Fitness Glossary: Know Your Terms
Just getting started? We’ve got you covered. This quick glossary explains the terms you’ll see in your $3 Workout Guides.
No gym lingo, just plain English. If you ever feel confused, come back here.
Bodyweight Exercises
Calisthenics are exercises that use your own body weight for resistance—like push-ups, squats, or planks. These movements help build strength, mobility, and endurance without the need for equipment.
Fast-Paced Workout Flow
A circuit is a series of exercises performed one after another, with little to no rest between. Once all exercises are completed, you may repeat the entire set for multiple rounds.
Slow It Down
A cool-down involves light movement and stretching at the end of your workout. It helps your heart rate return to normal, reduces muscle stiffness, and supports recovery.
Maxing Out
Reaching failure means performing an exercise until you physically can’t do another rep with good form. It’s a way to push your limits, but should be done safely and sparingly. If you reach this point, it is time to stop.
Technique Matters
Form refers to how you position and move your body during an exercise. Proper form helps prevent injuries and ensures you’re targeting the right muscles effectively.
Make It Work for You
Modifications are adjusted versions of an exercise to fit your current fitness level. Whether easier or harder, they help you keep moving and progressing at your own pace.
Leveling Up
Progression means increasing difficulty over time like adding reps, weight, or trying more complex moves. It’s key to building strength and seeing results.
One Move, One Rep
The number of times you repeat a specific exercise (e.g. 30 squats = 30 reps).
Important Note:
If a workout calls for 30 reps, but you can only do 20 right now — that's OK. These numbers are goals, not rules. Do what you can, rest when needed, and keep working toward completing the full set. Progress is the point, not perfection.Recharge Breaks
The short break between sets or exercises. Usually 30–90 seconds depending on the workout. This can also vary based on your level of fatigue. Rest allows your muscles to recover just enough to keep pushing.
Grouped Reps
A set is a group of reps. "3 sets of 30" means you’ll do 30 reps three times, with breaks in between.
Focus Zone
This is the specific muscle group or body part that an exercise is meant to strengthen—like abs, legs, or glutes. Targeted training helps you work on your personal goals.
Get Ready to Move
A warm-up is a short series of light exercises to raise your heart rate and loosen muscles. It prepares your body for a safe, effective workout.
