Glossary

Plain-English fitness terms for app form popups.

Definitions for beginner workout logs, exercise pages, guided workouts, progression notes, and movement cues.

Hinge

A hip-led movement where the hips move back while the spine stays controlled.

Brace

Lightly tighten the midsection as if preparing for a cough while still breathing.

Core

The muscles around the trunk and pelvis that help control posture and movement.

Neutral spine

A comfortable spine position that keeps the natural curves without forcing a hard arch or tuck.

Glutes

The buttock muscles that help extend and stabilize the hips.

Hip flexors

Muscles on the front of the hip that help lift the thigh and can feel tight after lots of sitting.

Posterior chain

The back-side muscles including glutes, hamstrings, back muscles, and calves.

Tempo

The planned speed of a rep, such as lowering slowly and standing up smoothly.

Range of motion

The pain-free distance a joint or body part moves during an exercise.

Eccentric

The lowering or lengthening part of a rep, such as descending into a squat.

Concentric

The lifting or shortening part of a rep, such as standing up from a squat.

Isometric

A muscle action where you hold a position without visibly moving.

Mobility

The ability to move a joint through usable range with control.

Stability

The ability to keep control of a position while another part of the body moves.

Activation

A light exercise used to help a muscle group feel engaged before harder work.

Unilateral

Using one side at a time, such as a split squat or single-arm row.

Bilateral

Using both sides together, such as a squat or pushup.

Controlled reps

Repetitions performed with steady speed, body control, and no bouncing.

Full extension

Finishing a movement by straightening the working joint without locking or forcing it.