Rep

Abbreviation for “repetition.” The number of times you lift and lower a weight in one set of an exercise.

Set

A group of reps. If a workout calls for 3 sets of 10 reps (3x10), you’ll perform 10 reps of the lift. That’s one set. Rest. Perform the second set of 10 reps. Rest. And so on.

Superset

Pairing 2 exercises back to back.

Circuit

Performing back-to-back-to back exercises (usually 3-4 different exercises).

Rest Period

The time taken between sets or exercises to rest & recover. (don’t skip this!!)

Tempo

The speed at which you perform an exercise. (See Tempo Guide)

Failure

The point in an exercise when your muscles are so fatigued that you can’t perform any more reps with strict form. When you see a note that indicates going to failure that means you should choose a weight intensity that will allow you to fail by the final set or sets indicated.

RPE

Stands for “Rating of Perceived Exertion".” RPE is a subjective measurement of how hard an exercise feels. For most strength training your workout should be somewhere between 6-10. RPE targets are given to help you understand the level of intensity at which you should be performing each set.