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Bodybuilding Terms
Welcome to our bodybuilding dictionary of basic bodybuilding terms and definitions
A
This vitamin is used for night vision, body tissue repair and maintenance.
AEROBIC EXERCISE
Prolonged, moderate-intensity work that uses up oxygen at or below the level at which your cardiorespiratory (heart-lung) system can replenish oxygen in the working muscles. Aerobic literally means with oxygen, and it is the only type of exercise which burns body fat to meet its energy needs. Bodybuilders engage in aerobic workouts to develop additional cardiorespiratory fitness, as well as to burn off excess body fat to achieve peak contest muscularity. Common aerobic activities include running, cycling, swimming, dancing, and walking. Depending on how vigorously you play them, most racquet sports can also be aerobic exercise.
ADENOSINE TRIPHOSPHATE (ATP)
An important high energy compound, which is present in your muscle fibers. Especially used during the anabolic and anti-catabolic phase of working muscles.
ALPHA KETOGLUTARATE (AKG)
Potential increase in ATP. Improves aerobic/anaerobic exercise if combined with vitamin B6.
AMDR
This is an abbreviation for the Adult Minimum Daily Requirement of certain nutrients as established by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
AMINO ACIDS
Chemical molecules which combine to form the various proteins. There are 22 common amino acids. The human body can synthesize (manufacture) 14 of them. The other 8 must come from the diet and are therefore called essential.
ANABOLIC DRUGS
Also called anabolic steroids, these are artificial male hormones that aid in nitrogen retention and thereby add to a male bodybuilder's muscle mass and strength. These drugs are not without hazardous side effects, however, and they are legally available only through a physician's prescription. Steroids are available in most gyms via the black market, but it is very dangerous to use such unknown substances to increase muscle mass.
ANAEROBIC EXERCISE
Exercise of much higher intensity than aerobic work, which uses up oxygen more quickly than the body can replenish it in the working muscles. Anaerobic exercise eventually builds up a significant oxygen debt that forces an athlete to terminate the exercise session rather quickly. Anaerobic exercise (the kind of exercise to which bodybuilding training belongs) burns up glycogen (muscle sugar) to supply its energy needs. Fast sprinting is a typical anaerobic form of exercise.
ANDROGENIC DRUGS
Androgenics are drugs that simulate the effects of the male hormone testosterone in the human body. Androgens do build a degree of strength and muscle mass, but they also stimulate secondary sex characteristics such as increased body hair, a deepened voice, and high levels of aggression. Indeed, many bodybuilders and powerlifters take androgen to stimulate aggressiveness in the by resulting in more productive workouts.
B1
This vitamin is used for blood building, carbohydrate metabolism, energy, growth, muscle tone, circulation maintenance of intestine, stomach, heart and appetite.
B2 (RIBOFLAVIN)
This vitamin is used by the body for antibody and red cell formation, cell respiration, metabolism of protein, fat and carbohydrate.
B3 (NIACIN)
This vitamin is used for circulation, growth, sex hormone production, metabolism of protein, fat and carbohydrate, and cholesterol level reduction.
B5 (PANTOTHENIC ACID)
This vitamin is used for antibody and steroid formation, conversion of carbohydrate, fat and protein into energy, and growth stimulation.
B6 (PYRIDOXINE)
This vitamin is used for fat, protein metabolism (particularly Methionine and Tryptophan), antibody formation, and sodium potassium balance.
B12 (COBALAMIN)
This vitamin is used for fat, protein and carbohydrate metabolism, blood cell information, and fatty acid synthesis.
BALANCE
A term referring to an even relationship of body proportions in a man's physique. Perfectly balanced physical proportions are in a much-sought-after trait among competitive bodybuilders.
BAR
This is the steel shaft that forms the basic part of barbell or dumbbell. These bars are normally about one inch thick, and they are often encased in a revolving metal sleeve.
BARBELL
Normally measuring between four and six feet in length, a barbell is the most basic piece of weight-training and bodybuilding equipment. Indeed, you can train every major skeletal muscle group in your body using on a barbell. There are two major and types of barbells used for exercise in common use, adjustable sets (in which you can easily add or subtract plates by removing a detachable outside collar held in place on each side by a set screw) and fixed barbells (in which the plates are either welded or bolted permanently in place). Fixed weights are arranged in variety poundages on long racks in commercial bodybuilding gyms, the approximate poundage for each one painted or etched on the bar. Fixed weights relieve you of the problem of changing plates on your barbell for each new exercise. While fixed barbells and dumbbells are normally found in large commercial gyms, adjustable barbell and dumbbell sets are more frequently used at home.
BASIC EXERCISE
This is a bodybuiding exercise, which stresses the largest muscle groups of your body (e.g., the thighs, back, and/or chest), often in combination with smaller muscles. You will be able to use very heavy weights in basic exercises in order to build great muscle mass and physical power. Typical basic movements include squats, bench presses, and deadlifts. (You should also see the listing for Isolation exercise.)
BENCHES
A wide variety of exercise benches is available for use in doing barbell and dumbbell exercises either lying or seated on a bench. The most common type of bench, a flat exercise bench, can be used for chest, shoulder, and arm movements. Incline and decline benches (which are angled at about 30-45 degrees) allow movements for the chest, shoulder, and arms.
BETA CAROTENE
The preferred form of vitamin A. Acts as a natural antioxidant, and nutritionists today feel it is an important part of a balanced nutritional regiment.
BETA SITOSTEROL
A sterol (plant hormone) derived from crude germ oils. Increases growth hormone and natural testosterone levels in the body.
BIOFLAVONOIDS
This vitamin is used for a mild stimulant, capillary maintenance.
BIOMECHANICS
The scientific study of body positions, or form, in sport. In bodybuilding, biomechanics studies body form when exercising with weights. When you have good biomechanics in a bodybuilding exercise, you will be safely placing maximum beneficial stress on your working muscles.
BIOTIN
This vitamin is used for fat, protein and carbohydrate metabolism, cell growth, and fatty acid production.
BMR
The basal metabolic rate is the speed at which your resting body burns calories to provide for its basic survival needs. You can elevate your BMR and more easily achieve lean body mass through consistent exercise, and particularly through aerobic workouts.
BODYBUILDING
A type of weight training applied in conjunction with sound nutritional practices to alter the shape of one's body. In the context of this book, bodybuilding is a competitive sport nationally and internationally in both amateur and professional categories for men, women, and mixed pairs. However, a majority of individuals uses bodybuilding methods merely to lose excess body fat or build up a too thin part of the body.
BRANCHED CHAIN AMINO ACIDS (BCAAs)
Three amino acids (Leucine, Isoleucine, Valine) which are quickly absorbed by muscle tissue and help create a positive nitrogen balance thus promoting muscular growth.
BROMELAIN
A naturally extracted digestive enzyme that may help accelerate tissue repair.
BURN
This is a burning sensation that you feel in the muscle that you are training. This burn is caused by a rapid buildup of fatigue toxins in the muscle and is a good indication that you are optimally working a muscle group. The best bodybuilders consistently forge past the pain barrier erected by muscle burn and consequently build very massive, highly defined muscle.
BURNS
A training technique used to push a set past the normal failure point, and thereby to stimulate it to greater hypertrophy. Burns consist of short, quick, bouncy reps 4-6 inches in range of motion. Most bodybuilders do 8-12 burns at the end of a set that has already been taken to failure. They generate terrific burn in the muscles, hence the name of this technique.
C (ASCORBIC ACID)
This vitamin is used for collagen production, bone and
tooth formation, healing, digestion, red blood cell
formation, infection and shock resistance, iodine
conservation, and protection against vitamin oxidation.
CALCIUM (Ca)
This mineral is used for bone and tooth
formation, muscle growth and contraction, blood clotting,
heart rhythm, and nerve transmission and tranquilizing.
CAFB
This stands for: Canadian Amateur Federation of Bodybuilders, the sports federation responsible in Canada for administering amateur bodybuilding for men, women, and mixed pairs. The CAFB is one of the more than 120 national bodybuilding federations affiliated internationally with IFBB.
CARBOHYDRATE
Any of various neutral compounds of carbon, hydrogen, and
oxygen (as sugars, starches, cellulose) most of which are
formed by green plants and which constitute a major class
of animal foods.
CARDIORESPIRATORY FITNESS
This is the Physical fitness condition of the heart, circulatory system and lungs that is indicative of good aerobic fitness.
CARNITINE
An amino acid which encourages the body to burn stored
fat for energy rather than carbohydrates.
CHEATING
A method of pushing a muscle to keep working far past the point at which it would normally fail to continue contracting due to excessive fatigue buildup. In cheating you will use a self-administered body swing, jerk, or otherwise poor exercise form once you have reached the failure point to take some of the pressure off the muscles and allow them to continue a set for two or three repetitions past failure.
CHINNING BAR
A bar attached high on the wall or gym ceiling, on which you can do chins, hanging leg raises, and other movements for your upper body. A chinning bar is analogous to the high bar male gymnasts use in national and international competitions.
CHOLINE
This vitamin is used for fat and cholesterol metabolism,
nerve transmission, lecithin formation, and liver and
gall bladder regulation.
CHROMIUM
A mineral important in the metabolism of sugars and
insulin production. Recent studies have shown that this
mineral taken in 200 mcg (.2mg) daily will greatly
increase lean body mass while decreasing fat.
CIRCUIT TRAINING
A special form of bodybuilding through which you can simultaneously increase aerobic conditioning, muscle mass, and strength. In circuit training, you will plan a series of 10-20 exercises in a circuit around the gym. The exercises chosen should stress all parts of the body. These movements are performed with an absolute minimum of rest between exercises. Then at the end of a circuit, a rest interval of 2-5 minutes is taken before going through the circuit again. Three-five circuits would constitute a circuit-training program.
CLA
Conjugated Linoleic Acid - one of the three fatty acids
found in fish oil.
CLEAN
This movement consists of raising a barbell or two dumbbells from the floor to your shoulders in one smooth motion to prepare for an overhead lift. To properly execute a clean movement, you must use the coordinated strength of your legs, back, shoulders, and arms.
COLLAGEN
The main protein constituent of connective tissue and of
the organic substance of bones.
COLLAR
A clamp is used to hold plates securely in place on a barbell or dumbbell bar. The cylindrical metal clamps are held in place on the bar by means of a set screw threaded through the collar and tightened securely against the bar. Inside collars keep plates from sliding inward and injuring your hands, while outside collars keep plates from sliding off the barbell in the middle of an exercise.
COPPER(Cu)
This mineral controls oxidation of vitamin C, collagen,
elastin, bone, hemoglobin, and red blood cell formation;
and the body's healing processes.
CoQ10 (COENZYME Q10)
A molecule that controls oxygen flow within
cells and acts as a catalyst in the creation of energy.
COUPLES' COMPETITION
A relatively new form of bodybuilding competition in which man-woman teams compete against others with particularly appealing posing routines featuring adagio and other dance movements and lifts. Also called, “Mixed Pairs Competition,” this event is rapidly gaining international popularity. With the bodybuilding community and public, and is held in both amateur and professional World Championships.
CREATINE MONOHYDRATE
A naturally occurring dietary component found
exclusively in muscle meats and dairy products. All
commercially sold Creatine Monohydrate is from synthetic
sources.
CUT UP (OR CUT)
A term used to denote a bodybuilder who has an extremely high degree of muscular definition due to a low degree of body fat.
CYTOCHROME C
A chemical compound composed of amino acids and
iron which acts as a carrier of oxygen with the
mitochondria. Allows for more oxygen uptake by the cells,
thus prolonging endurance.
D
This vitamin is used for metabolism of calcium and
phosphorous, maintenance of nervous system, blood
clotting, heart action, skin respiration and bone
formation.
DEFINITION
The absence of fat over clearly delineated muscular movement. Definition is often referred to as “muscularity,” and a highly defined bodybuilder has so little body fat that very fine grooves of muscularity called “striations” will be clearly visible over each major muscle group.
DENSITY
This is the hardness of the
muscle, which is also related to muscular definition. A bodybuilder can be well defined and still have excess fat
within each major muscle complex. However,
when he has muscle density, even this intramuscular fat has been eliminated. A
combination of muscle mass and muscle density is highly prized among all
competitive bodybuilders.
DESICCATE
To dry up, removing all the water, dehydrate.
DHEA
Dehydroepiandrosterone - is a hormone produced by the
adrenal gland. Primary function is to produce estrogen
and testosterone.
DIBENCOZIDE
The biologically active coenzyme of vitamin 12, necessary
in the metabolism of fat, proteins and carbohydrates.
Some studies have shown it to produce results in strength
and size comparable to steroids.
DiMETHYL GLYCINE (DMG)
A substance originally isolated from apricot
kernels. Said to increase oxygen uptake and decrease
recovery time between workouts.
DIPPING BAR
Parallel bars set high enough above the floor to allow you to do dips between them, leg raises for your abdominal, and a variety of other exercises. Some gyms have dipping bars, which are angled inward at one end; these can be used when changing your grip width on dips.
DIURETICS
Sometimes called “water pills,” these drugs and herbal preparations remove excess water from bodybuilder’s system just prior to a show. This reveals greater muscular detail. Harsh chemical diuretics can be quite harmful to your health, particularly if they are used on a chronic basis. Two of the side effects of excessive chemical diuretic use are muscle cramps and heart arrhythmias (irregular heart beats).
DUMBBELL
Essentially, a dumbbell is a
short-handled barbell (usually 10-12 inches in length) intended primarily for
use with one in each hand. Dumbbells
are especially valuable when training the arms and shoulders, but can be used to
build up almost any muscles.
E
This vitamin is used as an antioxidant, increases oxygen
availability, ageing retardation, blood cholesterol
reduction, strengthens capillary walls, lung protection,
fertility, and muscle and nerve maintenance.
ELECTROLYTES
Important minerals such as potassium, magnesium, sodium
and calcium, that help provide continuity in the passage
of fluid through your body.
EMULSIFIED
A process whereby oil globules are broken down to such
tiny size that they are able to disperse and suspend in
water without separation.
ENZYME
A protein produced by living cells that catalyze chemical
reaction in organic matter.
EPHEDRINE
A crystalline alkaloid C10H15NO extracted from Chinese
plants (genus Ephedra of the family Gnetaceae) or
synthesized and used as a salt in relieving hay fever,
asthma, and nasal congestion.
EXERCISE
Movements such as (e.g., a seated pulley row, barbell curl, or seated calf raise) that you perform in your bodybuilding workouts.
EZ-CURL
A special type of barbell used in many arm exercises, but particularly for standing EZ-bar curls wherein it removes strain from your wrists. An EX-curl bar is also occasionally called a “cambered curling bar.” Albert Beckles, one of the sport’s most successful professionals, whimsically calls this piece of equipment a “wiggly bar” because of its shape.
FAILURE
That point in an exercise, which you have fully fatigued your working muscles. They can no longer complete an additional repetition of a movement with strict biomechanics. You should always take your post-warm-up sets at least to the point of momentary muscular failure, and frequently past that point.
FLEXIBILITY
A suppleness of joints, muscle masses, and connective tissues, which lets you, move your limbs over an exaggerated range of motion, a valuable quality in bodybuilding training, since it promotes optimum physical development. Flexibility can only be attained through systematic stretching training, which should form a cornerstone of your overall bodybuilding philosophy.
FOLIC ACID
This vitamin is used for red blood cell
formation, protein metabolism, appetite, body growth, and
reproduction.
FORCED REPS
Forced reps are a frequently used method of extending a set past the point of failure to induce greater gains in muscle mass and quality. With forced reps, a training partner pulls upward on the bar just enough for you to grind out two or three reps past the failure threshold.
FORM
This is simply another word to indicate the biomechanics used during the performance of any bodybuilding or weight-training movement. Perfect form involves moving only the muscles specified in an exercise description, while moving the weight over the fullest possible range.
FREE FORM AMINO ACIDS
Separate and isolate amino acids not bound or
linked to any other amino acids.
FREE WEIGHTS
Equipment such as: Barbells, dumbbells, and related equipment. Serious bodybuilders use a combination of free weights and such exercise machines as those manufactured by Nautilus and Universal Gyms, but they primarily use free weights in their workouts.
GABA
An essential fatty acid derivative that your body breaks
down to obtain energy. Regulates your cardiovascular
system and may lower blood pressure.
GAMMA ORYZANOL
A by-product of rice bran which helps increase
lean body mass while decreasing fatty tissue. Also shown
to help increase testosterone production.
GARLIC EXTRACTS
Has properties of being a stimulant, anti
spasmodic and antibiotic. Also helps lower your total
cholesterol level.
GIANT SETS
Performing a series of 4-6 exercises, done with little or no rest between each movements, and a rest interval of 3-4 minutes between each giant sets. You can perform giant sets for either two antagonistic muscle groups or a single body part.
GINSENG
Highly prized Oriental herb reputed to give long life.
Increases hormone production, improves heart rate,
regulates blood pressure, improves sexual function and
increases vitality.
GINSENG
Highly prized Oriental herb reputed to give long life.
Increases hormone production, improves heart rate,
regulates blood pressure, improves sexual function and
increases vitality.
GLANDULARS
Supplements derived from animal glands which help boost
human gland function.
GLUCOSAMINE
Used in the relief of arthritis.
GLUTATHIONE
A tripeptide of glutamic acid, cysteine, and glycine;
fundamentally important in cellular respiration.
GLYCEMIC INDEX
Applies to the amount of sugar in one's blood.
The normal range is 70-110mg/100 ml.
GLYCINE
Of special value as a source of creatine which is
essential for muscle function, breaking down glycogen and
freeing energy. Produces glycogen which mobilizes
glycogens (a stored energy source of glucose) from the
liver. Builds up the immune system, producing
immunoglobulins and antibodies. Acts as a nitrogen pool
for the syntheses of nonessential amino acids. Effective
for hyperacidity,(used in many gastric antacid agents).
GOLDEN SEAL ROOT
A stimulant that increases your body's tonic
properties. Stimulates secretion of bile. A key component
of the emulsion of your body's fat.
HYDROXY CITRIC ACID (CITRIMAX-GARCIAN CAMBOGIA)
A natural citric acid which may help curb the
appetite according to the studies.
HYPERTROPHY
This means increase in muscle mass and an improvement in relative muscular strength. Hypertrophy is induced by placing an “over-load” on the working muscles with various training techniques during a bodybuilding workout.
IFBB
The International Federation of Bodybuilders, the gigantic sports federation founded in1946 by Joe and Ben Weider. With more than 120 member nations, the IFBB proves that bodybuilding is one of the most popular of all sports on the international level. Through its member national federations, the IFBB oversees competitions in each nation, and it directly administers amateur and professional competition for men, women, and mixed pairs internationally.
INOSINE
A purine nucleotide that promotes oxygen transport and
the release of oxygen molecules into the red blood cells.
Also promotes production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
which is essential for muscle function.
INOSITOL
This vitamin is used for cholesterol and fat metabolism,
cholesterol reduction, lecithin information, hair growth,
and retardation of artery hardening.
INTENSITY
The degree of effort that you put into each set of your workout. The more intensity you place on a working muscle, the more quickly it will increase in hypertrophy. The most basic methods of increasing intensity are to use heavier weights in good form in each exercise, do more reps with a set weight, or perform a consistent number of sets and reps with a particular weight in a movement, but progressively reducing the length of rest intervals between sets.
ION EXCHANGE
A technique of separating materials by
reversible interchange between ions of like charge.
IRON (Fe)
This mineral is used for hemoglobin production,
stress and disease resistance.
ISOLATION EXERCISE
In contrast to a basic exercise, an isolation movement stresses a single muscle group (or sometimes just part of a single muscle) in relative isolation from the remainder of the body. Isolation exercises are good for shaping and defining various muscle groups. For your thighs: squats would be a typical basic movement. While leg extensions would be the equivalent isolation exercise.
JUDGING ROUNDS
In the universally accepted and applied IFBB system of judging, bodybuilders are evaluated in three distinctly different rounds of judging, plus a final posedown round for only the top five competitors after the first three rounds have been adjudicated. In Round One, the competitors are viewed in groups and individually in seven well-defined compulsory poses; in Round Two, they are viewed semi-relaxed from the front, both sides, and back; and in Round Three, they perform their own uniquely personal free-posing routines to their own choice of music. Overall, this use of three rounds of judging and a posedown round results in a very fair choice of the final winners of a bodybuilding championship.
JUICE
A slang term for anabolic steroids, e.g., being “on the juice.”
L-ALANINE
Used as body fuel by tissues of the brain, nervous system and muscles. Important in converting energy to stored energy in the body's Kreb's energy cycle. Important nitrogen quality for post-injury states. Builds up the immune system producing immunoglobulins and antibodies. Metabolizes sugars and organic acids.
L-ARGININE
Indispensable of optimum growth. Stimulates the release of growth hormone, important to muscle metabolism; acts as a vehicle for transport, storage and excretion of nitrogen. Increases muscle mass while decreasing the amount of body fat. Plays an important role in post-injury problems such as weight changes, nitrogen balance and tissue healing. Increases collagen, the main supportive fibrous protein found in bone, cartilage and other connective tissue. Stimulates the immune system. Combats physical and mental fatigue. Increases spermatogenesis. Used in the treatment of hepatic (liver) disorders. Transforms to L-Ornithine and Urea. Promotes the detoxification of ammonia which is poisonous to living cells.
L-ASPARTIC ACID
Increases resistance to fatigue. Involved in the formation of RNA and DNA, the chemical base of hereditary and carries of genetic information. Salts of Aspartic acid increase stamina and endurance. Protects the liver and promotes normal cell function. Builds up the immune system producing immunoglobulin and antiglobulin.
L-CITULLINE
Helps recovery from fatigue. Stimulates the immune system, therefore, is beneficial in the presence of any illness, disease, traumatic injury or wound. Metabolizes to L-Arginine. Detoxifies ammonia which is poisonous to living cells.
L-CYSTEINE
Found to increase hair growth by as much as 100%, effective in preventing not only hangovers, but also brain and liver damage from alcohol. Helps prevent damage from the ill effects of cigarette smoke. Detoxifies many harmful chemicals. Helpful in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Promotes healing and the immune system.
L-CYSTINE
Essential for the formation for skin and hair. Promotes recovery from surgical operations and burns. Used in the treatment of respiratory disorders such as chronic bronchitis. Stimulates white blood cell activity in the immune systems necessary for the resistance to disease.
L-GLUTAMIC ACID
Especially important in brain metabolism. Function as a brain fuel, serving as an excitatory neurotransmitter. Transports potassium across the blood brain barrier. Combines to form L-Glutamine and in the process picks up ammonia radicals. This is the only method the brain has of detoxifying ammonia. Instrumental in the metabolism of other amino acids. Metabolizes sugars and fats. Increases the blood sugar level; used in the treatment of hypoglycemia.
L-GLUTAMINE
Sustains mental ability involved with brain metabolism. Along with L-Glutamic acid is used as a brain fuel. Used in the treatment of alcoholism, can protect against alcohol poisoning. Has been used in the treatment of schizophrenia and senility.
L-HISTIDINE
Used in the treatment of allergic diseases. Also used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Effective in the treatment of ulcers of the digestive organs. Important in the production of red and white blood cells; i.e. treatment of anemia.
L-ISOLEUCINE
Primarily metabolized in muscle tissue. Essential to the formation of hemoglobin. Should always be in well balanced proportion with L-Leucine and L-Valine.
L-LEUCINE
Metabolized in muscle tissue. Promotes healing of skin and broken bones. Lowers elevated blood sugar levels. Should always be in well balanced proportion with L-Valine and Isoleucine.
L-LYSINE
Inhibits the growth of viruses. Used in the treatment of Herpes Simplex virus. Produces L-Carnitine which improves stress tolerance and fat metabolism and has an antifatigue effect. Promotes bone growth by helping to form collagen, the fibrous protein which makes up bone, cartilage and other connective tissue.
L-METHIONINE
Lipotropic (preventing excessive fat buildup in the liver). Helps prevent premature hair loss. Interacts with other body substances to detoxify harmful compounds. Is included in nutritional supplementation as an antifatigue agent.
L-ORNITHINE
Stimulates the release of growth hormone which increases muscle mass while decreasing the amount of body fat. Helps build up the immune system. Promotes liver function and regeneration. Important in the formation of Urea, detoxifying ammonia which is poisonous to living cells. Promotes healing.
L-PHENYLALANINE
Produces and maintains an elevated and positive mood, alertness and ambition. Enhances learning and memory, produces neurotransmitters which control impulse transmission between nerve cells. Is involved in dopamine transmission. Used in the treatment of certain types of depression. Suppresses appetite.
L-PROLINE
Extremely important for the proper function of joints and tendons, as well as good heart muscles. Glycogenic (energy storage source of glucose by the liver and muscles) a major constituent of collagen, the main fibrous protein found in bone, cartilage and other tissues.
L-SERINE
Glycogenic (energy storage source of glucose by the liver and muscles). Builds up the immune system, producing immunoglobulins and antibodies.
L-THREONINE
Lipotropic (preventing fatty buildup in the liver). Glycogenic (energy storage source of glucose by the liver and muscles) essential to normal growth. Generally low in vegetarian diets. Builds up the immune system producing immunoglobulin and antibodies. Is an important constitute of collagen and elastin proteins.
L-TRYPTOPHAN
Used by the brain to produce the neurotransmitter Serotin which results in a calming effect. Used in the treatment of insomnia, stress, anxiety and depression. Stimulates the release of growth hormone which burns body fat and acts as an aid in weight control. Used in the treatment of migraines.
L-TYROSINE
Plays an important role in the function of the adrenal, pituitary and thyroid glands. Generates red and white blood cells. Elevates mood. Is used in the treatment of anxiety, depression and insomnia. Produces melanin, the skin and hair pigment. Produces Norepinephrine, an appetite inhibitory neurotransmitter that suppresses appetite. Stimulates the release of growth hormone which causes muscle growth and reduces body fat.
L-VALINE
Glycogenic (energy storage source of glucose by the liver and the muscles) metabolized in muscle. Should always be in well balanced proportion with L-Leucine and L-Isoleucine.
LAYOFF
Most intelligent bodybuilders take a one- or two-week layoff from bodybuilding training from time to time, during which they totally avoid the gym. A layoff after a period of intense pre-competition preparation is particularly beneficial as a means of allowing the body to completely rest, recuperate, and heal any minor training injuries that might have cropped up during the peaking cycle.
LECITHIN
A phospholipid containing glycerol, fatty acids, phosphoric acid and choline. Serves as a structural material to every cell in the body. Important to the brain and nerves.
LIFTING BELT
This is a leather belt 4-6 inches wide at the back that is fastened tightly around your waist when you do squats, heavy back work, and overhead pressing movements. A lifting belt adds stability to your midsection, preventing lower back and abdominal injuries.
LIPOTROPIC
Applies to substances essential for fat metabolism, promoting the physiologic utilization of fat.
LYCOPENE CARITINOID
Found in natural fruits and vegetables.
MASS
The size of the entire physique, or the size of each muscle group, As long as you also have a high degree of muscularity and good balance of physical proportions, muscle mass is a highly prized quality among competitive bodybuilders.
MANGANESE (Mn)
This mineral is used for carbohydrate metabolism, enzyme activation, reproduction and sex hormone production.
MAGNESIUM (Mg)
This mineral is used for muscle relaxation, acid and alkaline balance, enzyme activation, blood sugar, calcium and vitamin C metabolism.
MELATONIN
A natural hormone available in synthetic form for supplementation. Used extensively as a sleep aid.
MCT
Medium Chain Triglycerides, caprylic acid source. Provides twice the energy power of proteins and carbohydrates and reduces muscle protein breakdown during recovery and healing.
MIXED PAIRS COMPETITION
Couples’ competition, a relatively new form of bodybuilding competition in which man-woman teams compete against others with particularly appealing posing routines featuring adagio and other dance movements.
MUSCULARITY
An alternative term for “definition” or “cuts.”
NAUTILUS
A manufacture, of exercise machines. Used many gyms.
NPC
The National Physique Committee, Inc., which administers men’s and women’s amateur bodybuilding competitions in the United States. The NPC National Champions in each weight division are annually sent abroad to compete in the IFBB World Championships.
NUTRITION
The applied science of eating to foster greater health, fitness, and muscular grains. Through correct application of nutritional practices, you can selectively add muscle mass to your physique, or totally strip away all body fat, revealing the hard-earned muscles lying beneath your skin.
OCTACOSANOL
A naturally derived wheat germ oil concentrate which has been clinically proven to increase oxygen utilization when exercising.
OLYMPIAN
A term reserved for use when referring only to a bodybuilder who has competed in the Mr. Olympia or Ms. Olympia competitions.
OLYMPIC BARBELL
A special type of barbell used in weightlifting and powerlifting competitions, but also used by bodybuilders in heavy basic exercises such as squats, bench presses, barbell be rows, standing barbell curls, standing barbell presses, and deadlifts. An Olympic barbell sans collars weighs 45 pounds, and each collar weighs five pounds.
OLYMPIC LIFTING
The type of weightlifting competition contested at the Olympic games every four years, as well as at national and international competitions each year. Two lifts (the snatch and the clean jerk) are contested in a wide variety of weight classes.
OVERLOAD
The amount of weight that you force a muscle to use that is over and above its normal strength ability. Applying an overload to a muscle forces it to increase in hypertrophy.
PARA-AMINO BENZOIC ACID (PABA)
This vitamin is used for protein metabolism, intestinal bacteria, absorption of ultraviolet rays, hair color restoration and blood cell formation.
PEAK
The absolute zenith of competitive condition achieved by a bodybuilder. To peak out optimally for a bodybuilding show, you must intelligently combine bodybuilding training, aerobic workouts, diet, mental conditioning, tanning, and a large number of other preparatory factors.
PEPTIDE BONDED AMINO ACIDS
Amino acids which are only partially separated from other amino acids. Usually found in chains and joined by peptide bound d.
PHA
The abbreviation for “peripheral heart action,” a system of circuit training in which short 4-6 exercise circuits are performed in order to stimulate cardiorespiratory conditioning and further physical development.
PHOSPHOROUS (P)
This mineral is used for bone and tooth formation, cell growth and repair, heart muscle contractions, energy production, calcium and sugar metabolism, and kidney function.
PLATES
The flat discs placed on the ends of barbell and dumbbell bars to increase the weight of the apparatus. Although some plates are made from vinyl-covered concrete, the best and most durable plates are manufactured from metal.
POLLEN
Substance found in flowers and harvested by bees. Contains all 22 amino acids and 96 other nutrients. Helps boost energy and endurance and speeds up recovery time.
POSE
Each individual stance that a bodybuilder does onstage in order to highlight his muscular development.
POTASSIUM (K)
This mineral is used for muscle contraction and relaxation, enzyme activation, heart beat, and growth.
POUNDAGE
The amount of weight that you use in an exercise, whether that weight is on a barbell, dumbbell, or exercise machine.
POWER LIFTING
A second form of competitive weightlifting (not contested in the Olympics, however) featuring three lifts: The squat, bench press, and deadlift. Power lifting is contested both nationally and internationally in a wide variety of weight classes for both men and women.
PRECURSOR
A substance which is converted to another; i.e. Beta Carotene to Vitamin A as it is assimilated by the body.
PROGRESSION
The act of gradually adding to the amount of resistance that you use in each exercise. Without consistent progression in your workouts, you won’t overload your muscles sufficiently to promote optimum increases in hypertrophy.
PROTEIN
Any of numerous naturally occurring extremely complex combinations of amino acids that contain the elements carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, usu. sulfur, occas. phosphorus, iron, and/or other elements that are essential constituents of all living cells and are synthesized from raw materials by plants but assimilated as separate amino acids.
PUMP
The tight, blood-congested feeling in a muscle after it has been intensely trained. Muscle pump is caused by a rapid influx of blood into the muscles to remove fatigue toxins and replace supplies of fuel and oxygen. A good muscle pump indicates that you have optimally worked a muscle group.
PYCNOGENOL
A natural extract from pine tress. Pycnogenol is a powerful antioxidant and the most readily absorbed and bio-available member of the bioflavonoid family.
QUALITY TRAINING
A type of workout used just prior to a competition in which the lengths of rest intervals between sets are progressively reduced to increase overall training intensity and help further define the physique.
REPETITION (REP)
Each individual count of an exercise that is performed. Series of repetitions called “sets” are performed on each exercise in your training program.
RESISTANCE
The actual amount of weight that you are using in any exercise.
REST INTERVAL
The brief pause lasting 30-90 between sets that allows your body to partially recuperate prior to initiating the succeeding set.
RIBOFLAVIN
See vitamin B2
RIPPED
The same as cut up.
ROUTINE
Also called a training schedule or program, a routine is the total list of exercise, sets, and reps (and sometimes weights) used in one training session.
SELENIUM (Se)
Prevents or slows aging caused by antioxidants. Keeps youthful elasticity in tissues.
SET
A grouping of repetitions (usually in the range of 6-15) that is followed by a rest interval and usually another set. Three to five sets are usually performed of each exercise.
SHARK CARTILAGE
Contains mucopolysaccharides which may cause anti-angiogenic action that has been shown to be effective in preventing the formation of some solid tumors after extended use. May stimulate immune system functioning.
SLEEVE
The hollow metal tube fit over the bar on most exercise barbell and dumbbell sets. This sleeve makes it easier for the bar to rotate in your hands as you do an exercise.
SMILAX
A chemical substance derived from the Sarsaparilla plant said to boost natural testosterone levels in the body.
SODIUM (Na)
This mineral is used for cellular fluid balance, and muscle retractions.
SPOTTERS
Training partners who stand by to act as safety helpers when you perform such heavy exercises as squats and bench presses. If you are stuck under and weight or begin to lose control of it, spotters can rescue you and prevent needless injuries.
STEROIDS
Prescription drugs which mimic male hormones, but without most of the androgenic side effects of actual testosterone. Many bodybuilders use these dangerous drugs to help increase muscle mass and strength.
STEROLS
Plant hormones usually isolated from crude germ oils which aid the body in hormone production in fat metabolism.
STICKING POINT
A stalling out of bodybuilding progress.
STRETCHING
A type of exercise program in which you assume exaggerated postures that stretch muscles, joints, and connective tissues, hold these positions for several seconds, relax and then repeat the postures. Regular stretching exercise promotes body flexibility.
STRETCH MARKS
Tiny tears in a bodybuilder’s skin caused by poor diet and in addition, rapid increases in bodyweight. If you notice stretch marks forming on your own body (usually around your pectoral-deltoid tie-ins), rub vitamin E cream over them two or three times per day, and try cutting back on your body weight by reducing body fat levels.
STRIATIONS
The tiny grooves of muscle across major muscle groups in a highly defined bodybuilder.
SUCCINATES
Vital nutrients that are important metabolic activators, especially in the production of ATP, an energy compound.
SULFUR (S)
This mineral is used for body tissue formation and collagen synthesis.
SUPERSETS
Series of two exercises performed with no rest between sets and a normal rest interval between supersets. Supersets increase training intensity by reducing the average length of rest interval between sets.
SUPPLEMENTS
Concentrated vitamins, minerals, and proteins used by bodybuilders to improve the overall quality of their diets. Many bodybuilders believe that food supplements help to promote quality muscle growth.
SYMMETRY
The shape or general outline of a person’s body, as when seen in silhouette. If you have good symmetry, you will have relatively wide shoulders, flaring lats, a small waist-hip structure, and generally small joints.
SYNERGISM
The joint action of agents so that the combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects.
TAURINE
Found in high concentrations in the tissues of the heart, skeletal muscle and central nervous system. Used to treat some forms of epilepsy by controlling seizures.
TESTOSTERONE
Hormone produced by both men and women which controls masculinization in the body and is the key hormone in muscle building. The male hormone primarily responsible for the maintenance of muscle mass and strength induced by heavy training. Testosterone is secondarily responsible for developing such secondary male sex characteristics as a deep voice, body hair, and male pattern baldness.
TRISETS
Series of three exercises performed with no rest between movements and a normal rest interval between trisets. Trisets increase training intensity by reducing the average length of rest interval between sets.
VANADYL SULFATE
Trace mineral which works like insulin to increase the amount of glucose and amino acids driven into the muscle.
VASCULARITY
A prominence of veins and arteries over the muscles and beneath the skin of a sell-defined bodybuilder.
WARM-UP
The 10-15 minutes session of light calisthenics, aerobic exercise, and stretching taken prior to handling heavy bodybuilding training movements. A good warm-up helps to prevent injuries and actually allows you to get more out of your training than if you went into a workout very cold.
WEIGHT
The same as Poundage or Resistance.
WEIGHT CLASS
In order for bodybuilders to compete against men of similar size, the IFBB has instituted weight classes for all amateur competition. The normal men’s weight classes are 70 kilograms (kg), 154 pounds (lbs); 80 kg, 176 lbs; 90kg, 198 lbs; and over 90 kg. In a minority of competitions, particularly in the Far East, one additional class 65 kg, or 143 lbs is also contested.
WEIGHTLIFTING
The competitive form of weight training in which each athlete attempts to lift as much as he can in well-defined exercises. Olympic lifting and power lifting are the two types of weightlifting competition.
WEIGHT TRAINING
An umbrella term used to categorize all acts of using resistance training. Weight training can be used to improve the body, rehabilitate injuries, improve sports conditioning, or as a competitive activity in terms of bodybuilding weightlifting.
WORKOUT
A bodybuilding or weight-training session.
YOHIMBE BARK
A chemical substance derived from the Yohimbe said to boost natural testosterone levels in the body.
ZINC (Zn)
This mineral is used for protein metabolism, enzyme activation, burn and wound healing, sex organ growth, and maturity, prostate gland function, reproductive organ growth and development.