195. Gym Lingo 101: Key Terms and Tips to Help You Feel Confident While Lifting

When it comes to the gym, it can almost feel like another planet with an entirely different language! 

Between the acronyms, weird phrases, and overly complicated terms, it’s no wonder you feel like you need a translator sometimes!

In this episode, I’m breaking down common gym terms and lifting lingo in a way that actually makes sense. From reps and sets to volume and intensity, you’ll finally understand what the hell people mean when they say “progressive overload”, “time under tension”, “glute activation”, and more!

**Spoiler alert: you DON’T need to increase your weight every week (and you shouldn’t). Honestly…if you just slow down more often, you’ll build more muscle AND boost the powerful mind-muscle connection (one of my favorite things to focus on)!

The bottom line is, you don’t need to memorize every.single.term. to crush your workouts.

But…I DO want you to feel empowered to ask questions, tweak your training when needed, and lift with confidence. The gym shouldn’t be a place that intimidates you. This is YOUR fitness journey that you can own + totally kick ass with!!

Episode Recap:

• What reps, sets & volume mean + why they matter for your workouts
• Intensity & effort + what “failure” looks like
• 5 simple ways to gradually increase intensity over time 
• Why “time under tension” can help you build more muscle 
• Using tempo to boost your results & improve your form
• Understanding the concept of “movement mechanics”
• Why “mind-muscle connection” is the underrated gym secret that changes everything
• How supersets & circuits can spice up your workouts + save you time
• Various exercise formats like drop sets, AMRAP, EMOM, and more
• Common gym phrases that can sound confusing (but really aren’t)

Links/Resources Mentioned:

• Ep. 185 | Moving Vs. Training: The Truth About Body Recomp and RPE
• Grab your FREE Body Recomp Meal Prep and get the UFYF Newsletter
• Listen to the Girls with Opinions Podcast
• Join FIT CLUB, my monthly membership with workouts you can do at home or the gym
• PRIVATE COACHING is my 1:1 program (choose 3 or 6 month option)
• Connect with me on Instagram @kristycastillofit and @unfuckyourfitnesspodcast so we can keep this conversation going-be sure to tag me in your posts and stories!
• Join my FREE Facebook group, Unf*ck Your Fitness
• Click HERE for my favorite fitness & life things!

More about the Unf*ck Your Fitness Podcast:

If you've tried all the fad diets and are sick and tired of not achieving your health and fitness goals long-term, you've come to the right place! Welcome to the Unf*ck Your Fitness Podcast with me, Kristy Castillo. I'm here to help you break the annoying diet cycle, gain confidence, and reach your health and fitness goals. 

This podcast will show you how to be proud of the body you have, build the body you want, and enjoy the process along the way. I'll cover topics like how to get the most from your workouts, the importance of feeding your body what it needs, and key mindset shifts that will empower you. I've broken through the BS surrounding diet culture and built my dream body, all while being a busy wife, Mom and business owner, and I know you can too!

Connect with me on Instagram at @kristycastillofit

Learn more about working together by visiting my website: https://www.kristycastillo.com/