Exercise is essential to your health. And while there's no one way to work out, getting into better shape can be easier when you're comfortable with the language and terminology of the fitness world.
A List of Helpful Fitness Terms:
"Sets" and "Reps"
These are the building blocks of any workout.
"Reps" is short for repetitions, or the number of times that you perform any given exercise in your workout.
The sets in a workout tell you how many times you will repeat a particular number of repetitions of a given exercise.
Example: a workout may call for 3 sets of 15 pushups
This means you should:
Do 15 pushups.
Then take a quick break (not more than 20 seconds).
Then do 15 more pushups.
Then take one more break.
Then do 15 more pushups a 3rd time.
"Core" Muscles
Your Core refers to the muscles in your pelvis, lower back, hips and abdomen ("abs") to work in harmony.
Core muscles are the foundation of many if not most of the movements our bodies make. They stabilize and protect our spine, provide the power we need to lift, carry, bend, reach, swing... pretty much everything
Weak core muscles can also leave you susceptible to poor posture, lower back pain and muscle injuries. Strengthening core muscles may also help improve back pain.
Mobility and Flexibility
Mobility is the ability of a joint to move freely through a full range of motion without pain or discomfort.
Flexibility has to do with muscles and refers to a muscle's ability to lengthen fully (in other words, to stretch)
These two qualities are related (flexibility impacts mobility) and both are important to your fitness and health
Functional Strength
This refers to the ability of your muscles to work together. A healthy workout shouldn't focus on a single muscle, but rather on groups of muscles that together allow you to better perform your daily activities and help you stay active.