That's Fit

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 focus the various ways people tend to describe the various ways a fit body can be built. Here are just a few to help you along with your gym vocab.

Cut. Generally speaking, this means that a person has a very low body fat percentage and a great deal of muscle definition. (synonyms include: shredded, sliced, diced, ripped, carved)

Jacked. When a person is both large in overall muscle mass and still maintains a good deal of definition, suffice to say that this term certainly applies. (synonyms include: diesel, stacked)

Soft. Not really directed at unseasoned lifters, but more so at veteran exercisers who have lost some muscular definition due to an increase in body fat.

Pumped. Not so much a body type as it is a state of swelling the body experiences from the rush of blood brought on by resistance training. Still, you may frequently hear use this term to describe how someone looks or how they feel.

There are several other ways you may one day hear someone describe a fit body, but these 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.