Fitness Lingo 101: 10 Must-Know Terms Defined

My husband says I speak another language when I start talking about workouts. I don’t quite understand, though. All I said to him was that I started my workout with a Tabata, moved into a fun strength EMOM, and finished with an AMRAP. I mean, what didn’t he understand? 💁🏻‍♀️😂 If you’re unsure of some of the terminology thrown around in fitness, here are 10 commonly used terms in my workouts and a quick definition:

Interval training

Any training (strength or cardio) involving a series of high-intensity exercises interspersed with rest or lower-intensity training. For example, a walk/run program is an interval training program.

Tabata

High-intensity interval training featuring 20-second work intervals followed by 10-second recovery intervals for eight cycles.

EMOM

Acronym for ‘every minute on minute’. It’s a form of interval training with the goal of completing a certain number of reps of a particular exercise within 60 seconds, using whatever time remains in that minute for rest.

AMRAP

Acronym for ‘as many rounds/reps as possible’. In the most basic terms, AMRAP workouts involve picking an exercise (or series of exercises) and then completing as many repetitions or rounds of that pattern as possible in a set amount of time. Typically, that means you rest as little as possible. Try this fun AMRAP.

HIIT

Stands for high-intensity interval training and consists of short bursts of intense work followed by a quick recovery, then returning to the tough work. It’s important to note here that the high intensity can be subjective. What may be low intensity for one person may be high intensity for another.

Metabolic Conditioning (also known as Metcons)

Like HIIT, metabolic conditioning often refers to high-intensity exercise that utilizes strength-based exercises, body weight, or a combination of both. But metabolic conditioning is also an oxymoron. Because any type of muscle contraction makes your metabolism start the chemical process needed for energy, so in theory, standing up from your chair (which requires your metabolism to fuel your muscles to do so) could be called metabolic conditioning. In the fitness arena, however, a metcon is commonly defined as a workout that combines strength and cardio training—anaerobic and aerobic exercises.

Power Training

We did a lot of power training in my last challenge, the Unstoppable Challenge Vol 2. I love using it in our workouts because power is something that diminishes with age, and power training also targets the fast-twitch muscle fibres, which shrink as we age. So what the heck is it? Power is the ability to exert the highest amount of force in the shortest time. While strength training involves the ability to overcome resistance, power training involves the ability to overcome that resistance in the shortest time possible. Think plyo push-ups, jump squats, power cleans, snatches, kettlebell swings, ball slams, and box jumps, to name a few.

Core Training

Let’s discuss core training versus an abdominal workout. When we say “core,” we’re referring to a whole bunch of muscles in your torso, not just your six-pack abs. Your core consists of around 20 muscles, including those famous abs. These muscles work together to keep your hips, shoulders, and spine stable, help you stand tall, and assist in various everyday movements, such as bending, twisting, and lifting.

Compound exercises

Any exercise that incorporates multiple muscle groups, like lunges, squats, chest presses, and rows. If there is more than one joint moving, then you are performing a compound exercise.

DOMS

DOMS stands for delayed onset muscle soreness, which is the soreness you feel the day or two after a hard workout. This happens because when you’re working out, you’re damaging muscle fibres (that’s a good thing!). The muscle then repairs and rebuilds, and that’s how you get stronger. The soreness and pain you feel from DOMS come from the chemicals that set off pain receptors during the repair process. This soreness may last anywhere from 24 to 72 hours after your workout.

Hi, I’m PJ Wren.

I’ve been working with people of all ages, all fitness abilities, and varying fitness goals for over two decades.

I’ve helped thousands of women over the years who are just like you, feel more energized, stronger, and more confident in their bodies. I turn gym goers and non-believers of getting fit at home into believers, with at-home workouts that will give you the results you want, no gym equipment or crazy diet required!

I’m passionate about women over 40 because I am over 40 myself.

I know what it feels like to be middle-aged, and what it’s like to have a hot flash while looking for my bloody reading glasses.

I’m honoured you choose me, in the HUGE ocean of fitness professionals, to help you get fit, get strong and get fierce.

I promise to only give it to ya straight while listening to what you want, and what you need.

ox PJ

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