The world of bodybuilding is very rich in detail, as are many other sports that require great physical endurance from their athletes.
That’s why we’ve created a bodybuilding glossary, bringing you the main terms used in bodybuilding that you need to know in order to venture into the sport, or simply to enjoy it as a good fan and spectator.
Knowing the bodybuilding glossary is essential, first of all, for athletes, so that they can communicate in the best possible way with their coaches.
With this knowledge, it’s easier for personal trainers and nutritionists to understand the athlete’s goals, aiming for the best training and diet to meet their needs.
The more knowledge about bodybuilding is obtained, the greater the chances of an athlete achieving the results they want, becoming a complete bodybuilder who can compete in the best tournaments and stand out.
That’s why we’re bringing you the bodybuilding glossary, introducing you to the main terms used by those who practice this sport. Find out more about bulk, cardio, cutting, deadlift and many other words.
So let’s get to know the bodybuilding glossary, shall we?
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Bodybuilding glossary: complete list
Before we break down the main terms in the sport, let’s check out the list of words in our bodybuilding glossary. Among the main terms are muscle definition, training volume, testosterone and more!
See:
- Bulk
- Cardio
- Cutting
- Deadlift
- Muscle definition
- Flexible Diet (IIFYM – If It Fits Your Macros)
- Muscle Hypertrophy
- Macronutrients (Macros)
- Basal metabolism
- Overtraining
- Peaking
- Periodization
- Training Plan
- Pre-Workout
- Post-Workout
- Superset
- Testosterone
- Training Volume
- WOD (Workout of the Day)
Bodybuilding glossary: understand the sport’s main terms
Now, finally, let’s find out what the main bodybuilding terms mentioned here mean.
Bulk
Bulking is the phase of training in which the athlete seeks to increase muscle mass, usually accompanied by a calorie surplus in the diet.
Cardio
Cardio is aerobic exercise done to improve cardiovascular health and aid fat loss. They can be done on the treadmill, elliptical or bicycle.
Cutting
In bodybuilding, cutting is the phase of training that aims to reduce the athlete’s body fat percentage, which is usually accompanied by a calorie deficit in the diet.
Deadlift
The deadlift in bodybuilding is a compound exercise that involves lifting weight from the floor to an upright position, working mainly the back and leg muscles.
Muscle definition
Muscle definition is the name used in bodybuilding to determine the degree of visibility of the muscles, resulting from a low percentage of body fat.
Flexible Diet (IIFYM – If It Fits Your Macros)
Flexible dieting is a dietary approach to bodybuilding that aims to achieve specific macronutrient targets, allowing greater flexibility in food choice.
Muscle hypertrophy
In bodybuilding, muscle hypertrophy means an increase in muscle size, which is usually achieved through resistance training and a proper diet.
Macronutrients (Macros)
Macronutrients in bodybuilding are the main nutrients consumed in the diet. These include proteins, carbohydrates and fats.
Basal metabolism
The amount of energy the body needs to maintain vital functions at rest.
Overtraining
In bodybuilding, overtraining is a state in which the body is subjected to an excessive volume of physical exercise without adequate rest, leading to a decrease in performance and possible injuries. That’s why you need to be on your guard.
Peaking
In bodybuilding, athletes call peaking the strategies used to maximize physical performance and aesthetic appearance before a competition in the sport.
Periodization
Periodization, in bodybuilding, is a method of organizing training that involves systematically varying the intensity, volume and modality of training over time.
Training Plan
In bodybuilding, competing athletes have access to a training plan, a structured program of physical exercises designed to achieve specific fitness or aesthetic goals.
Pre-workout
Pre-workout supplements are those consumed before training to increase energy, focus and performance during exercise.
Post-workout
In bodybuilding, the post-workout meal is eaten immediately after training to provide the nutrients needed for muscle recovery and rebuilding.
Superset
In bodybuilding, there is the superset, which means performing two consecutive exercises without rest between them, in order to increase the intensity of the workout and speed up the muscle-building process.
Testosterone
Testosterone is much talked about in bodybuilding, as it is an essential steroid hormone for muscle development and general health.
Training Volume
In bodybuilding, training volume is the total amount of work done during an exercise session, including number of sets, repetitions and load used.
WOD (Workout of the Day)
WOD (Workout of the Day), in bodybuilding, is a specific workout prescribed for one day, common in disciplines such as CrossFit.
Bodybuilding glossary: complete list
- Bulk
- Cardio
- Cutting
- Deadlift
- Muscle definition
- Flexible Diet (IIFYM – If It Fits Your Macros)
- Muscle Hypertrophy
- Macronutrients (Macros)
- Basal metabolism
- Overtraining
- Peaking
- Periodization
- Training Plan
- Pre-Workout
- Post-Workout
- Superset
- Testosterone
- Training Volume
- WOD (Workout of the Day)
After checking out the bodybuilding glossary, you’re ready to take another step in your knowledge of the sport. By understanding what these terms mean, you can not only follow the championships and understand what’s going on, but you can also prepare yourself to become a bodybuilder.
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