Introduction

Starting your fitness journey can feel intimidating—especially when gym-goers throw around phrases like “superset”, “PR”, or “HIIT” like second nature. At Penguin Fitness Singapore, we believe in making fitness accessible for everyone, starting with understanding the language used on the floor.

This glossary is your go-to guide to gym lingo, so you can walk in and train like a pro from day one.

1. General Gym Terms

Reps (Repetitions)

The number of times you perform a specific exercise in a row.

Sets

A group of reps. Example: 3 sets of 10 reps = 3 × 10 = 30 total reps.

Rest Period

The time you take to recover between sets or exercises—usually between 30 seconds to 2 minutes.

Warm-Up

Gentle movements to raise your body temperature and prepare your muscles for exercise.

2. Resistance Training Terms

Free Weights

Dumbbells, barbells, or kettlebells that are not attached to machines.

Machines

Gym equipment that guides your range of motion—great for beginners.

Compound Exercises

Movements that work multiple muscle groups at once, e.g., squats, deadlifts, bench press.

Isolation Exercises

Target a single muscle group, e.g., bicep curls or leg extensions.

Form

Your body position and movement technique. Good form = safer, more effective workouts.

3. Cardio & Conditioning Terms

HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training)

Alternating short bursts of intense activity with rest or low-intensity recovery.

Steady-State Cardio

Moderate-intensity cardio performed at a constant pace (e.g., jogging or cycling).

Cool-Down

Light movement and stretching after a workout to help your body return to rest.

4. Training Progress Terms

PR (Personal Record)

Your best performance in a particular lift, distance, or time.

Progressive Overload

Gradually increasing the difficulty of your workouts (heavier weight, more reps, etc.) to build strength and endurance.

Plateau

When progress stalls despite continued training—often solved by switching up your routine.

5. Gym Slang & Phrases

Spotter

Someone who assists you during heavy lifts for safety and encouragement.

Superset

Performing two exercises back-to-back with no rest in between.

DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness)

The ache you feel 24–48 hours after a workout—especially if it’s a new or intense session.

Gym Bro / Gym Buddy

A term for a fellow gym enthusiast—your lifting companion or motivator.

Conclusion

Understanding gym terms is a crucial first step in feeling comfortable and confident at the gym. With this glossary, you’re better equipped to follow workout plans, ask for help, and speak the language of fitness like a seasoned regular.

At Penguin Fitness Singapore, we support every beginner—because everyone starts somewhere. Ready to put these terms into action? Join us today and start your fitness journey with clarity and confidence!