3-Day Dietary Record - A common fitness and nutrition intake form that allows clients to log their food consumption for three consecutive days to observe their habits
A
Abdominal Bracing - Activation of the trunk muscles to support the spine
Abnormal Pain Perception Processing - An increase in the subjective interpretation of discomfort due to abnormal sensory processing in the central nervous system
Acceleration - The rate of change of velocity
Accessory Exercises - Supplementary focused movements or exercises that strengthen synergist and supporting muscles to help a person better perform a primary movement
Acetylcholine - The neurotransmitter released by an action potential at the neuromuscular junction
Acidosis - When the kidneys and lungs cannot keep the body’s pH in balance due to excess acid in body fluids
Actin - The thin filaments of muscle myofilaments where myosin binds to contract muscles
Action Plan - A set of individualized written instructions, designed with a doctor, that details how a person with asthma should manage their asthma at home
Action Potential - An explosion of electrical activity caused by a neural impulse
Activation Exercises - Low-intensity exercises that bring on additional blood flow and activate the nervous control of a muscle. Often used as part of a specific warm-up or as part of corrective exercise programming
Active Listening - Paraphrasing or stating in one’s own words what someone has just said
Active Range Of Motion - A muscle or group of muscles contract to create a range of motion
Active Recovery - Low-intensity exercise or activity that can promote and accelerate muscular and metabolic recovery
Active Stretching - A muscle actively contracting to stretch another
Activities Of Daily Living - The tasks usually performed in the course of a normal day in a person’s life, such as eating, toileting, dressing, bathing, or brushing the teeth
Activity Level Factor (ALF) - Multipliers that reflect varying levels of activity
Activity Limitation - The quantitative and qualitative measure of disability referring to difficulties experienced by an individual in executing a task or action
Acute Injury - Describes a type of injury or an illness that is of rapid onset and progress
Alzheimer’s Disease - A progressive mental deterioration that can occur in middle or old age, due to generalized degeneration of the brain
Amenorrhea - The absence or cessation of a menstrual cycle in females
American Heart Association (AHA) - A nonprofit organization that funds cardiovascular research and educates consumers on healthy living and good cardiac care
Amino Acids - A simple organic compound known as the building block of proteins
Anabolic - The process of creating larger molecules from smaller units
Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids (AAS) - Synthetic variations of the male sex hormone testosterone
Anabolism - The building of complex molecules in the body from more simple, smaller molecules
Anaerobic - Without or not requiring oxygen
Anaerobic Exercise - Short-duration muscle contractions that break down glucose without using oxygen
Anaerobic Glycolysis - The anaerobic energy system converting glucose to lactate when oxygen is limited
Anaerobic Threshold - The point at which the body switches from aerobic metabolism to primarily anaerobic metabolism
Anatomical Position - The anatomically neutral body position facing forward with the arms at the sides of the body and palms and toes pointing straight ahead
Anemia - A condition marked by a deficiency of red blood cells or of hemoglobin in the blood resulting in extreme fatigue
Angina - A condition marked by severe chest pain
Angiogenesis - The development of new blood vessels
Angular Displacement - The change of location of an object that is rotating about an axis
Angular Motion - Rotation around an axis
Animal Products - Any material derived from the body of an animal, including dairy products, eggs, honey, and gelatin
Antagonist - Muscle(s) opposing the mechanical movement of a prime mover
Antibodies - Blood proteins that combine with other substances in the body to recognize foreign bodies as part of the immune response
Anticatabolic - Properties that protect muscle mass from being broken down
Antioxidants - Substances that protect the body from free radicals and the cellular damage they cause
Aorta - The main artery in the body that supplies oxygenated blood to the circulatory system
Appendicular Skeleton - The bones of the shoulder girdle, pelvic girdle, and limbs
Arteries - Blood vessels carrying oxygenated blood away from the heart and to the tissues
Arterioles - The smaller branches of the arteries leading to the capillaries
Arthrokinematics - The broad term meaning joint motion that can be used in reference to all joint motions
Articular Capsule - The envelope surrounding a synovial joint
Articular Cartilage - A form of hyaline cartilage located on the joint surface of bones
Articulation - The ability to pronounce distinctly—to enunciate
Ascending Pyramids - Lighter weights are used to start the workout, and they get progressively higher with subsequent sets
Asthma - A respiratory condition marked by spasms in the bronchi of the lungs, causing difficulty in breathing
Atherosclerosis - The buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in the artery walls
ATP/CP Energy Pathway - The anaerobic energy system that provides rapid energy using creatine phosphate to generate ATP
Atrioventricular (AV) Node - The nerve node between the right atrium and right ventricle that propagates the electrical signal from the SA note to more distal heart nerves that cause ventricular contraction
Atrioventricular (AV) Valves - Valves between the atria and ventricles preventing the backward flow of blood during cardiac contractions
Atrium - One of the two upper cavities of the heart passing blood to the ventricles. The plural is “atria.”
Atrophy - The wasting away or loss of muscle tissue
Auditory Cortex - The region of the temporal lobe responsible for hearing
Auditory Learners - People who learn by hearing information
Autogenic Inhibition - The decrease in excitability of a contracting or stretched muscle arising from the Golgi tendon organ
Automated External Defibrillator (AED) - A portable electronic device that can identify and electrically correct heart arrythmias, ventricular fibrillation, and tachycardia
Autonomic Nervous System - The part of the nervous system responsible for involuntary functions and movement
Autonomy - The need for self-governance and control over one’s own behaviors
Axial Skeleton - The bones of the head, trunk, and vertebrae
Axis - point of rotation around which a lever moves
Axon - The thin tail-like structure of a neuron that generates and conducts nerve impulses
B
Baby Boomers - A person born in the years following World War II, when there was a temporary marked increase in the birth rate
Balance - An even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to maintain its center of gravity within a base of support
Balance Training - Exercises to strengthen the stabilizer muscles and prime movers of the core and legs to improve dynamic stability
Ballistic Stretching - Uses the momentum of the body or limb to move it through and beyond a normal range of motion. This technique uses bobbing, bouncing, pulsing, or jerking to achieve a stretch
Ballistic Training - A form of power training involving throwing weights or jumping with weights to improve explosive power
Base Of Support - The area beneath an object or person that includes every point of contact that the object or person makes with the supporting surface
Behavior - An action that can be observed, measured, and modified
Beta-alanine - A nonessential amino acid that is naturally produced by the body
Beta Blockers - One of the most widely prescribed classes of drugs to treat hypertension
Bile - A bitter greenish-brown alkaline fluid aiding digestion, secreted by the liver and stored in the gallbladder
Bioavailability - The amount of a substance that enters the circulation when introduced into the body and is effective
Bioelectrical impedance Analysis (BIA) - A method for body composition measurement using a weak electrical current to measure the resistance of body tissues
Bioenergetics - The study of how energy is transformed in living organisms
Biological Value (BV) - The percentage of protein used by the body
Biomechanics - The study of the mechanical laws governing movement of living organisms
Bipedal Locomotion - A form of locomotion in which a person moves from one place to another using the legs
Bipennate Muscle - Muscle fibers extending from both sides of a central tendon
Block Periodization - Highly concentrated, specialized workloads focused on achieving maximum adaptation
Blood Pressure - The force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries during the two phases of the cardiac cycle
Blood Viscosity - The thickness and “stickiness” of blood and how it affects its flow through the blood vessels
Blood Volume - The total volume of blood within the circulatory system of an individual
Body Composition - The physical makeup of the body considering fat mass and lean mass
Body Density - The compactness of the body determined by dividing its mass by its volume
Body Language - Communication of a nonverbal form with gestures or body movement
Body Mass Index (BMI) - A predictive health measure of weight divided by height
Body Weight Exercises - Movements performed with no additional load other than what the exerciser’s body provides
Bone Marrow - The soft, spongelike tissue in the center of most bones containing stem cells of red or white blood cells or platelets
Botanical - Substance obtained from a plant and used as an additive
Brain Stem - The trunk of the brain, consisting of the medulla oblongata, pons and midbrain that continues downward to form the spinal cord
Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) - A group of three essential amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, and valine) that help the body build muscle and decrease muscle fatigue
C
Calories (Cal) - The amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of water by 1°C (4,184 joules) at a pressure of 1 atmosphere
Cancellous Bone - The meshwork of spongy tissue (trabeculae) of mature adult bone, typically found at the core of vertebral bones and the ends of the long bones
Capillaries - Fine-branching blood vessels forming a network between the arterioles and venules, where transport of nutrients and oxygen or carbon dioxide occurs on a microscopic scale
Carb Cycling - Increasing and reducing carb intake on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.
Cardiac Arrest - An electrical malfunction of the heart that causes irregular heartbeat
Cardiac Cycle - The action of the heart from the start of one heartbeat to the beginning of the next
Cardiac Muscle - Striated involuntary muscle tissue found in the heart
Cardiac Output - The amount of blood pumped through the heart per minute
Cardiometabolic - A combination of metabolic dysfunctions mainly characterized by insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and central adiposity.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) - An emergency procedure involving chest compressions and, often, artificial ventilation to circulate blood and preserve brain function in an individual in cardiac arrest
Cardiovascular Endurance - The measure of the cardiovascular system’s (heart and blood vessels) ability to perform over an extended period
Cartilage - Firm, flexible connective tissue that pads and protects joints and structural components of the body
Cartilaginous Joints - Moderately movable joints made of fibrocartilage or hyaline cartilage
Catabolic - Metabolic activity involving the breakdown of molecules such as proteins or lipids
Catabolism - The breaking down in the body of complex molecules into more simple molecules
Catecholamines - Hormones released by the adrenal glands into the blood as a result of stress
Celiac Disease - An autoimmune disorder that affects the small intestines and that is caused by gluten in the diet
Cell Body - The core and central structure of a neuron containing a nucleus and other specialized organelles that aid in nervous system function
Cell Proliferation - The process by which a cell grows and divides to produce new cells
Cells - The building blocks of all living organisms
Center Of Gravity - The hypothetical position in the body where the combined mass appears to be concentrated and the point around which gravity appears to act
Central Nervous System (CNS) - The part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord
Cerebellum - The region of the brain responsible for conscious motor coordination
Cerebral Cortex - The part of the brain where most neural integration occurs
Cerebrum - The uppermost and largest part of the brain consisting of a left and right hemisphere; responsible for receiving and processing sensory information and controlling the body
Certified Group Fitness Instructors - Fitness professionals certified in delivering large group fitness classes. These classes are often choreographed and require specific training in a particular class format
Chronic Disease - A condition lasting a year or more that limit daily activities and/or requires ongoing medical attention
Chronic Injury - Refers to an injury, illness, or disease that develops slowly and is persistent and long-lasting
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) - A lung disease characterized by chronic obstruction of lung airflow that interferes with normal breathing and is not fully reversible
Chronological Age - The number of years a person has lived
Chyme - A pulpy, acidic fluid that moves from the stomach to the small intestines containing partially digested food and gastric juices
Circuit Training - Body training that combines endurance, resistance, high-intensity interval, and aerobic training
Circular Muscle - Muscle fibers surrounding an opening in the body
Circulatory System - A closed system circulating blood through the body, consisting of the heart, blood vessels, and blood
Circumference Measurements - The measurement of the circumference of specific body regions
Client Persona - A fictional person that represents the key characteristics of a trainer’s preferred clientele
Client Profile - The collection of a client’s health and intake forms, biometric measurements (physical measurements like weight, height, etc.), training plan, and liability waivers
Client Referrals - A method of marketing where current or former clients refer friends and family to a professional for services by word of mouth
Closed Kinetic Chain Movement - A movement keeping the distal end of the body segment in action fixed
Closed System - A physical system that does not allow for the movement of matter into or out of the system
Close-Packed Joint Position - The most stable joint position, when the connective tissue is taut and neighboring bones have the most contact
Code Of Ethics - A set of guiding principles that drives the actions of a professional
Cognitive Functioning - An intellectual process by which one becomes aware of, perceives, or comprehends ideas
Comorbidities - The simultaneous presence of two chronic diseases or conditions in a person
Compact Bone - A denser material, also known as cortical bone, making up the hard structure of the skeleton
Competence - The basic need to feel a sense of mastery and operate effectively within the environment
Competency - The ability to do something successfully or efficiently
Complete Protein - A food source containing all nine essential amino acids the body needs
Compound Exercises - Multi-joint exercises that require the use of multiple muscles or muscle groups
Compression Force - The force of two surfaces pressing toward one another
Concentric Muscle Action - When the length of a muscle shortens as tension is produced
Concurrent Training - Including both cardiorespiratory exercise and resistance training into a fitness program
Congenital - Relating to a disease or physical abnormality present from birth
Connective Tissue - Tissues that support, connect, or bind other tissues or organs
Contract-Relax Antagonist Contract (CRAC) Stretching - Contracting an antagonist muscle before stretching the agonist
Contract-Relax (CR) Stretching - Contracting a given muscle before stretching the same muscle
Contralateral Loading - Loading the body on the opposite side of the work being executed
Convergent Muscle - Muscle fibers converging from a broad origin (fixed point where the muscle attaches closest to the torso) to a single tendon of insertion (fixed point where the muscle attaches furthest from the torso)
Cooldown - Gradually slowing the body after activity to return to homeostasis or close to homeostasis
Core Training - Refers to strengthening the musculature of the abdominals, back, and lower body that directly influence the lumbopelvic hip complex (LPHC)
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) - The narrowing or blockage of coronary arteries
Corporation - A business structure in which the owners and operators are separated from the liabilities of the business
Corrective Exercise - Exercise programming used to improve function through assessing and improving muscle imbalances
Corticosteroids - A group of natural and synthetic steroid hormones produced by the pituitary gland
Cortisol - A catabolic hormone released in response to physical and emotional stress
Countermovement - A movement or other action made in opposition to another action
Cranial Nerves - The 12 sensory and motor nerves extending directly from the brain
Creatine - An organic compound that aids in the recycling of ATP in the energy systems
Creatine Monohydrate (CM) - An organic compound that increases phosphocreatine levels and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) energy production leading to enhanced strength and power
Creatine Phosphate (CP) - A high-energy molecule stored in skeletal muscle, the myocardium, and the brain
Cross-Training - The action of training or practice in two or more sports or types of exercise to improve fitness or performance in one’s main sport
Cueing - A communication that prompts a client to engage in a movement pattern or conveys proper technique
Customer Life Cycle - The steps a customer goes through when considering, buying, and using a product or service, including awareness, engagement, evaluation, purchase, experience, and bonding and advocacy
Cyclic Activities - Activities that use the same movement in repetition
Cytoplasm - The viscous fluid inside a living cell excluding the nucleus
D
Daily Calorie Expenditure (DCE) - The total number of calories an individual expends including their resting metabolic rate, activity level factor, and the thermic effect of food
Daily Value (DV) - Reference amounts expressed in grams, milligrams, or micrograms of nutrients to consume or not to exceed each day
Deceleration - A special type of acceleration where a person or object is slowing down
Decussation - The point of crossover of the nervous system in vertebrates located between the medulla oblongata and the spinal cord
Dehydration - A harmful loss or removal of water in the body
Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) - Muscle pain or stiffness resulting from microtearing of tissue during eccentric muscle action that is felt several days after unaccustomed exercise
Dendrites - Rootlike structures branching out from the cell body that receive and process signals from the axons of other
Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) - Self-replicating genetic material in human cells
Dermis - Deep to the epidermis; holds blood vessels, sweat glands, and hair follicles
Detraining - The diminishing of physical adaptations after two weeks or more of not training
Diabetes - A condition characterized by an elevated level of glucose in the blood
Diabetic Coma - A comatose state resulting from excessively high blood sugar levels
Diaphragm - The dome-shaped muscle that separates the lungs and pleural cavity from the abdomen
Diastasis - The separation of the large abdominal muscles during pregnancy
Diastole - The heartbeat phase where the cardiac muscle relaxes and the heart chambers fill with blood
Diastolic - The pressure in blood vessels when the heart rests (ventricular filling)
Diet - The foods that a person or community eats most often and habitually; a choice of regular foods consumed for the purpose of losing weight or for medical reasons
Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Diet - A low-sodium, whole-food diet created for the treatment of hypertension
Dietary Guidelines for Americans - Guidelines for healthy, lifelong eating habits for Americans two years of age and older
Dietary Ingredient - A vitamin, mineral, herb, botanical, or amino acid used to supplement a nutrition plan to increase total dietary intake of ingredients
Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) - A set of standards estimating how much of a nutrient should be ingested that is used in planning eating patterns for healthy individuals
Dietary Supplement - A product containing one or more dietary ingredients that is intended to supplement a person’s nutrition plan
Diet-Induced Thermogenesis - The thermic effect of macronutrient digestion and absorption
Diffusion - The passive movement of molecules or particles along a concentration gradient or from regions of higher concentration to regions of lower concentration
Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score (DIAAS) - Measures the amount of amino acids absorbed by the body
Diminishing Returns - A concept stating that everyone has a set genetic limit to their potential, and, eventually, the effort put into training will no longer produce the same results
Disability - A physical or mental condition that limits a person’s movements, senses, or activities
Disaccharides - Any of a class of sugars with molecules that contain two monosaccharide residues
Displacement - The distance an object is displaced from a starting point
Distance - The total or sum of the length an object travels
Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) - An omega-3 fatty acid that is a primary structural component of the human brain, cerebral cortex, skin, sperm, testicles, and retina
Drop Set - Technique in which a set is done until failure or fatigue, the weight is “dropped” or lowered, and the exerciser continues until another failure; can continue for several rounds
Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) - An X-ray scanning test to determine body composition
Dynamic Balance - The ability to remain upright and balanced when the body and/or arms and legs are in motion
Dynamic Stretching - Movement-based active stretching where muscles engage to bring about a stretch
Dynapenia - The age-associated loss of muscle strength that is not caused by neurologic or muscular disease
Dysfunctional Eating Patterns - May include behavior commonly associated with eating disorders, such as food restriction, binge eating, and purging
Dyspnea - Difficulty or labored breathing
E
Eating Pattern - The types of food and beverages an individual consumes
Eccentric Muscle Action - When the length of a muscle increases as tension is produced
Efferent Neurons - Motor neurons sending information from the CNS to the muscles to generate movement
Effort Arm - The portion of the lever arm between the applied effort and the axis
Egocentric - Thinking only of oneself, without regard for the feelings or desires of others
Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) - A fatty acid found in fish and fish oils, which is believed to lower cholesterol, especially cholesterol bound to low-density lipoproteins
Elastic Cartilage - Flexible cartilage present in the outer ear, inner ear, and epiglottis
Elastin - A highly elastic connective tissue allowing many tissues to retain their shape
Electrolyte - Minerals in the body that have an electric charge
Electron Transport Chain - A series of proteins in the mitochondrial membrane that transfer electrons and hydrogen ions across the membrane to generate ATP from ADP
Emergency Exit Plan - A visual plan of how and where to exit a space in the event of an emergency
Empathic Listening - The ability to understand how the clients feel and empathize with them
Empathy - The ability to understand and share in the feelings of others
Endocrine Glands - Ductless glands releasing hormones that remain within the body
Endomysium - The connective tissue covering each muscle fiber
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) - A network of tubules attached to the nuclear membrane in cells
Endorphins - Hormones that promote feelings of well-being
Endurance Strength - The ability to sustain a submaximal activity for a longer duration
Energy Balance - The state achieved when energy intake is equal to energy expenditure
Energy Pathways - The chemical-reaction pathways that supply the body with energy on a cellular level
Epidermis - The outermost layer of the skin
Epiglottis - A piece of elastic cartilage in the throat that opens during breathing and closes during swallowing
Epimysium - Fibrous elastic tissue that surrounds a muscle
Equilibrium - A state in which opposing forces or influences are balanced
Ergogenic Aids - Substances that enhance energy production and provide athletes with a competitive advantage
Erythropoietin (EPO) - A hormone with a role in the proliferation of red blood cells
Essential Amino Acids - Amino acids that are not made by the body in the optimal amounts and therefore must be obtained through the diet
Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) - The average daily nutrient intake level that is estimated to meet the requirement of half the healthy individuals in a specific life stage or gender
Evaporative Heat Loss - Cooling the body and releasing heat via evaporation of water and electrolytes from the skin
Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) - Practices, interventions, and strategies that are based on scientific evidence
Excess Postexercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC) - The amount of oxygen required to restore normal metabolic status
Excitation-Contraction Coupling - The physiological process of converting a neural impulse into a mechanical response
Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (EAT) - Energy expended as a result of planned, structured, and repetitive movement with the goal of improving or maintaining physical fitness
Exercise Frequency - The number of times training occurs within a specific period, or the number of times or how often an exercise is executed
Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB) - Asthma attack triggered by doing sports or physical activity
Exercise Order - The order in which exercises are completed within a training session
Exercise Selection - The specific exercises executed in a workout session
Exercise Stress Test - An assessment that usually involves walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike while heart rhythm, blood pressure, and breathing are monitored
Exocrine Glands - Glands that produce and release substances through ducts or openings on the body’s surface
Expiration - Breathing air out of the lungs
External Respiration - The exchange of gases between the lungs and the blood
External Stimuli - Sensory input from external sources
Extracellular Fluid (ECF) - Water found outside the cells and between tissues
Extrafusal Muscle Fibers - The standard skeletal muscle fibers involved in creating mechanical work.
Extrinsic Motivation - The drive to perform certain behaviors based on external factors such as praise, recognition, and money
F
Fartlek - A training system for distance runners that continually varies terrain and pace to enhance conditioning and eliminate boredom
Fasciculi - Bundles of muscle fibers; the singular is “fascicle.”
Fasting - Abstaining from consuming food for a period of time
Fats - Organic compounds that are made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Fats are a source of energy in foods and are also called lipids. They come in liquid or solid form
Fatty Acids - The smaller, absorbable building blocks of the fat that is found in the body
Feedback Loop - The return of a system’s output as input for a future action
Fiber - A type of carbohydrate derived from plant-based foods that the body is unable to break down
Fibrocartilage - An elastic and tough tissue containing type I and type II collagen
Fibromyalgia (FM) - A chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localized areas
Fibrous Joints - Joints with fibrous connective tissue joining two bones that allow for very little movement
First Aid - The first and immediate aid given to someone with a minor or serious injury, illness, or condition
First aid kit: A compact box that is pre-stocked with supplies for triage and general medical interventions
FitnessGram - A noncompetitive standard performance assessment to measure aerobic capacity, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and body composition
Fitness Program Design - The systematic development of a fitness program or process using assessments, the elements of fitness, periodization, and periodic reassessment
Flare - A sudden surge in rheumatoid arthritis inflammation
Flat Back - An excessive lumbar flexion and posterior pelvic tilt
Flexibility - The range of motion of a muscle and its associated connective tissues at a joint or joints
Flexibility Training - An element of fitness using stretching to increase the range of motion of a joint or group of joints and allow for increased ranges of motion
Food And Drug Administration (FDA) - A US federal department that regulates the production and distribution of food, pharmaceuticals, tobacco, and other consumer products
Force - The interaction that creates work or physical change. Its components are magnitude, direction, point of application, and line of action
Force Arm - The distance between the fulcrum and the force or load application in a lever
Force-Couple Relationship - Two or more muscles acting in different directions that influence the rotation of a joint in a specific direction
Force-Velocity Curve - A representation of the inverse relationship between force and velocity in muscle contraction
Fortified - Having had vitamins or other supplements added so as to increase the nutritional value
Foundational Training - The basic training elements of flexibility, balance, and core training
Frailty - An increased vulnerability resulting from aging-associated decline in reserve and function across multiple physiologic systems
Free Weights - Loads that are not attached to an apparatus
Friction - The resistance of relative motion that one surface or object encounters when moving over another
Frontal Lobe - The brain lobe involved in motor control, emotion, and language
Frontal Plane - An imaginary line that divides the body into anterior and posterior halves
Fulcrum - The point on which a lever rests or is supported and on which it pivots
Functional Capacity - The capability of performing tasks and activities that people find necessary or desirable in their lives
Functional Fitness Test for Seniors - A simple, easy-to-use battery of test items that assess the functional fitness of older adults
Functional isometrics - The combination of partial repetition training and isometric holds
Fusiform Muscle - Spindle-shaped muscle
G
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease - A condition in which acidic gastric fluid flows backward into the esophagus, resulting in heartburn
General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) - The three stages of adaptation the body goes through in response to stress—alarm, resistance, and exhaustion
General Exercises - Foundational exercises that train overall strength
General Warm-Up - Nonspecific, low-intensity activity including dynamic stretching and light cardiovascular activity with the purpose of increasing blood flow, respiration, and body temperature
German Volume Training - A method in which 10 sets of 10 repetitions are done of an exercise with one minute of rest between sets
Gestational Diabetes - A condition characterized by an elevated level of glucose in the blood during pregnancy, typically resolving after birth
Glucocorticoids - A group of corticosteroids involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats
Gluconeogenesis - The generation of new glucose molecules from non-carbohydrate carbon substrates
Glucose - A simple sugar the body uses for energy production on the cellular level
Gluten - A mixture of proteins found in wheat, rye, and barley and gives dough its elastic texture
Glycemic Index (GI) - A system that ranks foods on a scale from 1 to 100 based on their effect on blood sugar levels
Glycogen - The stored form of glucose found in muscle tissue and the liver
Glycolysis - The breakdown of glucose by enzymes, releasing energy and pyruvic acid
Glycoproteins - A class of proteins with a carbohydrate group(s) attached
Golgi Apparatus - An organelle of folded membranes responsible for packaging and transporting membrane-bound proteins
Golgi Tendon Organ - The proprioceptive sensory organ that senses muscle tension in a tendon and inhibits muscle action
Good Samaritan Laws - Legal protections offered in much of the U.S. and Canada that protect an individual who offers assistance, CPR, or first aid to someone else in an emergency situation before trained help arrives
Gout - A disease in which defective metabolism of uric acid causes arthritis
Gravity - The attraction between objects and the Earth
Grip - Hand placement
Grip Strength - The force applied by the hand to pull or suspend a load
Gross Motor Skills - The abilities required in order to control the large muscles of the body for walking, running, sitting, crawling, and other activities
Ground Reaction Force (GRF) - The force the ground exerts on a body it is in contact with
Group Exercise - Large group training that is often choreographed and where all participants are executing the same exercises simultaneously
Growth Factors - Proteins that stimulate nerve cell growth and the creation of new neural pathways and connections
Growth Hormone (GH) - A hormone released by the pituitary gland that stimulates growth in animal cells
H
Handedness - The tendency to use one side of the body more naturally than the other
Hashtags - Social media tags users can create to help others find messages and posts with a specific theme or content
Health History Questionnaire - A detailed client intake form that gathers information on a client’s present and past health and medical history
Health Markers - Tools at the service of health professionals that objectively measure and evaluate indicators of normal biological processes or pathogenic processes (i.e., blood pressure)
Heart Disease - A term used to describe several different heart conditions
Heart Rate - The number of heartbeats per minute
Heart Rate Reserve (HRR) - Maximum heart rate minus resting heart rate
Heart Rate Zones - Percentages of maximum heart rate associated with a desired physiological adaptation
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) - A minor component of hemoglobin to which glucose is bound
Herb - Any plant with leaves, seeds, or flowers used for flavoring food and medicine
Hereditary - Relating to the biological process responsible for passing on traits from one generation to another
High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) - A lipoprotein that removes cholesterol from the blood. It is sometimes considered the “good cholesterol.”
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) - Interval training with short intervals at near maximum effort and less intense recovery periods
Hip Hinge - A forward and backward movement of the upper body while the hips remain at the same height and move back
Homeostasis - A self-regulating process by which the body maintains the stability of its physiological processes for the purpose of optimal function
Hook - Gripping the thumb between the barbell and fingers
Hormones - Chemical messengers stored, created, and released by endocrine glands
Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) - Genes that help the immune system distinguish the body’s own proteins from foreign antigens
Hyaline Cartilage - A transparent cartilage found on most joint surfaces and in the respiratory tract, which contains no nerves or blood vessels
Hybrid Personal Training - A training approach that utilizes in-person and virtual training styles to allow for easier, more frequent access to the fitness professional
Hydrocarbons - A compound of hydrogen, and carbon, such as any of those that are the chief components of petroleum and natural gas
Hydrostatic Weighing - A tool to measure body composition using water displacement and tissue density
Hyperglycemia - Elevated blood glucose
Hypermobility - The condition of having excessive amounts of range of motion in a joint or joints
Hyperresponsiveness - The acute, early phase of an asthma attack
Hypertension - High blood pressure measuring more than 140/90 mm Hg
Hyperthermia - The condition of excessively high body temperature
Hypertrophy - An increase in muscular size as an adaptation to exercise
Hyperuricemia - An abnormally high level of uric acid in the blood
Hyperventilation - To breathe at an abnormally rapid rate, increasing the rate of loss of carbon dioxide
Hypodermis - The deepest layer of skin housing fat cells and connective tissues
Hypoglycemia - The condition of lower-than-normal blood glucose
Hypotension - Low blood pressure measuring 90/60 mm Hg or lower
Hypothalamus - The region at the base of the brain responsible for maintaining homeostasis
Hypoxia - Lack of oxygen
I
Ideal Posture - Optimal body positioning and structural alignment
Imaginary Audience - An individual imagines and believes that multitudes of people are enthusiastically listening to or watching them
Impairment - The state of being diminished, weakened, or damaged, especially mentally or physically
Implementation Intention - A preset plan that links critical situations (e.g., anticipated obstacles or opportunities) to goal-directed responses
Inclusion - The act of including into a group, involvement and empowerment, where the inherent worth and dignity of all people are recognized
Incomplete Proteins - A food source that lacks one or more of the nine essential amino acids
Independent Contractor - Someone who works for themselves and is contracted to provide services for a company as a nonemployee
Indirect Calorimetry - A way to measure energy expenditure by oxygen consumed and carbon dioxide produced
Inertia - The resistance to action or change and describes the acceleration and deceleration of the human body
Inferior Vena Cava - The blood vessel moving blood from the lower body to the heart
Ingredient List - A list provided on a food label of each ingredient in a product in descending order of prominence
Initial Interview Packet - The first health and liability intake forms that a client will complete before beginning to work with a fitness professional
Innervation - The distribution or supply of nerves
Insertion - The distal muscular attachment point to a bone
Inspiration - Breathing air into the lungs
Insulin - A hormone produced in the pancreas to regulate blood sugar
Insulin-Like Growth Factors (IGF) - A protein similar to insulin that stimulates growth of cells
Insulin Resistance - An impaired response of the body to insulin, increasing levels of blood glucose
Insulin Shock - A medical condition caused by too much insulin in the body that results in stark drops in blood glucose
Integumentary System - Organ system protecting the body; composed of skin, hair, and nails
Intensity - The measurable amount of force or effort given to an activity or exercise often expressed as a percentage of effort compared to a person’s maximum effort
Internal Respiration - The process of diffusing oxygen from the blood into the interstitial fluid and into the cells
Internal Stimuli - Sensory input from within the body
International Units (IU) - The quantity of a substance that has a biological effect. Amount varies depending on the substance
Interneurons - Nerve cells that connect neurons to other neurons
Interstitial Fluid - The fluid found between cells
Interval Training - Training that varies between high- and low-intensity work to challenge the cardiorespiratory system
Intra-Alveolar Pressure - The pressure within the alveoli that changes throughout respiration
Intracellular Fluid (ICF) - Water found within the cells of the body
Intraset Muscle Fatigue - Muscle fatigue that occurs within a single set of an exercise
Intrinsic Factor (IF) - A substance secreted by the stomach that enables the body to absorb vitamin B12
Intrinsic Motivation - The drive to execute behaviors that are driven by internal or personal rewards
Intuitive Limbering - Stretching after waking or when standing up from a prolonged seated position
Ipsilateral Loading - Loading the body on the same side as the work being executed
Isolation Exercises - Single-joint exercises that primarily activate an individual muscle or muscle group - Single-joint exercises that primarily activate an individual muscle or muscle group
Isometric Muscle Action - When the length of a muscle remains constant as tension is produced
J
Joint - An articulation between two bones in the body
Joint Capsule - A thin, strong layer of connective tissue containing synovial fluid in freely moving joints
Joint Mobility - The degree of movement around a joint before movement is restricted by surrounding tissues
Joint Stability - The ability of the muscles around a joint to control movement or hold the joint in a fixed (stable) position
K
Karvonen Formula - The formula to estimate a target heart rate with consideration of heart rate reserve and resting heart rate
Ketoacidosis - An increase in blood acidity caused by excess ketones in the bloodstream
Keto Diet - A popular diet that reduces carbohydrate intake to deliberately increase fat metabolism and ketones in the blood
Ketone Bodies - Molecules released by the liver in starvation states for an alternate energy source
Ketones - By-products of the breakdown of fatty acids
Ketosis - A metabolic process that occurs when the body does not have enough carbohydrates for energy; the liver metabolizes fatty acids to produce ketones as a replacement energy source
Kinesiology - The study of the mechanics of human movement
Kinesthetic Learners - People who learn by physical touch
Kinetic Chain - A system of links—or joints—in the body that generate and transfer force from one to the other
Kinetic Chain Checkpoints - The six anatomical locations of predictable movement patterns where movement dysfunctions can be detected
Kinetics - The study of forces acting on a mechanism
Knee Valgus - The position of the knee near the midline of the body (i.e., knock knees)
Knee Varus - The position of the knee away from the midline of the body (i.e., bowlegged)
Krebs Cycle - A series of chemical reactions inside the mitochondria that use acetyl-CoA to generate ATP and other substrates that contribute to the electron transport chain
Kyphosis - The exaggerated rounding of the thoracic spine
L
Lactate Threshold - The maximum effort or intensity an individual can maintain for an extended time with minimal effect on blood lactate levels
Lactic Acid - The chemical by-product of anaerobic glycolysis
Lactic Acidosis - The accumulation of excess H+ causing muscle fatigue and soreness
Laws Of Motion - The laws of physics describing movement
Leads - Potential clients not yet using a professional’s services
Lean Body Mass - The fat-free mass of the body calculated by total weight minus the weight of bodyfat
Length-Tension Relationship - The amount of tension a muscle can produced as a function of sarcomere length
Lever Arm - The rigid bar portion of a lever that rotates around the fulcrum
Levers - A rigid or semirigid bar rotating around a fixed point when force is applied to one end
Liability Waiver - A short form that, when signed by a client, releases a fitness professional and/or their training facility from any liability should the client be injured while working with them
Ligaments - Short bands of tough but flexible fibrous connective tissue connecting two bones or cartilages or holding together a joint
Limited Liability Company (LLC) - A corporate structure in the US limiting the liability of the owner; it combines aspects of corporations and sole proprietorships
Linear Displacement - The distance an object moves in a straight line
Linear Motion - Movement along a line, straight or curved
Linear Periodization - Progresses from low-intensity to high-intensity across the entire macrocycle
Linear Strength - Two or more strength variables that are directly correlated to one another
Linear Strength Endurance Activity - Activity that requires a sustained, all-out maximum effort for an extended period
Line Of Gravity - A vertical line straight through the center of gravity
Load - A term used to describe the amount of resistance used in a strength training exercise
Locomotion - Movement from one place to another
Loose-Packed Joint Position - The less stable joint position represented by any other joint position other than close-packed
Lordosis - The excessive inward curve of the lumbar spine
Low-Density Lipoprotein - The form of lipoprotein in which cholesterol is transported in the blood. It is sometimes considered the “bad cholesterol.”
Lumbopelvic Hip Complex (LPHC) - The musculature of the hip that attaches to the pelvis and lumbar spine and works to stabilize the trunk and lower extremities
Lupus - A chronic autoimmune disease that creates inflammation and pain in various parts of the body
Lymph - The colorless fluid of the lymphatic system
Lysosomes - An organelle filled with digestive enzymes that breaks down materials the cell has absorbed
M
Macronutrients - A type of food necessary in large quantities in the diet to support function and energy production, i.e. carbohydrate, protein, and fat
Market Analysis - A qualitative and quantitative assessment of a business market that examines product and service volume, buying patterns, regulations, and business competition
Mass - The amount of matter in an object
Maximum Heart Rate - The estimated maximum number of times the heart should beat per minute during exercise. Calculated by subtracting a person’s age from
Maximum Strength - The ability for a muscle (or muscle group) to recruit and engage as many muscle fibers as possible
Mechanical Advantage - The ratio of force that creates meaningful movement compared to the force applied to generate the movement
Mechanical Work - Is the amount of energy transferred by a force, the product of force and distance
Mechanoreceptors - Nervous system receptors responding to mechanical stimuli such as sound or touch
Medulla Oblongata - The base of the brain stem, responsible for involuntary functions like swallowing, sneezing, and heart function
Meniscus - A form of fibrocartilage present in the knee, wrist, acromioclavicular, sternoclavicular, and temporomandibular joints
Metabolic Equivalent (MET) - The measure of the ratio of a person’s expended energy to their mass while performing physical activity
Metabolic Syndrome - A cluster of at least three biochemical and physiological abnormalities associated with the development of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes
Metabolic Training - A style of training that typically uses high-intensity intervals to train both the aerobic and anaerobic energy systems
Metabolism - All of the chemical processes that occur in the body to support life including converting food into energy
Metronome - A device marking time at a selected rate
Micronutrients - Substances required in small quantities in the diet for optimal body functioning; vitamins and minerals
Midbrain - The brain region responsible for motor movement and processing auditory and visual information
Millimeters Of Mercury - The measure of a unit of pressure
Minerals - Elements in food that the body needs to develop and function
Minute Ventilation - The total amount of air entering the lungs over the course of one minute
Mission Statement - A short statement of why a business exists and their overall goal for operating
Mitochondria - An organelle with a double membrane and many folds inside responsible for generating the chemical energy needed for biochemical reactions
Mitosis - Cell division that results in two cells identical to the original cell
Mobility - The ability of a joint to move freely through a given range of motion
Moment Arm - The perpendicular distance between the fulcrum and the line of the force being applied
Momentum - The quantity of motion of a moving body, measured as a product of its mass and velocity
Monitoring - The process of observing and taking notice of routine behaviors that impact goal progress and achievement
Monosaccharides - Any of the class of sugars that cannot be hydrolyzed to give a simple sugar
Motivation - The reason(s) one has for behaving in a certain way
Motivational Interviewing - The direction and intensity of effort
Motivational Interviewing (MI) - A collaborative, client-focused method of guiding a client toward a self-identified motivation for change
Motor Cortex - The region of the frontal lobe that plans and coordinates movement
Motor Neurons - Nerve cells that initiate muscle contraction or activate glands
Motor Skills - The ability to learn and manage the process of moving the body in a coordinated way
Motor Unit - A single motor neuron and the muscle fibers it controls
Motor Unit Pool - A group of motor units that work together
Movement Assessments - Observation and critique of movement patterns or exercise form
Movement Categories - The six fundamental movements that are the basis for most exercise selections in exercise programming
Multipennate Muscle - Muscle fibers extending from both sides of multiple central tendons
Multiset - Multiple sets per exercise or muscle group
Multivitamins/Minerals (MVMs) - Supplements or pills containing a combination of vitamins and minerals
Muscle Actions - Force production by a muscle that can result in a change of length (i.e., shortening or lengthening) or no length change at all
Muscle Activation Exercises - Low-level resistance movements to activate blood flow and activate the nervous control of a muscle
Muscle Protein Synthesis (MPS) - A process that produces protein to repair muscle damage and oppose muscle breakdown
Muscle Spindle - The proprioceptive sensory organ that senses muscle stretch in a muscle and promotes muscle action
Muscle Synergies - The activation of a group of muscles to generate movement around a particular joint
Muscular Contraction - The shortening or resistance to lengthening of a muscle fiber
Muscular Endurance - The ability of a muscle or group of muscles to continuously exert force against resistance over time
Muscular Endurance Tests - Assessments testing the ability of a muscle group to overcome resistance in as many repetitions as possible
Muscular Force - Involves the contraction of a muscle while exerting a force and performing work. It can be concentric (shortening), eccentric (lengthening), or isometric (tension without joint movement)
Muscular Force Couple - Two or more muscles generate force in different linear directions at the same time to produce one movement
Muscular Imbalance - When the muscle or muscles on one side of the body are stronger, weaker, or more or less active than the corresponding muscle on the other side of the body
Muscular Strength - The measure of force produced by a muscle or group of muscles
Myelin Sheath - The insulation of neuron axons, made of proteins and fats, which propagates neural impulses
Myofascial Release (MFR) - Stretches and loosens the fascia using gentle, gradual, sustained pressure or stretch on areas of tension
Myofibrils - Parallel filaments that form muscle
Myofilaments - The filaments of myofibrils composed of actin and myosin
Myoglobin - A protein in muscles cells that carries and stores oxygen
Myosin - The thick filaments of myofilaments with a fibrous head, neck, and tail that bind to actin
Myositis Ossificans - A condition when bone tissue forms within a muscle or other soft tissue as a result of trauma or injury
MyPlate - The current visual nutrition guide published by the USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion
N
Negative Energy Balance - More energy is expended than consumed
Nephropathy - Disease or damage of the kidney
Nerve Impulses - The electrical signals used for nerve communication
Nervous Tissue - Tissue found in the brain, spinal cord, and nerves that coordinates body activities
Neuroglia - Cells in the brain and spinal cord that form a supporting structure for the neurons and provide them with insulation
Neuromuscular Junction - The space between a motor neuron and muscle fiber
Neurons - The most fundamental component of the brain and nervous system capable of transmitting information to and from other neurons, muscles, or glands.
Neuropathy - Disease or dysfunction of one or more peripheral nerves, typically causing numbness or weakness
Neurosecretory Tissues - Neurons that translate neural signals into chemical stimuli
Neurotransmitter - A chemical messenger that transmits messages between neurons or from neurons to muscles
Nociceptors - Pain-sensitive nerve endings
Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT)- Energy expended as a result of any movements of the body that require energy. This includes all activities of daily living outside of planned and structured workouts
Nonlinear Strength - Two or more strength variables that are not directly correlated to one another
Nonlinear Strength Endurance Activity - An activity with intermittent activity and rest periods
Non-synovial Joints - Joints that lack a fluid junction
Nonverbal - Not involving words or speech
Nutrient Density - The amount of nutrients in a food relative to the number of calories it provides, usually measured per 100 kilocalories
Nutritional Limiting Factors - The nutritional choices a client makes that keep them from making progress or seeing results
Nutrition Facts - A label required by the FDA on most food and beverages that details the food’s nutrient content
O
Oars Model - A communication model for motivational interviewing that includes open-ended questions, affirmations, reflective listening, and summarizing
Obesity - An abnormal or excessive accumulation of bodyfat that may cause additional health risks
Objective Assessments - Fitness assessments that collect repeatable, measurable data such as body composition or circumference measurement
Objective Goal - A goal based on objective, quantifiable data that can be measured and evaluated
Occipital Lobe - The posterior lobe of the brain responsible for vision
Omega-3 Fatty Acids - An unsaturated fatty acid occurring chiefly in fish oils
Omega-6 Fatty Acids - A family of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory polyunsaturated fatty acids that have in common a final carbon-carbon double bond
Onboarding Emails - A series of email communications that gather the required documentation and assessments to begin a training program
One-Repetition Max (1RM) - A single maximum-strength repetition with maximum load
Open-Ended Questions - Questions that require more than a yes or no answer and encourage the client to communicate the “how” and “why.”
Open Kinetic Chain Movement - A movement in which the distal aspect of the body segment in action is free (i.e., not fixed)
Organelles - Tiny structures within cells, each with a unique function
Organ Systems - A group of organs working together to perform biological functions
Origin - The proximal muscular attachment point to a bone
Osteoarthritis - Degeneration of joint cartilage and the underlying bone
Osteogenesis - The process of bone formation or remodeling
Osteoporosis - A skeletal condition that results in weak or brittle bones
Outcome Goal - A goal where the end result is a specific desired outcome
Overactive Muscles - Muscles that are shortened beyond the ideal length-tension relationship with high neural activation that feel tight
Overhead Squat Assessment - The movement assessment of the overhead squat with the goal of identifying movement dysfunctions along the kinetic chain
Overreaching - An accumulation of training or non-training stress resulting in a short-term decrease in performance capacity
Overtraining - An accumulation of training or non-training stress resulting in a long-term decrease in performance capacity
Overtraining Syndrome (OTS) - A maladapted response to excessive exercise without adequate rest, resulting in perturbations of multiple body systems (neural, endocrine, and immune) coupled with mood changes
Oxidation - The chemical reaction of combining with oxygen or removing hydrogen
Oxidative Energy Pathway - An aerobic energy pathway using primarily fat and carbohydrates to produce energy
Oxidative Phosphorylation - The energy-producing process that occurs in mitochondria in the presence of oxygen
P
Paralanguage - Components of speech like tone, pitch, facial expressions, cadence, and hesitation noises
Parallel Muscle - Muscle fibers running parallel to the axis of the muscle
Parallel Play - A form of play in which children play adjacent to each other, but do not try to influence one another’s behavior
Parasympathetic Nervous System - The autonomic system responsible for “rest and digest.”
Parietal Lobe - The brain lobe involved in processing sensory information
Parkinson’s Disease - A progressive disease of the nervous system marked by tremor, muscular rigidity, and slow, imprecise movement
Partial Repetitions - Repetitions of an exercise intentionally done with a reduced range of motion
Participation Restrictions - A problem experienced by an individual in involvement in life situations
Partnership - A business structure with two or more people running the business who share liability and responsibility for the business’s performance
Passive Range Of Motion - The range of motion achievable when aided by an external force
Passive Stretching - An external force such as a stretching strap or the hand to move a joint to the end of a range of motion
Pennate Muscle - Muscles with fascicles that attach obliquely (diagonally)
Penniform - Muscle fibers that run diagonally in respect to the tendon similar to a feather
Performance Supplements - Supplements intended to help enhance athletic performance
Perichondrium - The connective tissue enveloping cartilage everywhere except at a joint
Perimysium - The connective tissue that covers a bundle of muscle fibers
Periodization - An organized approach to training involving progressive cycling of various aspects of a training program during a specific time
Periosteum - A dense layer of vascular connective tissue enveloping the bones except at the surfaces of the joints
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) - The nerves and ganglia (relay areas for nerve signals) outside of the brain and spinal cord
Peripheral Resistance - The vascular resistance of the arteries to blood flow
Peripheral Vasoconstriction - Constriction of smaller arterioles near the skin to keep blood closer to the core of the body and preserve heat
Peristalsis - The muscular contractions of the smooth muscle of the digestive tract, which moves food through the digestive tract
Personal Development - Activities that improve awareness and identity, develop talents and potential, build human capital and facilitate employability, enhance the quality of life, and contribute to the realization of dreams and aspirations
Phase Potentiation - The strategic sequencing of programming categories to increase the potential of later training and increase long-term adaptive potential
Phospholipid Bilayer - The dual layer of lipids that make up the cell membrane of most human cells
Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) - An intake form to assess a client’s readiness to begin a physical activity program and assess injury potential
Physician’s Letter Of Clearance - A signed letter from a client’s health care provider stating they are cleared for physical activity and exercise that should also include any restrictions or limitations they should adhere to
Placenta Previa - A condition in which the placenta partially or wholly blocks the neck of the uterus, thus interfering with normal delivery of a baby
Plant-Based Diet - Eating mostly or entirely foods that are plants or derived from plants
Plasma Membrane - The cellular membrane made of lipids and proteins that forms the external boundary of the cytoplasm and regulates the passage of molecules in and out of the cytoplasm
Pliability - The quality of being easily bent or flexible
Plyometric Training - Reactive training seeking maximum force in the shortest amount of time
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - A hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age
Polyunsaturated Fats - Fat molecules containing more than one unsaturated carbon bond, are liquid at room temperature, and solid when chilled
Pons - The brain region responsible for posture, facial movement, and sleep
Positive Energy Balance - More energy is consumed than expended
Positive Reinforcement - Including a favorable outcome, event, or reward after a child completes a desired behavior or action
Postexercise Hypotension (PEH) - A drop in blood pressure in the first minutes after an exercise session
Postpartum - The period of time following childbirth
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - A persistent mental and emotional stress that occurs as a result of injury or psychological shock
Power - The combination of strength and speed—the ability for a muscle to generate maximal tension as quickly as possible
Prediabetes - A condition where blood glucose is higher than it should be, but not in the diabetes range
Preeclampsia - A condition in pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure, sometimes with fluid retention and proteinuria
Prefrontal Cortex - The part of the frontal lobe responsible for high-level thinking and language
Prenatal - Occurring or existing before birth
Presidential Youth Fitness Program - A comprehensive school-based program that promotes health and regular physical activity for America’s youth
Principle Of Individual Differences - The concept that there is no one specific way to train every client due to the uniqueness of each person
Principle Of Progressive Overload - The body must be forced to adapt to or overcome a stress greater than what is normally encountered
Principle Of Reversibility - Clients lose the effects of training after they stop working out
Principle Of Specificity - The concept that training must be specific to an individual’s goals, as the adaptations they will see will be based on the training completed
Principle Of Variability - Training programs must include variations in intensity, duration, volume, and other aspects of practice
Principles Of Program Design - Fundamental propositions to serve as the foundation for effective fitness programming
Processed Foods - Foods that have been frozen, packaged, enhanced with vitamins or minerals (fortified), previously cooked, or canned to preserve them for consumption
Processes Of Change - The strategies and techniques that can influence an individual’s transition from one stage of change to the next
Process Goal - A goal where the focus is on the process or action that will lead to the desired end result
Profit And Loss Statement - A financial statement summarizing revenues, costs, and expenses in a given time period
Progesterone - Female hormone that regulates the menstrual cycle and is crucial for pregnancy
Progressions - Modifications to acute training variables that increase the challenge of a movement pattern
Proliferative Retinopathy - An overgrowth of blood vessels around the retina
Promotional Emails - An email communication series that presents an offer or promotion for a limited time
Proprioception - Perception or awareness of body movement or position
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) Stretching - A flexibility technique used to increase range of motion and neuromuscular efficiencies
Prospect - A person who has shown interest in a product or service and is a potential customer
Protein Digestibility-Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) - Measures the nutritional quality of protein
Protein Synthesis - The process of arranging amino acids into protein structures
Proxemics - The study of what is communicated by the way a person uses personal space
Puberty - The period of hormonal change in an adolescent where they reach sexual maturity
Pulmonary Arteries - Blood vessels moving blood from the heart to the lungs
Pulmonary Circulation - The blood flow between the heart and the lungs
Pulmonary Veins - Blood vessels returning oxygenated blood to the heart from the lungs
Pulmonary Ventilation - The process of exchange of air between the lungs and the ambient air
Pulse - A rhythmical throbbing of the arteries as blood is propelled through them
Purines - A number of biologically important compounds, such as adenosine, caffeine, and uric acid
Pyruvate - A metabolic intermediate molecule in several energy pathways
Q
Q Angle - The quadriceps angle formed between the quadriceps muscle and the patellar tendon
Quickness - The ability to react and change body position with a maximum rate of force production
R
Range of Motion (ROM) - The measurement of movement around a specific joint or body part
Rapport - A close, harmonious relationship in which all parties involved understand one another’s feelings and communicate well
Rates of Perceived Exertion (RPE) A subjective sliding scale of a client’s perception of their exercise intensity
Reactive Training - Quick, powerful movements with an eccentric action followed by an immediate concentric action
Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) - The average daily level of intake that is sufficient to meet the needs of nearly all (97%-98%) healthy people
Recovery Time - The rest time allowed between training sessions
Reengagement Emails - An email communication method to reach out to former clients and prospects and encourage a reply
Refeed - Reintroducing carbohydrates into the diet after an extended reduction of a week or more
Refractory Period - A window where muscle protein synthesis (MPS) becomes resistant and amino acids are used for other processes
Regressions - Modifications to acute training variables that decrease the challenge of a movement pattern
Relatedness - The need to feel connected to and supported by others as well as a sense of belonging within a group
Relationship Emails - Emails used to engage with clients and prospects and build a relationship
Relative Strength - The individual’s body weight in relation to the amount of resistance they can overcome and found with the following calculation: 1RM / body weight = force per unit of body weight
Relaxin - A sex hormone that facilitates birth by causing relaxation of the pelvic ligaments
Remission - A significant reduction in symptoms and signs of rheumatoid arthritis
Repetitions (REPS) - The number of times an exercise is completed within a set
Resistance Arm - The portion of the lever arm between the load and the axis
Resistance Training - The category of training that includes physical activities designed to increase muscle mass, improve strength, muscular endurance, or muscular power
Resisted Range Of Motion - Range of motion available while a load is also being moved through that range of motion
Respiration - The intake of oxygen and subsequent release of carbon dioxide in an organism
Respiratory Quotient (RQ) - A method of determining the fuel mix being used; a way to measure the relative amounts of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins being burned for energy
Rest - The amount of time spent in recovery between sets or repetitions
Resting Heart Rate (RHR) - The measure of heart rate when completely at rest
Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) - The energy expenditure of metabolic and physical processes when the body is at rest
Retinopathy - Disease of the retina that results in impairment or loss of vision
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) - A chronic progressive disease causing inflammation in the joints
Ribosomes - Small cellular organelles involved in polypeptide and protein synthesis
Risk Factors - Variables associated with increased risk of disease or infection
Rotary Motion - The movement around a fixed axis moving in a curved path
Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum - Endoplasmic reticulum with ribosomes attached
S
Sagittal Plane - An imaginary line that divides the body into left and right halves
SAID Principle - Specific adaptations to imposed demands—stress on the human system, whether biomechanical or neurological, will require the body to adapt specifically to those demands
Salivary Amylase - An enzyme found in saliva that converts starches and glycogen to more simple sugars
Sarcomere - The contractile unit of muscle tissue
Sarcopenia - The degenerative loss of skeletal muscle mass
Sarcoplasm - The cytoplasm of a muscle fiber
Satiety - The feeling of fullness and satisfaction
Scaffolding - A process in which teachers model or demonstrate how to solve a problem, and then step back, offering support as needed
Scoliosis - The sideways curvature of the spine
Scope Of Practice - The practices, procedures, and actions a personal trainer is permitted to undertake in keeping with their professional certification
Screen Time - The time spent using a device such as a computer, television, smartphone, or games console
Seizure - A burst of uncontrolled neural activity that causes temporary abnormalities in muscle movements or muscle tone, behaviors, or sensations
Self-Determination Theory (SDT) - A general theory of human motivation that suggests a person is motivated to change by three basic psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness
Self-Efficacy - The certainty of one’s ability to accomplish a particular task
Self-myofascial release
Self-Myofascial Release (SMR) - Applying manual pressure to an adhesion or overactive tissue to elicit an autogenic inhibitory response, which is characterized by a decrease in the excitability of a contracting or stretched muscle arising from the Golgi
Senescence - The process or state of growing old
Sensitive Period - A time or stage in a person’s development when they are more responsive to external stimuli and quicker to learn particular skills
Sensory Integration - The way the brain works to affect responses to neural input
Sensory Neurons - Nerve cells involved in communicating tactile, auditory, or visual information
Set - The number of times an exercise or group of exercises is completed
Shear Force - The force of two surfaces moving across one another
Sherrington’s Law Of Reciprocal Inhibition - A law that states that for every muscle activation, there is a corresponding inhibition of the opposing muscle
Shivering - Involuntary contraction or twitching of muscle tissue as a physiological means of heat production
Shock - An acute medical condition brought on by a sudden drop in blood flow through the body
Shoulder Girdle - The clavicle, scapula, and coracoid bones of the appendicular skeleton
Single Set - The use of one set per exercise or muscle group
Sinoatrial (SA) Node - The pacemaker of the heart that generates the first electrical signal of a heartbeat and stimulates the atria to contract
Size Principle Of Fiber Recruitment - Principle stating that motor units are recruited in order according to their recruitment thresholds and firing rates
Skeletal Muscles - The voluntary muscle attached to bones via tendons (thick fibrous connective tissue) that produces human movement
Sleep Apnea - A disorder of breathing during sleep
Sleep Deprivation - Achieving a less than ideal sleep duration
Sliding-Filament Theory - The interaction of actin and myosin that describes the process of muscle contraction
Small Business Administration (SBA) - A US government agency established in 1953 to promote economic growth by helping new and existing small businesses and providing advice, financial assistance, counseling, and tips for sustainable business growth
Small Group Personal Training - Exercise instruction delivered to two to four clients at the same time
SMART Principle - Acronym to enable goals to be more objective; S—specific, M—measurable, A—achievable, R—relevant, T—time-bound
Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER) - Endoplasmic reticulum that lacks ribosomes
Smooth Muscle - Muscle tissue that occurs in the gut and internal organs that is involuntarily controlled
Social Proof - A success story of a program or something similar to prove that the style of training works
Social Stigmatization - The disapproval of, or discrimination against, a person based on perceivable social characteristics
Sole Proprietorship - The most common business structure, in which the single owner has complete control over and liability for a business
Somatic Nervous System - The part of the nervous system in charge of controlling voluntary movement
Somatosensory Cortex - The region of the parietal lobe responsible for processing sensations like pain, temperature, and touch
Somatotype - Categories of physical body type
Spatial Relations - How objects are located relative to one another in space
Specific Exercises - Exercises that directly improve performance and functional capacity
Specific Warm-Ups - Activities that prepares the body for specific exercise to follow by incorporating movements that mimic the planned activity
Speed - The ability to move the body in one direction as fast as possible
Speed, Agility, And Quickness (SAQ) Training- The training category including reactive, ballistic, plyometric, and agility training
Speed Strength - The ability of a muscle or muscle group to absorb and transmit forces quickly
Spinal Cord - The neural tissue extending from the medulla oblongata to the lumbar region (lower back) of the vertebral column
Spinal Nerves - Bundles of nerves connected to the spinal cord carrying information toward the periphery
Spirometer - An apparatus for measuring the volume of air inspired and expired by the lungs
Split-Routine - The division of training sessions by body part or body region
Squat Assessment - The uncoached movement assessment of body mechanics during a squat with the goal of identifying movement dysfunctions along the kinetic chain
Stability - The ability to control and maintain control of joint movement or body position
Stabilizer Muscles - The muscles playing the role of stabilizing or minimizing joint movement
Stages Of Change - The series of temporal stages of readiness that a person progresses through during the behavior change process
Starting Strength - The ability to recruit as many motor units as possible instantaneously at the start of a movement
Static Balance - The ability to remain upright and balanced when the body is at rest
Static Posture - Posture when standing upright and still
Static Stretching - Lengthening a muscle and holding the lengthened position
Steady-State Sxercise - Exercise that maintains a steady level of exertion from start to finish
Steroid Myopathy - Weakness primarily to proximal muscles of the upper and lower extremities and neck caused by treatment with corticosteroids
Steroids - A class of chemicals characterized by their carbon structure, working to reduce inflammation and the activity of the immune system
Stimulants - A class of drugs that temporarily improve physical or mental function
Stimulus-Fatigue-Recovery-Adaptation Principle - The concept that training response is based on the stimulus intensity, and the greater the stimulus intensity is, the longer the recovery needed to produce the adaptations will be
Straight Sets - The use of the same weight for every set
Strategic Emails - Email communications that explain why a trainer does what they do, training philosophies, and more about themselves
Strength - The amount of force that can be created by a muscle or group of muscles
Strength Training - The category of training that includes resistance training for increased muscle mass and improved strength and muscular endurance
Stretch-Shortening Cycle (SSC) - The cycling between the eccentric (stretch) action of a muscle and the concentric (shortening) action of the same muscle
Stroke - When the blood flow to the brain is interrupted long enough to cause damage
Stroke Volume - The amount of blood pumped by the left ventricle of the heart in one contraction
Subcutaneous Fat - Generally harmless fat cells located just beneath the skin
Subjective Assessments - Fitness assessments that require observation or a subjective, opinion-based measure
Subjective Goal - A goal based on a subjective outcome that will be dependent on the interpretation of the individual client
Supercompensation - The post-training period during which the trained function/parameter has a higher performance capacity than it did before the training period
Superior Vena Cava - The blood vessel moving blood from the upper body and head to the heart
Supersets - Two exercises, typically opposing muscle groups, performed back-to-back followed by a short rest
Swayback - A posterior tilt with excessive extension of the lumbar spine that protrudes the buttocks
Sympathetic Nervous system - The autonomic system responsible for “fight or flight.”
Syncope - Temporary loss of consciousness related to insufficient blood flow to the brain
Synergistic Dominance - When a synergist (helper) muscle takes over a movement pattern when the prime mover fails or is too weak to control the movements
Synergists - Muscle(s) supporting the mechanical movement of a prime mover
Synovial Fluid - A viscous fluid found in the cavities of synovial joints
Synovial Joints - Fluid-filled joints found between bones that move against one another
Systemic Circulation - The blood flow between the heart and the rest of the body
Systole - The heartbeat phase where muscle contraction moves blood from the heart chambers to the arteries
Systolic - The pressure in blood vessels when the heart beats (ventricular contraction)
T
Talk Test - The ability to speak during exercise as a gauge of the relative intensity
Tapering - A decrease in training volume or frequency to allow the body adequate rest and recovery
Taper Period - A training period where the volume or frequency of training decreases to allow the body adequate rest and recovery
Target Heart Rate (THR) - The estimated beats per minute that needs to be reached to achieve a specific exercise intensity
Target Market - The particular group(s) of consumers that a product or service targets
Tempo - The speed at which an exercise or movement pattern is completed
Temporal Lobe - The lateral lobe of the brain responsible for hearing, memory, and emotion
Tendon - A strong, fibrous cord made of collagen that attaches muscle to bone
Tensile force - The force when two surfaces pull apart from one another
Testosterone - A steroid hormone found in both males and females
Thalamus - The brain region responsible for relaying sensory and motor signals and regulating consciousness
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) - An American legislation designed to protect the health care data, information, and payment details of patients
Thermic Effect of Food (TEF) - The energy expenditure associated with food digestion and absorption
Thoracic Cavity - The chest cavity enclosed by the ribs, sternum, and spinal column
Tidal Volume - The lung volume representing the normal volume of air displaced between normal inhalation and exhalation when extra effort is not applied
Time - The duration of an activity or training session
Time Under Tension (TUT) - The amount of time a muscle is engaged as a set, completed from start to finish
Torque - Force applied that results in rotation about an axis
Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) - The accumulated calorie burn made up of resting metabolic rate, the thermic effect of food, physical activity, and physical growth
Training Density - A combination of volume and time equaling the total volume of work in a specific amount of time
Training Effect - The body’s adaptation to the learned and expected stress imposed by physical activity
Training Macrocycle - The overall training period, usually one year or more
Training Mesocycle - A training phase in the annual training plan made up of three to nine microcycles
Training Microcycle - A one-week-long cycle of training sessions, or a single session
Training Volume - The total amount of work performed, typically measured as Sets x Reps x Load (or intensity)
Transtheoretical Model (TTM) - A behavior change model focused on the stages of change, the process of changing behavior, self-efficacy, and the decision balance
Transverse Plane - An imaginary line that divides the body into inferior and superior halves
Triggers - Any chemical, irritant, or allergen that causes an inflammatory response of the airways
Triglyceride - A chemical compound formed when three fatty acids combine with glycerol. The most abundant fat in the body
Type - The techniques, equipment, or methods used to complete an activity
Type 1 Diabetes - A chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin
Type 2 Diabetes - A long-term metabolic disorder that is characterized by high blood sugar, insulin resistance, and relative lack of insulin
Type I Fibers - Slow-twitch, fatigue-resistant muscle fibers with high mitochondrial density
Type IIa Fibers - Fast-twitch, moderately fatigable muscle fibers with moderate mitochondrial density
Type IIx Fibers - Fast-twitch, fast-fatigable muscle fibers with low mitochondrial density
U
Underactive Muscles - Muscles that are lengthened beyond the ideal length-tension relationship and are, therefore, inhibited and less capable of producing force
Undulating Periodization - Short durations of hypertrophy training alternated with short durations of strength and power training
Unipennate Muscle - Muscle fibers extending from one side of a central tendon
Unprocessed Foods - Fresh or raw foods that are the natural, edible parts of an animal or plant
Upper Limit (UL) - The highest level of nutrient intake that is likely to pose no risk of adverse effects for almost all individuals in the general population
Upsell - A sales technique where a client is encouraged to purchase additional services, products, or add-ons to generate more revenue
US Department of Agriculture (USDA) - A US federal department that manages programs for food, nutrition, agriculture, natural resources, and rural development
US Department of Health and Human Services- A US federal department that oversees public health, welfare, and civil rights issues
V
Valgus - An abnormal joint movement toward the midline of the body (i.e., knock-kneed)
Valsalva Maneuver - The act of forcibly exhaling with a closed windpipe, where there is no air that is exiting via the nose or mouth
Varus - An abnormal joint movement away from the midline of the body (i.e., bowlegged)
Veins - Blood vessels carrying blood toward the heart to remove waste and pick up more oxygen
Velocity - The speed of an object and the direction it takes while moving
Ventilatory Threshold (VT) - The threshold where ventilation increases faster than the volume of oxygen
Ventricle - One of the two lower cavities of the heart passing blood to the body or to the lungs
Venules - The small branches of the veins gathering blood from the capillaries
Virtual Training - Remote training sessions conducted via website, phone applications, or social media platforms
Visceral Fat - Fat accumulated within the abdomen and around internal organs. It has potentially negative effects on arteries, the liver, and the breakdown of sugars and fats
Visual Cortex - The specific region of the occipital lobe responsible for sight and visual perception
Visual Learners - People who learn by seeing information
Vital Capacity - The greatest volume of air that can be expelled from the lungs after taking the deepest possible breath
Vitamins - Organic compounds essential for normal growth and nutrition
VO2 Max - The maximum amount of oxygen an individual can use during exercise
W
Waist-To-Height Ratio - An objective assessment to measure cardiometabolic risk
Waist-To-Hip Ratio (WHR) - A predictive health measure comparing the circumference of the waist to the circumference of the hips
Weight - The gravitational force of attraction on an object
Weight-Bearing Exercise - Activities that move one’s own body weight against gravity
Weight Machines - Pieces of equipment with fixed or a variable range of motion that uses gravity and a load to generate resistance
Weight Management - The physiological processes and techniques one uses to achieve or maintain a specific body weight
Wheezing - Breathing with a whistling or rattling sound in the chest
Wolff’s Law - The explanation for bone adaptations as a result of the loads placed on them
Work - Force times distance measured in foot-pounds
Z
Z line - The lateral boundary of the sarcomere where the myofilament actin attaches