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This is a blog to clear the fog around some of the commonly used gym-lingo.

We hope you can refer back to this blog if you come across something you’re unsure of.

Many people seem to correlate certain acronyms to certain training styles, for example EMOM is often associated with cross fit style training and 1RM with powerlifting and bodybuilding training.

Firstly, lets start with some of the most common ones we get asked about and provide some examples of training sessions which include each one. 

EMOM

Simply put, the EMOM meaning is every minute on the minute.

During an EMOM workout you have 1 minute to perform a certain amount of work, as soon as you finish working, you have the remainder of the minute to rest.

Below we have detailed a basic EMOM workout example to help you visualise how it would be programmed. 

The workout is a total of 16 minutes, with 8 sets of each exercise. As soon as the next minute begins, start your exercise and complete the required reps and then rest until the next minute begins where you will be carrying out the alternate exercise. 

AMRAP

The definition of AMRAP is as many rounds as possible.

An AMRAP workout will have a set number of minutes on the timer and you simply work as hard as you can to complete maximum rounds within the given time.

For example a 10 minute AMRAP; perform as many rounds as possible in 10 minutes.

Below is an AMRAP workout example for you to try and familiarise yourself with this style of training. 

Below we have detailed a wide variety of gym lingo and the definitions for you to refer back to whenever necessary.  

 

• Rep = Repetition
  10 reps means perform 10 repetitions
  
  
• Set = A set number of repetitions
  3 sets of 10 reps means perform 3 rounds of 10 reps, with rest in between
  
  
• KB = Kettlebell
• DB = Dumbbell
• BB = Barbell
• BW = Bodyweight
  
  
• S/A = Single Arm.
  Perform an exercise one arm at a time
  
  
• S/L = Single Leg
  Perform an exercise one leg at a time
  
  
• E/S = Each Side
  E.g. you might see 5 reps e/s, meaning you should do 5 reps each side
  
  
• YGIG = You-Go-I-Go
  When working in pairs, one partner works whilst the other rests, then swap and repeat.
  
  
• EMOM = Every Minute On The Minute
  You have 1 minute to perform a certain amount of work, as soon as you finish working, you have the remainder of the minute to rest.
  
  
• E2MOM = Every 2 Minutes On The Minute 
  You have 2 minutes to perform a certain amount of work, as soon as you finish working, you have the remainder of the 2 minutes to rest.
  (this number can be replaced with any other number)
  
  
• AMRAP = As Many Rounds As Possible
  e.g. 10 minute AMRAP; perform as many rounds as possible in 10 minutes.
  
  
• AFAP = As Fast As Possible
  Complete a certain amount of work in as short a time as possible.
  
  
• AHAP = As Heavy As Possible
  
  
• HIIT = High Intensity Interval Training
  Normally time based interval training, often using bodyweight exercises.
  
  
• HIT = High Intensity Training
  Intensity in this case meaning weight used. Normally low volume but high effort training… i.e. you may only do 1-2 reps but you go to complete failure in each set.
  
  
• HR = Heart Rate
  
  
• ZONE 2
  A heart rate that is roughly 60-70% of your maximum heart rate.
  
  
• RFT = Rounds For Time
  E.g. 5RFT, perform 5 rounds as fast as you can manage
  
  
• RFQ = Rounds For Quality
  E.g. 5RFQ, perform 5 rounds at a sustainable pace
  
  
• Tabata = 8 rounds of 20s work / 10s rest
  
  
• RM = Rep Max
  e.g. “my 5RM is 60kg” / work up to your 5RM means to find the heaviest weight you can perform 5 perfect reps with.
  
  
• METCON = Metabolic Conditioning
  A workout that focuses on improving your energy systems
  
  
• CTF = Chest To Floor
  When performing burpees, going all the way to the ground.
  
  
• PR = Personal Record  /  PB = Personal Best
  
  
• BFSU = Butterfly Sit Up