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In this article, we explain what the various acronyms commonly used in the world of fitness and bodybuilding mean.
What is an acronym?
The dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy defines an acronym as a set of initials arranged in such a way that they can be pronounced as if they were a word. For example, EPOC would be the acronym for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, although, as we will see later, in the field of fitness the same acronym has a very different meaning.
Many of us who love this sporting discipline seek out the best information in order to improve our sporting performance and give a little more in our training every day, and in it we may find numerous acronyms that we do not initially understand and that therefore make it difficult for us to understand the text.
Meaning of the most commonly used acronyms in fitness
Below, we show you a list with the meanings of the acronyms most commonly used in the field of fitness:
- AMRAP (As many repetitions as possible): This is a term generally used in Crosstraining, which refers to the need to complete as many rounds of exercises as possible within a limited time.
- ATG (Ass to grass): This term literally refers to bringing the buttocks down to the ground and is used when referring to performing deep squats.
- BW (Body Wheight): It literally means body weight and is used because this information can sometimes be applied to performing various exercises.
- BMI (Body Mass Index): This refers to body mass index, which determines the suitability of weight in relation to height but does not take into account information as important as body fat and muscle mass percentages.
- BF (Body Fat): This refers to the body's percentage of body fat.
- BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate): This means Basal Metabolic Rate and refers to the calories our body consumes daily solely to maintain its various physiological processes.
- CNS (Central Nervous System): These are the initials for Central Nervous System and are widely used both to explain muscle physiology and to describe the action of certain nutritional supplements.
- DOMS (Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness): Literally translated, it means “Initially Delayed Muscle Soreness” and refers to muscle pain caused by damage to the fibres that is experienced in the hours following training.
- EPOC (Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption): This term refers to the stress generated by high-intensity physical exercise, which results in an oxygen deficit that the body must balance once training has ended.
- HIT (High Intensity Training): This refers to a type of training that establishes that, to obtain the best results in weightlifting, we must work at a high intensity.
- HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training): This is training that combines high-intensity intervals with short recovery periods. It is one of the best approaches for losing body fat.
- HR (Heart Rate): This refers to heart rate.
- LISS (Low-Intensity Steady-State): This refers to working in a linear manner and at a moderate intensity; it generally applies to cardiovascular exercise and aims to burn more body fat.
- MHR (Maximum Heart Rate): This is the maximum heart rate value and is calculated taking the person's age into account.
- REP and SET: These are abbreviations for repetitions and sets.
- REST: This indicates rest between sets and exercises.
- REST DAY: This refers to the rest day.
- ROM (Range Of Motion): This means range of motion and refers to the movement pattern needed to perform an exercise with perfect technique.
- THR (Target Heart Rate): This refers to the target heart rate at which we want to exercise; monitoring this parameter helps maintain a constant pace as well as monitor the person's health.
- TUT (Time Under Tension): This translates as time under tension and refers to the time the muscle is working; the greater the TUT, the more muscle hypertrophy will be generated.
- VO2 Max: This refers to the amount or volume of oxygen our body can consume when exercising at its maximum capacity.