FITNESS TERMINOLOGY

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

 

Baby's Butt
Indentation between the two heads of biceps muscles of a very muscular athlete.

Back Cycling
Cutting back on either number of sets, repetitions or amount of weight used during
a exercise session.

Ballistic Stretch
A more vigorous stretch by using a swinging or bouncing motion suited only for conditioned athletes, especially in martial arts.

Barbell
Weight used for exercise, consisting of a rigid handle 5-7' long, with detachable metal discs at each end.

Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)
The lowest rate of body metabolism (rate of energy use) that can sustain life, measured after a full night's sleep in a laboratory under optimal conditions of quiet, rest and relaxation.

Bio availability
The simplicity in which nutrients can be absorbed.

Biochemical Reaction
The chemical reactions which take place within the human body.

Biological Value
A measure of protein quality in a given food.

Bio mechanics
Science concerned with the internal and external forces acting on a human body and the effects produced by these forces.

Blood Pressure
The force exerted against heart and blood vessel walls by passing blood; When a blood pressure reading is taken, the systolic over diastolic value is determined. Systolic pressure is primarily caused by the heartbeat or contraction. The diastolic pressure is taken when the heart is filling with blood between beats. Blood pressure values vary appreciably depending on age, sex, and ethnicity. A typical adult reading may be 120mm Hg over 80mm Hg, stated 120 over 80. Blood pressures above 140 over 90 at rest are considered high; see diastolic and systolic.

Body Composition
A test or tests used to determine percentage of body fat; Examples, underwater or hydrostatic, skinfold, anthropometric, or electrical impedance.
Body composition uses two components: the amount of fat mass (weight) and the amount of fat-free mass (muscle, bone, skin and organs) in the body.

Body mass index (BMI)
A number calculated using a persons height and mass, which gives a indication of total body fat content.

Bone density
Soundness of the bones within the body, low density can be a result of osteoporosis.

BPM
The units of heart rate, beats per minute.

Buffer
Substances that help reduce lactic acid build-up during strenuous exercise.

Bulking Up
Gaining body weight by adding muscle, body fat or both.

Burn
In endurance exercise, working muscles until lactic acid build-up causes burning sensation.