lifter reading dictionaryAs you progress in your resistance training journey, you'll likely encounter a variety of terms and acronyms that may be unfamiliar to you. Understanding these terms and acronyms can help understand your workouts and track your progress, as well as for communicating with other lifters and trainers. This post will explore some of the most common terminologies in resistance training, including definitions and explanations of key terms and acronyms.

One common term in resistance training is DOMS, which stands for Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness. DOMS is muscle soreness that often occurs a day or two after a workout and is caused by microscopic tears in the muscle fibers. DOMS is a normal muscle-building process and can be relieved through proper nutrition, hydration, and rest.


Another common term in resistance training is PR, which stands for Personal Record. A PR is a lifter's best performance in a particular exercise, such as the heaviest weight lifted or the most reps performed. PRs are often used as benchmarks for tracking progress and setting new goals in resistance training.


Other standard terms in resistance training include:


  • Rep: A rep, or repetition, is a single performance of an exercise. For example, one rep of a bicep curl would be lifting the weight up and down once.

  • Set: A set is a group of reps performed consecutively without rest. For example, three sets of eight reps would be three groups of eight reps performed in a row.

  • Superset: A super set is a type of training in which two exercises are performed back to back without rest. Super sets are often used to increase the intensity and burn more calories.

  • Plateau: A plateau is when progress slows or stalls in resistance training. Plateaus are normal and can be overcome through various strategies, such as changing your workouts, increasing intensity, or taking a break from training.

  • Warm-up: A warm-up is a series of exercises performed before a workout to prepare the body for more intense exercise. Warm-ups can help prevent injury and improve performance.


By understanding these and other terms and acronyms, you can better understand your workouts and track your progress in resistance training. In addition, as you become more familiar with these terms and their meanings, you'll be better equipped to communicate with other lifters and trainers and to make informed decisions about your training. So don't be afraid to ask questions and seek more information; keep learning and growing as you pursue your fitness goals!