Getting into strength training for the first time? Been hearing some unfamiliar terms at the gym? Here’s some of the most common lingo you’ll need to know:
AMRAP: Stands for “as many reps as possible.” You’ll do as many reps as you possibly can, while still maintaining good form!
Circuit: Performing multiple exercises in a row. For example, performing one set each of exercises A, B, C, D, and E, then repeating all exercises again starting with A.
Rep: One performance of a single exercise. E.g. “one rep” of a squat is performing one squat. 10 reps is 10 squats.
Rest: Not a nap, but a strategic break! In a workout context, rest is recovering from one set to get ready for the next one.
RPE: Stands for “rate of perceived exertion," and uses a scale from one (sitting on the couch) to 10 (100 per cent effort, sustainable for only a few seconds).
Set: The number of repetitions performed without stopping. You may encounter instructions like “four sets of six to eight reps”, or “three sets of 10-12 reps.”
Straight set: Performing sets of an exercise without alternating it with another exercise, taking a short rest break in between sets.
Superset: Performing two exercises in an alternating manner; one set of Exercise A, then a set of Exercise B, then back to Exercise A.
Karina Inkster is a qathet region health and fitness coach, author of five books, and host of the No-B.S. Vegan podcast.
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