Gym Lingo: Common phrases

by Chris Sparling (Subscribe to Chris Sparling's posts)
Dec 28th 2007 5:54PM

Categories: Womens Health, Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Men's Health

It's easy to step into a gym for the first time and feel somewhat intimidated. There are a bunch of people you don't know (many of which may be more fit than you), countless machines that look like torture devices, and a language being spoken that is oftentimes difficult to follow.

With regard to the last of those factors, I've started offering a virtual classroom here on that's fit that I call "Gym Lingo." Although much of what is covered may be old hat to some of you, others will benefit from this crash course on gym speak and will have you fitting in with the locals in no time.

The bell has rung. Please find a seat...

This week we'll be discussing some turns of phrase that are commonly tossed about in most gyms. To those who speak "gym-ese," they make perfect sense. To those who don't, not to worry ... it won't take buying Rosetta Stone to learn the language.

Can I work in? If someone is using a particular machine or piece of exercise equipment, someone may ask this question. Basically, what the person is asking is if they can alternate sets with you; while you take your break, they perform their set, and vice-versa. If someone happens to ask you this question while you are finishing or about to finish your last set, just tell them that you're on your last set and then it will be all theirs.

You on this? If someone asks you this, they're wondering if you're using the machine, bench, barbell or whatever it is that you happen to be standing next to at that moment. It's also a means of letting you know that if you are, in fact, using it, stop dilly-dallying and get on with your set. Pretty please.

Can I get a spot? No, people asking this question aren't asking for some tea. They're asking if you can assist them in completing their set. When spotting someone, be sure to let the other person do the work, as it is your job as their spotter to help ensure their safety, not lift the weight for them (unless of course they are unable to lift the weight at all, at which point you need to take control of the lift).

There are countless other phrases that you may hear in a gym, but these three are certainly among the most common. If you have any others that you'd like to add, please be my guest and add them in the comments section below.

Hopefully this helps you the next (or first) time you go to the gym.

Class dismissed.

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Comments (1)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

jay 12-29-2007 @ 12:55AM

can i get one - means can i rotate in with you to get my setadd a plate - means typicaly to add a 45 pound plateadd a quarter - means a 25 pound plateadd a dime - means a 10 pound plategym rat - someone who is always in the gymmeat heads - are the big guys usually who lift the heavy weightsrep till failure - means you will lift until you give outget the trash can - it is a meat head term meaning they will lift until they puke on this setsupersets - involves using multiple machines or several pieces of equipment in a certain order for a group of muscles, one set of reps on each machine for a number of setspinacle set - is to add weight and reduce your reps with each set thats completed and this can be done backwardshigh rep - means many repetitions usually 15 or morebig weight - would be anything heavy to liftlight weight - means exactly that just light weights or small weightspump / pumped up - its when the muscle fills with blood to the point that you see a physical change in the bodywarm up set - will be the first set done usually with a lighter weight to warm up the muscle group to prevent injuryim on - means someones diet and exercise is intact and they are being faithfull to itim off - means they are not working out or dieting faithfullygot it warmed up for you - means they just got off that machine they are done and you can have itblowed it out - means they have a muscle injury or they had a real good work, depends on the situation
natural - means they have not used any ilegal drugs to look the way they do
deep rep - means a full range of motion
shallow rep - means only a partial range of motion
load it up - means to put on plates (weight)
work in - means to share the equipment with someone who was there first

Going to the gym for some people can be overwhelming experience, but remember everyone has to start some where, don't compair yourself to others, just keep it positive, go in and work hard, stay focused, eat clean, and do it for your self. This is a lifestyle change not just a new years resalution. Don't be afraid to ask someone to help you out with a spot, or how the machine works. I am one of those meat heads, one of the big doods in the back that lifts those big weights and i don't mind helping anyone who asks a question or needs some help, most of the big guys are gentle giants, just be sure to be curtious and wait until they finish their set, personal space is key to gym edicut, but don't hesitate to ask.....
If you get it out put it up
If you load a machine unload the machine
If you get it dirty clean it up
If you touch it wipe it down with disinfectant
If you cant work in don't change the machine until the other person is done
Always check to make sure no one else is using it before you do
If its heavy for you, get help, lift safely with a spot
Don't stand between someone and the mirror they are looking in, they are using it as a tool to make sure they are doing it right
If you want to talk to others do it outside, most of us are here to workout not socialize
Wear the proper clothing, be presentable, don't come into the gym dirty, you leave dirty, not show up that way, others around you sometimes have to be close to you, respect others and yourself
Go in get it done and get out, theres no need to be in the gym for two or three hours, by then you would've cycled through your metabolizem twice and your food will be of no benifit to your workout
Don't assume anything, some people have no idea what they are doing or talking about, I incourage you to research for yourself what is healthy and what is right for you
Workout at the pace that's right for you, we are all made differently, what I do may not work for you