head of the muscle originates above the hip joint and contributes to this movement).
exercises targeting this muscle include
bioimpedance
the resistance of a path through the body (typically measured between the feet and/or hands), most often used to estimate bodyfat percentages because fat conducts electricity more poorly than muscle.
biological value
The ratio (nitrogen retained)/(nitrogen consumed) for a single protein source consumed in relatively small quantity and without any other foods. For most athletes consuming reasonable diets, this is not an important factor.
BMI
see body mass index
BMR
see basal metabolic rate
bodybuilding
bodyfat, bodyfat percentage
The amount of fat in your body, generally expressed as a percentage.
  • a web-based bodyfat estimator may be found at www.he.net/~zone/prothd2.html
    body mass index, BMI
    Yet another way of approximating body composition for use in large-scale medical studies and for health reports to refer to in the popular press. This particular measure is calculated by dividing your mass in kilograms by the square of your height in meters. While such simplistic measures are useful for large statistical samples of the general population, their value is highly limited for individuals, particularly athletes who can be very healthy and have low bodyfat percentages despite having a higher-than-recommended BMI.
    bodyopus
    box squat
    a variation on the squat performed with a bench, box, or other solid object under the lifter that stops the decent at the bottom. This can cause excessive compression of the spine and possibly lead to injury.
    brachioradialis
    branched chain amino acids
    the amino acids L-leucine, L-isoleucine, and L-valine, so named because of their branched structure. They are a major constituent of muscle tissue and are preferentially consumed during intense exertion or dieting.
    brown fat
    A type of fat cell with a greatly increased density of mitochondria and a much greater blood supply than ordinary "white" fat. Besides being able to store fat, brown fat cells can convert calories directly into heat through a process known as non-shivering thermogenesis. Brown fat is used by mammals to maintain body temperature and to expend excess calories that are consumed but not stored as fat.
    bulking, bulking up
    to gain size and mass, preferably (but not always) mostly or entirely muscle and other lean tissue.
    bumper plate [pic]
    a weight plate (almost always olympic) with a rubber outer rim to reduce damage to the floor (and the plate) in case it is dropped. These are most commonly used in olympic lifting where very heavy weights are lifted overhead
    burn

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    cable, cable machine
    an exercise machine in which the lifter pulls on a handle attached to a cable. The main difference between an exercise in which the resistance is transmitted through a cable rather than being done with free weights is that the force is in the direction of the cable rather than always pointing downwards. For example, when using a cable machine to perform curls , the cable may continue to provide resistance at the top of the movement while the resistance the biceps must work against when lifting free weights is minimal when the forearm is at or near vertical.
    cable crossover [pic]
    caffeine
    an inhibitor of cAMP phoshodiesterase; it enhances alertness and potentates the effects of other stimulatory drugs by inhibiting the breakdown of cAMP, with the result that cellular processes that are activated tend to remain active longer than they would otherwise.
    There is a popular myth that caffeine negates the efficacy of creatine; this has not been demonstrated.
    calf, calf muscle
    the muscle on the back of the lower leg responsible for extending the ankle. The calf muscle has two heads, which connect at the bottom and attach to the heel: the gastrocnemius, the top of which attaches above the knee joint, and the soleus which attaches below.
    exercises targeting the calf include
    calf extensions, donkey [pic]
    calf extensions, seated
    calf extensions, standing
    calipers
    calorie
    a unit of energy, equal to the amount of energy needed to heat one gram of water one degree celsius. In common usage, the "calories" most often refer to kilocalories (also known as Kcal or "food calories") which are really 1000 calories.
    cam
    similar to a pulley , a cam normally has a cable attached to one point of the rim, an attached axle that transmits rotational force to or from another part of the machine, and a radius that varies with angle, changing the amount of force applied at different parts of the movement in a consistent manner.
    cambered bar [pic]
    a barbell with most of the middle offset; used to increase the range of motion in bench pressing and also very effective for avoiding scraped knees while deadlifting and for letting the arms hang straight down during shrugs.
    cAMP
    see cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate
    canthaxanthin
    a carotenoid related to beta carotene used as a red food coloring. When taken in (relatively) large quantities, it imparts a reddish-orange tone to the skin leading to its use as a tanning aid. It is non-toxic and has some antioxidant activity, but prolonged use at high doses has been known to cause crystals to form inside the eye.
    capsicum
    The active chemical in hot peppers
    carbohydrate
    digestible food components such as starches and sugars that are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, but not nitrogen. Carbohydrates are the main constituent of most vegetables and fruits, provide four calories per gram, and are present only in small quantities in animal products.
    carb-up
    after any period of carbohydrate depletion, particularly as part of a cyclic ketogenic diet , the consumption of large quantities of carbohydrates with the intent of saturating muscle glycogen stores.
    carpal tunnel
    catabolic, catabolism
    tending to break down tissue, muscle tissue in particular
    cc
    cubic centimeter
    chalk
    cheating, cheat reps
    a cheat rep is a repetition performed by deviating from strict form (leaning, adding extra momentum at the bottom of the movement with whole-body motion) after a lifter has reached the point of failure with a given weight.
    chinning bar
    chins, chin-ups
    cholesterol
    circuit training
    A sequence of exercises performed one after the other with little rest in between. Think of it as being somewhere in between traditional aerobics and traditional weight training.
    citric acid cycle
    see Krebs cycle
    CKD
    see cyclic ketogenic diet
    CLA
    see conjugated linoleic acid
    clean
    clean and jerk
    CNS, Central Nervous System
    The brain and spinal cord (in vertebrates)
    collars, weight collars [pic]
    any kind of sleeve which may be slipped over the end of a weight bar after the plates have been put on and then tightened to hold the plates securely on the bar. This prevents plates from slipping off the end of the bar, shifting position, or rattling during the exercise. Olympic spin-lock collars typically weigh either 5 or 5.5 pounds each.
    colostrum
    a thin, lemon-colored liquid produced by the mother's breasts in the first day or so after giving birth. While colostrum is beneficial for a newborn infant of the same species as the one providing the colostrum, it is not beneficial for adults. Adults do not have the same capacity as a newborn animal to take up entire proteins in the GI system without digesting them first. Do not waste your money on colostrum unless you're less than 6 months old and of bovine origin.
    compound, compound movement
    an exercise that targets a more than muscle or muscle group simultaneously; usually the movement involves flexing or extending at least two joints.
    lat pulldowns, squats, and bench presses are compound movements, curls, leg extensions, and flyes are not.
    concentration curls
    a type of bicep curl performed one-handed with a dumbbell , the torso leaning far forward and the elbow either directly below the shoulder or somewhat behind. Usually the upper arm is supported by the inner thigh of the lifter, though this is not required.
    concentric
    done as the muscle contracts; "concentric strength" is the weight that can be lifted working against gravity (that's what you usually think of as 'weightlifting')
    conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
    A particular structural variant of linoleic acid (a common unsaturated fatty acid). Several studies exist supporting a potential health benefit of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). No studies suggest that it will aid muscle growth or fat loss. It is food, certainly better than some other fat sources, but treat it accordingly.
    corticosteroids
    catabolic steroids such as prednisone or cortisol. These are used to reduce inflammation by signalling tissues to break down. While this certainly does have medical uses, corticosteroids will not aid in building muscle--quite the opposite, in fact.
    cortisol, cortisone
    a corticosteroid
    cramp, muscle cramp
    painful, involuntary muscular contraction
    creatine
    Naturally occurring in muscle tissue, creatine functions as a secondary reservoir for short-term energy to be drawn upon when ATP (adenosine triphosphate) stores--the energy storage molecule that drives muscular contraction--are depleted. Supplemental creatine monohydrate added to the diet will increase the concentration of creatine phosphate within muscle tissue which may increase one's ability to perform brief, high-intensity exercise.
    crossover, crossover machine
    see cable crossover
    crunches
    an exercise performed by "curling" the midsection to draw the base of the ribcage and the hips as close together as possible; the hip joints themselves should not move during the movement and are usually held at a 90-degree angle by putting the lower legs on a chair or bench with one's back on the floor.
    curl, biceps curl [pic]
    curl, reverse [pic]
    A variation on the biceps curl in which the palms are kept facing downwards (pronated) throughout the movement, preventing the full contraction of the biceps and transferring more of the force onto the brachioradialis. Typically, you'll only be able to do two-thirds to three-quarters as much weight as you would be able to do in a standard biceps curl.
    cut, cuts
    visibility of individual muscles and muscle heads. To be "cut," it should be easy to identify by sight the heads of the deltoid and dividing lines between the different heads of the quadriceps.
    cutting, cutting up
    to lose bodyfat, preferably with as little loss of muscle and other lean tissue as possible.
    cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate
    important in the regulation of metabolic and neurologic processes and activity, cAMP is generated in response to the activation of cellular receptors and, in turn, the presence of cAMP within the cell activates the process in question. cAMP is broken down by cAMP-phosphodiesterase.
    The activity and duration of the process is governed by the rate at which cAMP is produced in response to receptor activation and the rate at which it is broken down. This is why the combination of ephedrine and caffeine produce a greater metabolic response than the sum of their effects when taken individually: ephedrine increseases receptor activation, caffiene inhibits cAMP breakdown.
    cyclic ketogenic diet, CKD
    a ketogenic with the intentional addition of periodic "carb-ups" (as opposed to snapping and going berserk in a doughnut shop because you can't take it any more). The ketogenic periods typically last five days to a month or longer, carb-ups are usually only half a day to two days.
    cycling
    In reference to drugs or supplements, a "cycle" is a dosage or usage regimen that lasts a finite period of time with a planned sequence of doses and times, which may or may not be the same.

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    deadlift [pic]
    an exercise performed by squatting down to pick up a barbell off the floor, standing up straight (or leaning back slightly), and then putting it back down. Simple, no?
    deadlift bar
    a bar, usually but not necessarily straight, which is smooth in the center, but is knurled in the areas a lifter is likely to grip while performing a deadlift
    decline bench press
    definition
    visibility of the shape and detail of individual muscles as occurs in individuals with low bodyfat.
    deltoids, delts
    the shoulder muscles, which are divided into three heads: anterior, medial, and posterior
    deoxyribonucleicacid (DNA)
    the chemical, typically formed into chromosomes, that forms the chemical basis of genetics and heredity. Your DNA is what makes you a human (assuming that's what you are) and not a hamster (assuming you're not--it's hard to tell these things over the net)
    dextrose
    See glucose
    DHT
    see dihydrotestosterone
    diabetes
    dihydrotestosterone
    a highly androgenic hormone produced from testosterone by the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. This hormone is the primary culprit in male pattern baldness and benign prostate enlargement.
    dinitrophenol, 2,4-dinitrophenol, DNP
    A potent nonselective uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation that is not only effective when ingested, but can also be absorbed through the skin. It is used industrially as a wood preservative, in the production of explosives, and as an ingredient in insecticides. It is extremely flammable or explosive when dry.
    Its use as a weight loss aid dates back to the 1920's, but side effects such as lethargy, malaise, death, and bad breath soon caused the medical establishment to discontinue its use. Reintroduced to the public as a weight loss technique by the late Dan Duchaine, the small therapeutic range (the difference between the effective dose and the lethal dose) and serious side effects have continued to discourage its use.
    dip belt [pic] [pic]
    a belt, usually without a buckle, with a chain or other method of attaching a weight as a simple and comfortable way of adding weight when performing exercises involving lifting one's own body. A dip belt is most commonly used when performing dips (go figure!) and chin-ups , though it can be an effective way of allowing the lifter to perform pull-downs without lifting oneself up into the air during the movement.
    dips
    diuretic
    a drug that increases the rate at which water is excreted through the kidneys
    DNA
    see deoxyribonucleicacid
    DNP
    see dinitrophenol
    downregulation
    Decreasing the activity or responsiveness of a physiological process by reducing the number of available receptors.
    dumbbell
    a short bar with fixed or changeable weights mounted on each end with enough space in between to grip with one hand.
    the term "dumbbell" comes from the practice of demonstrating strength by lifting heavy cast metal bells (like the Liberty Bell, only smaller and not cracked). A "dumb bell" was a bell made without a clapper so that it would not ring through one's show of physical prowess. Eventually, any weight meant to be hefted with one hand was referred to as a "dumbbell" and after what we now think of as being a dumbbell shape became standard, the word "bar bell" or "barbell" was coined to refer to a similar weight with a central bar long enough to be held easily with two hands.

    E

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    ECA, ECA stack
    Ephedrine, Caffeine, and Aspirin, a popular and effective thermogenic combination of drugs used for weight loss and energy. Ephedrine is a stimulant that acts to increase alertness, energy, and body temperature, thus increasing caloric expenditure.
    Caffeine inhibits the body's natural tendency to counteract the stimulant effects of ephedrine, so that the two of them used together increase caloric expenditures more than the sum of the increases caused by each one used individually. The most common dosage is 200mg of caffeine taken with 20mg of ephedrine ( = 25mg of ephedrine hydrochloride) three times per day, the third dose being taken not later than dinnertime. Caffeine and ephedrine act as appetite suppressants, which has weight-loss benefits as well.
    60mg of aspirin (about a quarter of a standard aspirin tablet) is often added to the stack, but studies have not shown conclusively that ECA is more effective for weight loss than ephedrine and caffeine without aspirin.
    Please note that ephedrine and caffeine also have a diuretic effect, so some weight loss will be due to a loss of water and not fat.
    eccentric
    done as the muscle extends or relaxes; "eccentric strength" is the weight that can be lowered under control
    ectomorph
    thin and linear body type
    EFA
    see essential fatty acids
    electrolytes
    minerals such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium used by cells in the creation and elimination of membrane potentials used to propagate nerve impulses and muscular contraction
    endocrine
    glands that produce chemicals released into the bloodstream. The pituitary and adrenal glands are endocrine glands; salivary glands and sweat glands are not.
    endomorph
    rounded body type with small shoulders
    enzyme
    a protein catalyst; enzymes are involved in digestion and both the synthesis and breakdown of proteins, hormones, and other substances in the body
    ephedra
    an herb, also known as Ma Huang and "Mormon Tea" containing ephedrine and pseudoephedrine
    ephedrine
    a common beta agonist used to relieve the symptoms of asthma; it dilates bronchial passages and is also a stimulant
    see also
    epinephrine
    also known as adrenaline, epinephrine is a sympathomimetic hormone produced by the adrenal glands that accelerates heart rate, constricts blood vessels, raises blood pressure, dilates breathing passages, and accelerates the peristaltic motion of the muscles lining the intestines.
    epiphyseal plates
    the "plate" on the end of a bone, particularly the long bones of the arm and leg which remain unfused to the rest of the bone during growth. Once they become fused, these bones cease to grow longer.
    ergogenic
    tending to increase muscular power, endurance, or size
    essential amino acids
    amino acids which cannot be synthesized by the body from other amino acids and, thus, must be present in the diet: leucine, isoleucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, and valine
    essential fatty acids
    unsaturated fatty acids which cannot be synthesized by the body and are used as the starting point for the biosynthesis of necessary metabolic and hormonal chemicals.
    estrogen, estrogenic
    There is no one hormone named "estrogen"; estrogens are hormones that induce or accentuate female sexual characteristics (as well as performing other functions, depending on the specific hormone). Estrogens include estrone, progesterone, and estradiol.
    "estrogenic" means "tending to induce the same effects that estrogen does"; while chemicals that mimic testosterone are almost nonexistent in nature, our food supply, and our environment, estrogenic chemicals are common. Some of these, such as genestein (found in soy) have gotten considerable press coverage because they are weak estrogens, meaning that while they can occupy an estrogen receptor , they do not stimulate the receptor to as great an extent as the body's own estrogens would, which can reduce one's risk of estrogen-related cancers and tumors, most notably breast cancer.
    However, for this last effect to occur, the weak estrogens must be present in the body in sufficient quantity so that they displace existing natural estrogens that would otherwise stimulate available estrogen receptors--and the total degree of stimulation produced by the greater number of occupied receptors must be less than would have been produced by the naturally present estrogens alone.
    Other estrogenic chemicals are found in plastics and pesticides and exert harmful developmental effects by disrupting the normal hormonal events that take place in humans and animals.
    exhaustion
    extension
    the act of straightening a joint
    extracellular
    outside the cell or cells (in the bloodstream, lymph, etc.) as opposed to inside
    EZ-curl bar [pic]
    a short barbell with a shaft bent like a stretched-out 'w' typically used for performing curls with the hands turned inward more than they would be using a straight bar, putting less strain on the wrists. A typical olympic EZ-curl bar weighs around twenty pounds, though there's no "official" standard weight. Standard (takes plates with 1" holes) versions would be lighter, typically ten to fifteen pounds.

    F

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    farmer's walk
    Grab a weight in each hand--dumbbells will work fine in you don't have a pair of large milk pails--and walk. Keep walking, carrying the weights until your hands, shoulders, or some other body part is crying for mercy. Then go a little further. Yeah, but a little further than that.
    failure
    fast-twitch muscle fibres
    fat
    digestible food components such as butter, lard, and oils composed of fatty acids. All kinds of fats provide nine calories per gram.
    fatigue, muscle fatigue
    femur
    the bone of the thigh
    fiber
    an indigestible component of food, chemically classified as carbohydrates (and may be included in the total carbohydrate content listed on food labels), found primarily in unprocessed vegetables, nuts, grains, and fruits. Fiber does not provide calories, but offers significant health benefits as a component of the diet.
    fibre, muscle
    fibula
    the smaller bone of the lower leg
    flax seed oil
    an oil rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids; because of the high polyunsaturated fatty acid content, it should be kept refrigerated and even then has a limited shelf life.
    flexibility
    flyes
    an exercise targetting the pectoral muscles usually performed by lying face-up on a bench with arms almost straight (don't lock out your elbows, just keep the elbow joint at the same angle through the movement and move only the your shoulder joint) and a dumbbell in each hand. Raise the weights slowly until they are directly above your chest, lower them back out to the sides; repeat.
    forced rep
    a forced rep is a repetition performed with assistance from a spotter after a lifter has reached the point of failure with a given weight.
    free weight
    equipment moved in the performance of an exercise which is simply raised and lowered as a complete unit. So called because the weight is free to move in any direction and in any manner the lifter can manage.
    Free weights include barbells and dumbbells
    french press
    front raise [pic]
    front squat
    squats done with the bar placed across the front of the shoulders rather than across the back. This concentrates the exercise more on the quadriceps and less on the back and glutes. Usually less weight can be lifted this way than when performing a conventional squat.
    fructose
    also known as "fruit sugar" even though it is found in many foods besides fruit and it is not the majority of the sugar content in most fruits. Fructose also forms half of the sucrose (ordinary table sugar) molecule. Approximately 50 grams of fructose per day can be metabolized by the liver into glucose; amounts consumed beyond that will be converted into triglycerides using an alternate pathway.

    G

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    Gaspari bar [pic]
    A short weight bar with rotating handles mounted in-line with the bar so that they are free to rotate. Generally used for bicep curls , the Gaspari bar allows the lifter's hands to rotate freely. The Gaspari bar shown here weighs 33 pounds, not including collars.
    gastrocnemius
    the superficial (on top) head of the calf muscle which together with the soleus (the other head of the calf muscle) attaches to the heel through the achilles tendon and to the femur just above the knee joint.
    German volume training, GVT
    a training technique in which ten sets of ten reps are performed for each exercise. The same weight is used for each set and rest periods between sets are kept to a minimum.
    glucose
    also known as dextrose , a simple sugar which is the main form of carbohydrate transported through the bloodstream to be used for fuel by cells.
    glutes, gluteus maximus
    the large muscles of the buttocks that extend the hips
    exercises targeting the glutes include
    glycemic index
    Glycemic Index (GI) is a rating system for carbohydrates that deals with how quickly the sugar enters the blood stream and the extent of the insulin response following that entry. GIs were initially established to help diabetics regulate insulin levels following meals. Those carb sources that have low GIs generally enter the blood stream slower or cause a smaller insulin response. This can be beneficial for those trying to lose fat as well as those who are diabetic.

    Rick Mendosa maintains an extensive list of the glycemic indices of foods at http://www.mendosa.com/gilists.htm .

    glycogen
    a type of starch synthesized from glucose for intracellular storage. The primary glycogen stores are in the liver and in the muscles; liver glycogen stores will be broken down to glucose and released into the bloodstream when blood sugar levels are low, whereas this does not happen with muscle glycogen stores which will be used only to provide fuel for the muscles themselves.
    Note that way that glycogen is stored in the body requires four grams of water to be stored for each gram of glycogen. The combined weight and volume of muscle glycogen stores accounts for a significant part of total muscular size. The depletion of these glycogen stores (and the release of the accompanying water) is what accounts for the rapid weight loss experienced in the first few days of ketogenic and other reduced-carbohydrate diets.
    good mornings
    A lower back exercise that's performed by putting a barbell across your shoulders as if you were doing a squat, but instead of bending at the knees, keep your knees in a slightly bent position throughout the movement and bend only at the waist until your torso is close to horizontal, then raise your torso back to the vertical position.
    gram
    the metric unit of mass
    28.35 grams = 1 ounce
    453 grams = 1 pound
    28.349 grams = 1 ounce
    1,000 mcg = 1 mg
    1,000,000 mcg = 1 gram
    1,000 grams 1 kilogram
    grip [pic]
    holding onto the bar (or other object); many exercises can be performed with multiple grip styles and the type of grip used will affect the amount of weight that can be used, the safety of the movement, and the muscles targeted.
    grip, false
    a style of grip most commonly used in the bench press in which the thumb remains against the side of the palm rather than wrapping around the bar.
    grip, neutral [pic]
    if your palms are facing towards each other you are using a neutral grip
    grip, pronated [pic]
    look down at your hands; if your palms are facing away from you, you are using a pronated grip
    grip, reverse [pic]
    a reverse grip is one in which the wrists are rotated in opposite directions (one pronated, the other supinated ). This is most commonly used for deadlifts because the tendency of the bar to roll out of the hands is cancelled out, allowing the lifter to hold more weight.
    grip, supinated
    look down at your hands; if your palms are facing towards you, you are using a supinated grip
    guarana
    an herb containing significant amounts of caffeine
    GVT
    see German volume training

    H

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    hack squat
    hammer curl [pic]
    A variation on the bicep curl in which a neutral grip is used throughout the movement, which transfers more force onto the brachioradialis by reducing the leverage of the biceps at the top of the movement.
    hams, hamstrings
    see biceps femoris
    head, muscle head
    many muscles attach at a single point on one end and at multiple points at the other, somewhat like a bunch of bananas, but better at lifting big, heavy iron with.
    "biceps" means two heads; "triceps," three; "quadriceps," four.
    often the multiple heads of a single muscle will attach to different bones on either side of a joint. The calf muscle has two heads, which connect at the bottom and attach to the heel: the , the top of which attaches above the knee joint, and the soleus which attaches below.
    Because of this, if the knee is bent (such as when performing seated calf extensions the gastrocnemius is put in a poor position to transfer force and the exercise is performed largely by the soleus head.
    hGH, human growth hormone
    HIT
    "High Intensity Training"
    HMB
    see HydroxyMethylButyrate, HMB
    homeopathic
    traditionally, a philosophy of therapy in which medical conditions are treated by preparing a solution of a substance which produces symptoms similar to those produced by the condition, diluting it until no molecules of the active ingredient remain in the solution, and then drinking it. The term is often applied to any solution so prepared, and irrespective of whether the homeopathic solution is intended to cure or cause a particular reaction, it is an expensive technique for consuming small quantities of water.
    While it is not obvious why one would wish to do this, it does have the advantage of relatively few side effects.
    homeostatic, homeostasis
    hydrogenated fat
    hydrolyze, hydrolyzation
    hydrostatic
    HydroxyMethylButyrate, HMB
    a metabolite of the branched-chain amino acid leucine, HMB is also available in supplement form. Some studies have shown increased growth in cattle given HMB, but evidence of any value for increasing human muscle growth and athletic performance is limited.
    hyperextension, hyperextensions [pic:hyperextension bench] [pic:start position] [pic:end position]
    of a joint, "hyperextension" refers to bending it beyond its normal range of motion (usually this is bad).
    as an exercise, "hyperextensions" are performed using a roman chair which supports one's legs and hips in a horizontal, prone position. Either with or without a weight, one then bends at the hips, lowering one's head and shoulders until one's torso is close to vertical. Then, by contracting the glutes and spinal erectors , one raises one's torso back upwards to above the horizontal.
    hypertension
    high blood pressure
    hypertrophy

    I

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    Idiot of the Month
    A special award bestowed by the readership of Misc.Fitness.Weights upon the writer who most fervently and persistently promotes or defends a claim the belief in which would normally be considered inconsistent with the level of mental functioning necessary to operate a computer.
    see Misc.Fitness.Weights: the Idiot of the Month Award
    iliopsoas
    impingement
    incline bench press
    insertion
    The point of attachment of a muscle most distant from the body's midline or center.
    insulin
    a hormone that promotes the uptake of nutrients (most notably glucose,
    insulin resistance
    a reduced sensitivity to insulin, meaning that more insulin must be released to cause a given amount of nutrients uptake into the body's cells. Note that the downregulation of insulin sensitivity is likely to be more extreme in lean tissue than adipose tissue , so that persons who have developed a high degree of insulin resistance are likely to preferentially store nutrients as fat rather than use them for tissue growth and repair.
    type-II (adult onset) diabetes is an extreme form of insulin resistance.
    insulin sensitivity
    intensity
    International Powerlifting Federation (IPF)
    An international governing body that oversees the rules and regulations of powerlifting competitions; IPF-sanctioned competitions and judging are overseen by national-level powerlifting associations that are affiliated with the IPF
    International Weightlifting Federation (IWF)
    An international governing body that oversees the rules and regulations of olympic lifting competitions
    intracellular
    inside the cell or cells as opposed to outside (in the bloodstream, lymph, etc.)
    IOM
    see Idiot of the Month
    IPF
    see International Powerlifting Federation
    isolation, isolation movement
    an exercise that targets a single muscle or muscle group; usually the movement involves flexing or extending only one joint.
    curls, leg extensions, and flyes are isolation movements, lat pulldowns, squats, and bench presses are not.
    isomer
    a molecule with the same chemical composition (same number of atoms of each type) as another, but with a different chemical structure (arrangement or configuration of those atoms). Two chemicals which are isomers of each other may produce effects on the body that are similar or completely different.
    isometric
    not involving contraction or extension; isometric exercises are done by tightening the muscles without moving any part of the body, such as by pushing against a brick wall instead of lifting a weight
    "The Isometric Diet"
    IWF
    see International Weightlifting Federation

    J

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    jefferson squats
    a variation on the squat which is performed with the bar held in the hands, usually using a reverse grip with one end of the bar in front of the lifter and the other behind. The movement is a lot like a deadlift, except that the bar is rotated close to ninety degrees and generally is not allowed to touch the floor at the bottom of the movement.

    K

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    Kcal
    1000 calories, or one "food calorie"
    ketogenic
    Producing or causing the body to produce ketones.
    ketogenic diet
    A diet involving the restriction of carbohydrates to the point of inducing ketosis (buildup of significant levels of ketones in the bloodstream). Usually this requires keeping carbohydrate consumption below 20 grams per day.
    Ketosis reduces appetite and some studies (but not all) have shown ketogenic dieters to lose relatively more fat and less lean body mass than non-ketogenic dieters. Note, however, that ketogenic diets are not usually well-suited for actually gaining muscle.
    ketones
    kilogram, Kg
    one kilogram = 2.2 pounds
    knee wraps
    bands of fabric wound tightly around the knee during powerlifting to slightly increase lifting ability; their use should be avoided during general training (apart from right before a competition) since they can obstruct blood flow, compress nerves, and grind the kneecap against the front of the knee joint, resulting in inflammation and possible damage to the cartilage of the knee joint.
    knurling, knurled
    a groved or roughened area along the length of a bar to increase ease of gripping or to lessen the tendency to slip (this is why a squat bar is knurled in the center whereas a deadlift bar normally is not.
    Krebs cycle
    a sequence of chemical reactions occuring within the mitochondria of living cells in which acetic acid (produced from foods) is oxidized to produce high-energy phosphate bonds (converting ADP to ATP ) to be used to power the body's other metabolic processes. Also known as the citric acid cycle .

    L

    		[ 0-9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z ]
    lat pulldowns
    see pulldowns
    lateral raise
    An exercise for the deltoids performed by standing or sitting with the torso erect while holding a dumbbell in each hand. The weights are raised slowly out to the sides until they are at shoulder level and then slowly lowered (rather than allowing them to drop uncontrolled).
    For the stress to be placed on the medial deltoid rather than the anterior, the palms must face downwards through the movement. Elbows should be kept rigid but slightly bent throughout the movement.
    lateral raise, bent [pic]
    A variation on the lateral raise performed with the torso leaning forward almost parallel to the floor, shifting the stress primarily to the posterior deltoid. It can be done seated, standing, or on one knee, the palms should face downwards throughout the movement, and you should "squeeze" the posterior deltoids at the top of the movement.
    lats, latissimus dorsi [pic]
    LBM
    see lean body mass
    lean body mass
    total body mass minus fat mass; this includes muscle, bone, organs, water, etc.,--everything but fat.
    leg curls
    leg extensions
    lever arm
    ligament
    a tough cord or band of dense white fibrous connective tissue that connects two or more body parts other than muscles such as providing support for an internal organ or holding the ends of two bones together at a joint.
    lipid
    fat (usually when in the body rather than in food)
    low-carb, locarb
    a genre of diet characterized by the reduction in carbohydrate intake, often but not necessarily to a ketogenic degree.
    low-row machine
    lunges

    M

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    machine, weight machine
    equipment moved in the performance of an exercise which is not simply raised and lowered as a complete unit. Exercise machines may guide or restrict the direction and extent of a movement, use cams, lever arms, pulleys, or cables to redirect or alter the resistance, or generate the resistance through springs, hydraulic or pneumatic pistons, magnets, or elastic bands rather than weights.
    macronutrient
    a nutrient (such as protein, carbohydrate, or fat) used in large quantities to provide energy for life and/or raw materials for synthesizing or repairing tissue
    ma huang
    see ephedra
    Manta Ray®
    a molded plastic accessory intended to increase comfort and stability of the bar during squats . One side is shaped to fit across the shoulders of the lifter and the other is designed to clip snugly around the bar.
    mcg or ug
    microgram
    MCT Oil
    Meal Replacement Powder
    instant milkshakes with added protein. some have added fats and sugars which you may or may not want.
    medium chain triglycerides
    medline
    PubMed, the National Library of Medicine's free search service to access the 9 million citations in MEDLINE and Pre-MEDLINE (with links to participating on-line journals), and other related databases.
    www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PubMed/
    mesomorph
    body type with thick muscles and heavy bone structure
    metabolite
    a chemical produced by the body from some other chemical such as a component of food, a supplement, or a drug.
    mg
    milligram
    micronutrient
    a nutrient (such as a vitamin or mineral) needed in small quantities for the normal functioning of the body
    military press
    pressing either a barbell or dumbbells straight overheard from shoulder height to full arm extension with an erect torso. Performing this exercise while seated puts less strain on the lower back than if it is doen standing.
    military press machine [pic]
    mineral
    mitochondria
    cellular organelles found outside the nucleus that provide energy for the rest of the cell by oxidizing nutrients to produce ATP
    monounsaturated fats
    MRP
    see Meal Replacement Powder

    N

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    negatives
    non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, NSAID
    an anti-inflammatory agent or drug that is not a steroid; NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen, naprosyn, and ketoprofen, but not acetaminophen.
    NSAID
    see non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
    nucleus, cell nucleus
    the main central organelle in the eukaryotic cell that contains DNA and directs the growth and activity of the cell. Most cells have exactly one nucleus, but striated muscle cells and some slime molds have multiple nuclei within a single cell, and red blood cells lose their nucleus before entering the blood stream (and are no longer able to divide)
    Nutrasweet
    Artificial, noncaloric sweetener, brand name for aspartame

    O

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    oblique, abdominal oblique
    olympic plate [pic]
    Olympic plates have 2" holes--actually 2-1/8" typically, to give them room to slip onto a 2" diameter bar. There's some variation in size of the holes in the plates and in the diameter of the bar, depending on whether the manufacturer is thinking in ISO/standard units (2" diameter bar) or metric (5cm, a little smaller).
    A lot of Olympic plates say "standard" on them. Ignore this, it's only the hole size that matters, no matter how many people try to convince you that "size doesn't matter."
    olympic lifting
    weightlifting as traditionally performed in the Olympics involving the clean and jerk and the snatch ; at one time the standing overhead press was included in this category, but it was removed decades ago.
    omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids
    unsaturated fatty acids with the double bond at the third carbon position. Omega-3 fatty acids include alpha-linolenic (found in large quantities in flax seed oil ) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids (found in fish oils)
    one rep maximum
    the greatest amount of weight that can be handled by a lifter for a single repetition in good form.
    organelle
    any identifiable specialized part of a cell that is, to an individual cell, much like an organ like the heart or liver is to the body. Examples of organelles include mitochondria and the nucleus
    origin
    The point of attachment of a muscle closest to the body's midline or center.
    OTC
    see Over The Counter
    overcompensation
    overloading, progressive overloading
    Over The Counter, OTC
    sold without a prescription
    overtraining
    Training beyond the body's ability to repair itself. This can be caused by training the same body parts too frequently so that the body does not have time to recover before the next workout; workouts that are consistently harder than the body is able to recover from fully; or impairment of the body's normal recovery ability due to nutritional deficiencies, illness, or stress.
    Besides impairing athletic performance, overtraining can increase the risk of injury or disease. Symptoms of overtraining include fatague, reduced performance, and increased resting heart rate.

    P

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    patella
    the kneecap
    partials, partial reps
    pec deck
    pecs, pectoralis major
    the two large muscles on the front of the chest
    peptide
    a short chain of amino acids
    periodization
    pinch grip [pic]
    an exercise to increase grip strength typically performed by pinching two weight plates together (smooth side out) and picking them up using only the fingers
    PNF, PNF stretching
    polyunsaturated fats
    potentate
    to increase the effect(s) of, usually used in reference to the effects of a drug
    pound
    power cage [pic]
    a "cage" typically made with four vertical bars, each capable of supporting hooks and/or crossbars which may be placed at any of several possible heights. This allows a barbell to be placed at a comfortable starting height for squats, bench presses, military presses, etc. Often, another set of hooks or a pair of crossbars will be placed at a lower height to catch the barbell if the lifter is unable to return it to the starting position.
    power clean
    powerlifting
    PR
    Personal Record
    preacher bench [pic]
    a "bench" somewhat like a very heavy-duty music stand turned away from the lifter with a padded, steeply inclined support for the backs of the lifter's arms and often (but not always) a seat behind. Placing the arms on a support like this prevents them from moving except at the elbow while performing curls.
    preacher curls
    also known as Scott curls (after Larry Scott), a variation of bicep curl in which the back of the arm is supported, generally on a preacher bench and usually but not necessarily with the elbow placed forward of the shoulder.
    pre-exhaustion
    to perform one or more sets of an isolation movement prior to the performance of a compound movement .
    prime mover
    a muscle or group of muscles whose contraction produces the movement in an exercise
    prohormone
    "Prohormones" are actually hormones themselves and are chemicals produced by the body (or close "chemical cousins" of such chemicals, as is the case with the nor- varieties). The "pro-" part is used for two reasons: first, because rather than themselves being the hormone one is actually interested in supplementing, they are instead used by the body's biochemical pathways to produce the hormone of interest; second, marketing.
    prone, pronation, pronated
    turning face-down or palm-down
    protein
    digestible food components containing nitrogen composed of amino acids; protein is essential for tissue repair and growth and provides four calories per gram.
    pseudoephedrine
    an isomer of ephedrine that is a far weaker stimulant and bronchodilator and is used primarily as a decongestant.
    It is not a suitable substitute for ephedrine in the ECA stack
    pubmed
    see medline
    pulldown machine [pic] [pic]
    pulldowns, lat pulldowns [pic]
    pulley
    a freely rotating wheel used to change the direction of force applied by a cable . The pulldown machine typically has a cable passing over one or more pulleys at the top so that a downward force applied to the cable by the lifter raises the weights at the far end of the cable.
    pullover
    A pullover is an exercise where you lie on your back on a bench and reach your arms over and behind your head to pick up a weight (a barbell or dumbbell). Moving just your shoulder joint (don't change the angle of your elbows, lift the weight up behind your head and then forward so it's above your chest. Then, still moving just your shoulders, move it back the same way, over your head and then down behind your head to the starting position.
    Pullovers are done with either straight arms (a "straight-arm pullover") which uses the pectoral muscles more, or with elbows bent through the whole movement, which puts almost all the force on your lats.
    pump, pumped
    pushdowns, tricep pushdowns
    pyramiding

    Q

    		[ 0-9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z ]
    quads, quadriceps
    the large muscle of the front of the thigh, composed of four heads: the vastus lateralis, vastus intermedius, vastus medialis, and rectus femoris. All of these join at a common tendon attached to the kneecap and all of them are involved in extending the knee joint. The rectus femoris attaches to the pelvic girdle (above the hip joint) rather than to the femur and in addition to extending the knee, it also flexes the hip.
    exercises targeting this muscle include

    R

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    range of motion
    receptor
    a chemical site either within the cell or on the surface of the cell membrane that responds to the presence of a chemical stimulus such as a hormone or neurotransmitter and triggers a series of chemical events that produce a response on a cellular level.
    recovery
    rep, repetition
    a single complete performance of a movement, normally including both the concentric (working against resistance) and eccentric (allowing the weight to move in the direction it would if you let go) phases, so that at the end of one rep, the weight and lifter are back in the position they were in prior to the rep.
    resistance training
    training with weights or other sources of resistance above and beyond the movement itself. Chin-ups are resistance training, jogging is not.
    rest
    rest-pause
    ribose
    ripped
    visibility of fine detail below the level of individual muscles and muscle heads. To be "ripped," it should be easy to identify by sight the striations and muscle bands going across the heads of the deltoid, and the different heads of the quadriceps.
    ROM
    Range Of Motion
    roman chair
    rotator cuff [pic]
    Four muscles (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis) that run from the shoulder blade to the the upper arm, or humerus which together stabilize the shoulder joint.
    routine
    row

    S

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    saturated fats
    fats comprised of fatty acids in which all possible bond positions along the carbon backbone are filled with hydrogens. Saturated fats are solid at room temperature, stable at high temperatures, and have long shelf-lives. While this makes them excellent for frying, especially deep frying, they have no nutritional or metabolic functions beyond providing calories.
    Scott curl
    see preacher curl
    serratus anterior
    the muscle underneath and slightly forward of the armpit that gives this area a ridged appearance; if you can't find this muscle, your bodyfat percentage may be up into double digits.
    set
    a sequence of one or more complete performances of a movement, or rep done as a unit with minimal or no pause in between. When you pick up a barbell, curl it ten times, and then put it down, that is one set of ten reps.
    shrugs
    an exercise for the trapezius performed by standing upright while holding a weight in both hands and lifting the shoulders up and down while the arms remain hanging downwards.
    sissy squat
    situps, sit ups
    six pack
    Defined abdominal muscles, so called because six bulges are visible (three per side) through the skin. The level of bodyfat necessary to see all six varies between individuals and the lower ones usually require the lowest bodyfat levels to bring them out (so, if you have a little too much abdominal fat left, you might have a "four pack" with just the upper four showing.
    skullcrushers
    tricep extensions typically performed while lying on a bench with the upper arms vertical. Grip a barbell in your hands with a pronated grip and arms straight upwards. Bending only your elbows, lower the weight towards the bridge of your nose, then push back to the starting position.
    slow-twitch muscle fibres
    smith machine
    smooth muscle
    muscle tissue lacking the alternating dark and light bands that characterize striated muscle , composed of spindle-shaped cells with containing a single nucleus . Also known as "involuntary muscles" because their contraction and relaxation is not under direct voluntary control. Smooth muscle tissue lines the arteries, intestines, and is generally not attached to bones or ligaments.
    snatch
    soleus
    the underlying head of the calf muscle which together with the gastrocnemius (the other head of the calf muscle) attaches to the heel through the achilles tendon and to the tibia and fibula just below the knee joint.
    sorbitol
    a naturally occuring sugar alcohol commonly used in "sugar-free" products. Its caloric content is similar to ordinary sugar, but it is absorbed more slowly, reducing its glycemic index, but often causing gastric discomfort, gas, and diarrhea when consumed in large quantities because intestinal bacteria have ample time to begin breaking it down before it is absorbed.
    After being absorbed into the bloodstream, sorbitol is converted into fructose.
    spinal erectors, erector spinae
    paired muscles on either side of the spine in the lower back whose function is to straighten the spine
    spot, spotter, spotting
    to "spot" is to provide assistance to another lifter or at least to stand by ready to do so if needed. A spotter for the bench press normally stands behind the lifter and, should the lifter need assistance in raising the weight, touches or grasps the bar and helps lift it upwards.
    squat
    the "king of exercises"; put a bar across your shoulders while you are in a standing position and, keeping your torso as upright as possible, squat down until the tops of your thighs are parallel to the floor or below.
    variations on the squat include:
    squat bar
    a straight bar with knurling in both the center and sides to make it easier to grip and less likely to slip when placed across the back (or at least take more flesh with it if it does slip)
    squat cage
    squat rack
    squat suit
    a very tight, usually neoprene bodysuit worn theoretically for protection, but in reality because it increases the amount of weight that can be lifted by compressing and applying a straightening force to the legs and hips.
    stabilizer
    muscles that assist in the performance of an exercise by steadying the joint or limb being moved, but not increasing the force being applied.
    One of the disadvantages of using machines rather than free weights for training is that many machines take over the task of stabilizing the movement, so that the stabilizing muscles are not trained to nearly the extent that they would have been with free weights.
    stack, weight [pic]
    a pile of weight plates drilled so that they can slide vertically on poles, most often two fixed solid rods and one moveable rod with a series of holes along its length, with a horizonal hole or gap in each plate such that a pin may be inserted through the hole or gap in the plate and into a matching hole in the moveable rod. This weight and all those above it may then be lifted by the moveable rod, which is typically attached to a cable or lever arm.
    stack, supplement or drug
    stance
    foot and leg position during the performance of an exercise, particularly squats and deadlifts . This can make a great difference in the movement and the muscles targeted. For example, a wide stance in the squat allows for a more upright torso and tends to place more stress on the glutes and thigh adductors , while a narrower stance tends to shift stress more to the quads and lower back.
    standard plate
    a weight plate designed to be mounted on a one-inch diameter bar. Usually round with a central hole of about 1-1/8", they are commonly available in 1-1/4, 2-1/2, 5, 10, 25, and 50 pound sizes. Many olympic plates have "standard" written on them, but it's the size of the hole that matters.
    steroid
    stiff-leg deadlift
    striated muscle
    muscle tissue composed of multinucleate cells with alternating dark and light bands. Also known as "voluntary muscles" because their contraction and relaxation can be controlled voluntarily.
    striations
    fine grooves or bands on the surface of a muscle, visible through the skin in ripped bodybuilders.
    stripping
    having one or more spotters remove weights from the bar during a set so that the lifter can continue with a lighter weight after having reached failure
    sublingual
    absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin under the tongue, an area with especially thin skin and a rich blood supply. Bypasses the liver and the rest of the digestive system and exposure to all the acids and enzymes involved.

    see also
    sugar
    Either a generic term for a short-chain carbohydrate or a specific term for sucrose (table sugar). Monosaccharide sugars (simple sugars) include fructose (fruit sugar), glucose (dextrose, grape sugar, corn sugar), galactose. Disaccharide sugars (sugars made from two monosaccharides bonded together) include sucrose (table sugar, cane sugar, or beet sugar), maltose, lactose (milk sugar).
    Sugar content in 100grams of some common beverages
    Food
    Item    		 monosaccharides disaccharides total
    sugars    		 %
    glucose    		 %
    fructose
    GlucoseFructoseGalactoseSucroseLactoseMaltosesorbitol
    Apple2.36.0 2.5  0.511.33164
    Cola4.04.4 2.1 0.1 10.64852
    Grape6.76.5     13.25149
    Skim Milk    4.4  4.4 --
    Orange3.11.9 4.2 0.8 10.06040
    Peach1.01.1 6.0  0.99.04446
    Pear1.76.6 1.7  2.112.12162
    Pineapple2.31.4 4.7  0.89.25141
    Prune23.014.0 0.6  12.749.34729

    * note that % glucose and % fructose values include the glucose and fructose fractions of disaccharides sucrose (one fructose molecule and one glucose molecule bonded together) and maltose (two glucose molecules bonded together)
    sugar alcohol
    Structurally, a hydrogenated sugar molecule with taste and physical properties similar to sugar, but more slowly absorbed by the body. Sugar alcohols include xylitol, mannitol, sorbitol, and malitol, and do appear naturally in some foods. Used in "sugar free" products because of their slow absorbtion rate (important for diabetics and those with hypoglycemia), they still contain calories and count as carbohydrates.
    SuperSlow
    SuperSlow is an exercise protocol whereby the weight is lifted in approximately 10 seconds and lowered in five seconds. It can be used with any kind of resistance equipment: free weights, Nautilus or other machines, or calisthenics (dry land) exercises.
    sumo-style deadlift
    A style of deadlift performed with the feet wider than shoulder-width apart and the arms closer together and in between the knees. As the lifter's torso descends, the knees travel outwards (and slightly forwards). Most lifters can lift more in the conventional deadlift style, but a few can lift more sumo-fashion, and this style also keeps the torso nearly upright through the movement, placing less stress on the lower back.
    supine, supination, supinated
    turning face-up or palm-up
    swiss ball
    A large inflatable ball typically used for support while performing exercises like crunches, leg lifts, hyperextensions, etc. A ball differs from a bench in that it acts as a "bouncy" unstable support, requiring coordination and effort on the part of the lifter to keep from falling over or off.
    A site that sells Swiss balls and has examples of how to use them:
    synergism, synergistic
    a combination of different components or elements which produce a result greater than the sum of the effects that would have been produced by each one separately.
    synergist
    muscles that assist in the performance of an exercise by adding to the force required to execute the movement

    T

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    t-bar row [pic] [pic]
    tapering off
    reducing quantities taken of a drug or supplement at the end of a cycle
    targeted ketogenic diet, TKD
    A ketogenic diet in which a small quantity of high glycemic-index carbohydrates are taken immediately before and/or following a workout to partially replenish muscle glycogen supplies.
    tendon
    a tough cord or band of dense white fibrous connective tissue that connects a muscle with another body part (such as a bone) and transmits the force produced by the constraction of the muscle to produce movement in the body part in question or to use that part as an "anchor" from which to induce movement in another part of the body.
    testosterone
    the primary natural androgenic and anabolic steroid hormone found in the body
    thermogenesis, thermogenic
    The generation of heat, usually through biological processes. Thermogenic drugs, such as ephedrine and caffeine increase the rate at which the body produces heat internally, generally through the mechanisms used to maintain body temperature.
    tibia
    the larger bone of the shin (lower leg)
    TKD
    see targeted ketogenic diet
    topical
    applied to the surface of the skin
    training, styles of

    see also
    transdermal
    "through the skin," as in transdermally-delivered drugs such as testosterone and estrogen patches. Transdermal delivery allows chemicals that would be broken down by the digestive system or destroyed by the liver to pass into the bloodstream. It also can provide a slow and steady level of the chemical rather than a sudden "pulse" when hitting the digestive system.

    see also
    trans-fatty acids
    unsaturated fatty acids that have a "z" shape caused by unsaturated bonds being on alternate sides of the molecule. Naturally formed unsaturated fatty acids are normally in the "cis" configuration, with the unsaturated bonds on the same side of the carbon chain. The trans- configuration is typically produced by the partial hydrogenation of polyunsaturated fatty acids which is done to increase shelf life, heat stability, and thickness.
    Trap Bar, Gerard Trap Bar [pic]
    A weight bar with a diamond-shaped section in the middle, typically used for deadlifts and shrugs. During the exercise, the lifter stands inside the diamond and grips the transverse handholds on either side of the diamond.
    Everything you'd ever want to know about the trap bar can be found at www.trapbar.com

    compare
    trapezius, traps [pic]
    a kite-shaped muscle of the back with the points of the "kite" at the base of the skull, the shoulders, and the center of the lower back. The trapezius is primarily visible as the pair of bulges on either side of the neck.

    exercises for the trapezius include
    tribulus terresteris
    herb or herbal extract supplying protodioscin, which has been shown to increase erectile response in rabbits. It has not, however, been shown to increase total or free testosterone levels and studies on strength and body composition on resistance-trained males have shown reduced gains in the tribulus group compared with the placebo group.
    triceps
    three-headed muscle (hence "tri-") forming the bulk of the back of the arm. Its function is to extend the elbow. Most pushing exercises, including the bench press and military press involve the triceps extensively, especially at the top of the movement
    exercises specifically targeting the triceps include
    triglyceride
    chemical name for fat, usually used when referring to fats in the bloodstream rather than in food. The name comes from the three fatty acid chains that together with the glycerol "backbone" make up the molecule.

    U

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    ug or mcg
    microgram
    unsaturated fats
    fats containing fatty acids with some carbon-carbon double bonds. Saturated fats have all possible positions that could be occupied by a hydrogen atom filled, leaving no double bonds in the carbon chain.
    upregulation
    Increasing the activity or responsiveness of a physiological process by increasing the number of available receptors.
    upright
    One of (usually) a pair of vertical columns usually with hooks or other supports at the top and/or along the side to support one end of a barbell. These are typically found on either side of a bench or an area used for performing squats. A power cage is essentially four uprights bolted together with a platform or crossbars.
    upright row
    uptake
    Absorbtion or incorporation of a substance, especially into a cell or tissue.

    V

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    vanadyl, vanadium
    vascularity
    visibility of veins
    vitamin
    a micronutrient that is necessary for the continued normal functioning of the body
    viagra
    brand name of sildenafil, a selective type 5 cGMP phosphodiesterase inhibitor, which enhances nitric-oxide-dependent vasodilation in the corpus cavernosum, thus increasing erectile response in males suffering from impotence; note that viagra does not initiate or increase sexual drive or desire or affect testosterone levels.
    volume, training volume
    number of repetitions done in a training regimen; training is high-volume if many repetitions are done, whether in many individual sets, circuit training, or just spending all day pumping away at the weights.

    W

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    warm-up
    wash-board abs
    see six pack
    weight class
    Weider, Ben
    Weider, Joe
    "Weider Principles"
    Einstein may have been unsuccessful in his attempts to create a unified field theory, but this has done nothing to discourage Joe Weider in his campaign to unify the field of weightlifting and bodybuilding by naming any and all practices and techniques "The Weider [X] Principle" where [X] stands for, well, pretty much anything. If you aren't following any recognizable training style and just do whatever comes to mind, you can rest assured that you are actually following the "Weider Instinctive Training Principle" or perhaps the "Weider Muscle Confusion Principle," depending on whether you're at all consistent about it from one workout to another.
    Wilks Formula
    Named after Robert Wilks, a formula used to determine the best lifter or lift of powerlifters of different body weights.
    Tables of Wilks Formula coefficients may be found at these websites
    working "down the rack"
    using a sequence of dumbbells or (less commonly) barbells with decreasing weights, a lifter performs an exercise to failure with one weight and then immediately switches to the next ligher weight. By the time you have completed working "down the rack," you may not be able to lift your arms, straighten them completely, or you may simply be shaking from the kind of agonizing pain that tells you, "wow, that was a good workout!"

    X

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    Y

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    Yohimbe, yohimbine

    Z

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    "The Zone"



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