There are many different terms that you will hear when you begin weight training. The following defines various terms that will help you understand what you are doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Repetitions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Repetitions are more commonly called, “reps.” A rep refers to the number of times you perform an action. One repetition starts and ends in the same position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, if you are doing a biceps curl, you would start out with your elbow in a straightened position, flex (bend) it with the dumbbell, and then bring the elbow back into a straightened position. That would be one rep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sets<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A set consists of a number of repetitions. For example, you may hear someone say he is going to do “three sets of ten.” That means he is going to do ten repetitions, take a rest, do ten more repetitions, take a second rest, and then do ten more repetitions, and then be done with that particular weight lifting exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Routine<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This refers to the various exercises that you perform. Your routine often will consist of working out different muscle groups on different days of the week, in order that your body can recuperate. Therefore, you may work out your chest and arms on Mondays, your legs on Wednesdays, and your core and back on Fridays. It all depends on what you are trying to achieve. A personal trainer can help you set up a routine that works best for you, and to help you meet your goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Free Weights<\/p>\n\n\n\n Examples of free weights are dumbbells, kettlebells, or weights that you place on bars. Free weights do not involve machines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Machines<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Machines are the opposite of free weights. The weights are already located on the machines, and you use pin adjustments to choose the amount of weight. There are also adjustments on the machines that allow you to set them according to your height, length of legs, body size, and so forth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bodyweight Exercises<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Doing these kinds of exercises involves only using your own body weight to strengthen itself. A couple examples include wall sitting, and the plank position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Weight lifting<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This involves the use of weights to tone, strengthen, and\/or build muscles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Strength Training<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n It involves exercises that increase your strength. There are different types of strength training, one of which is weight lifting. Bodyweight exercises also fall in the category of one strategy for strength training. Resistance strength training is another type that can involve the use of therapeutic resistance bands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n