PHRASES, TERMS, TIPS
& GUIDELINES
B E G I N N E R ’ S G U I D E L I N E S
•Work out at least two times a week.
•Include six to eight exercises that train major muscle groups.
•Perform two or three sets of at least eight to 12 repetitions.
AEROBIC
Exercise that primarily uses oxygen to burn fuel at low to moderate levels of intensity. Running and jogging are examples of aerobic exercise.
EXERCISE LARGE MUSCLES FIRST
You should work your large muscle groups first (ie. squat, bench press, lat pulldown) before you exercise your small muscle groups (ie. bicep curls, tricep pressdowns, lateral raises).
ANAEROBIC
Exercise that primarily uses the body’s stored fuel for energy. Intense weightlifting is an example of an anaerobic exercise.
EXERCISE PROGRAM DURATION
A weight training routine should take anywhere from 45 minutes to one hour to complete. Add another 20 to 60 minutes when you include stretching,
ATROPHY
Decrease of a muscle caused by the decrease in the size of its cells because of inactivity.
BALLISTIC STRETCHING
A stretching technique that involves a bouncing or bobbing movement during the stretch. The final position is not held. This is not a recommended stretching technique.
BREATHING
Never hold your breath during any part of an exercise. Holding your breath may cause severe
CARDIOVASCULAR
Referring to the heart, lungs, and other periphery systems involved in the transport of oxygen throughout the body.
CHALLENGE YOUR MUSCLES
All strength training should progress gradually, using increases in weight until your goals are reached. Then, change your workout to include increased reps or a higher weight resistance. Alter the order of your exercises, perform multiple sets or different exercises to maintain results or reach new goals.
CHANGE ROUTINE
Beginner’s please note: If you want to make changes in the exercise routine that you do, wait until about the six to eight week point. Advanced lifters may want to change routines to avoid plateus in gaining size or strength.
CIRCUIT TRAINING
Exercise stations that consist of various combinations of weight training, flexibility, calisthenics, and aerobic exercise.
CONCENTRIC MUSCLE ACTION
The muscle shortens while contracting against resistance.
ECCENTRIC MUSCLE ACTION
The muscle lengthens while contracting against resistance.
EXERCISE FREQUENCY
Exercise each muscle group
GIVE YOUR MUSCLES A REST
You’ll get the most out of strength training if you give your muscles at least 48 hours rest to recover and rebuild between strength training workouts.
HYPERTROPHY
Enlargement of a muscle caused by an increase in the size of its cells in response to weight training.
INTENSITY
The degree to which the body is worked during exercise.
ISOKINETIC EXERCISE
Resistance is given at a fixed velocity of movement with accommodating intensity. A machine that moves you through an entire range of motion at a preset speed and will not change no matter how much pressure is put forth by the individual.
ISOMETRIC EXERCISE
Contracts the muscle statically without changing its length. Example: Attempting to lift a weight heavier than you can handle, but cannot move.
ISOTONIC EXERCISE
Shortens and lengthens the muscle through a complete range of motion. This defines weight training with full range of motion.
MUSCLE FATIGUE
Fatigue is when you can’t possibly do another rep without sacrificing form.
MUSCULAR ENDURANCE
The ability to perform repetitive muscular contractions against some resistance.
MUSCULAR STRENGTH
The maximum force that can be applied by a muscle during a single maximum contraction.
OSTEOPOROSIS
A decrease in bone density.
PLYOMETRIC EXERCISE
A technique that includes specific exercises which encompass a rapid stretch of a muscle eccentrically, followed immediately by a rapid concentric contraction of that muscle for the purpose of facilitating and developing a forceful explosive movement over a short period of time. Examples of these are using medicine balls for upper extremity and depth jumping for lower extremeity.
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