Abdominal Region: or abs – the muscles located in the stomach area.

Anabolic Steroids: synthetic molecules that are designed to have the same effect as testosterone, these can have similar side effects to testosterone.

Barbell: a long bar to which weights can be attached to either end (commonly used for bench press).

Bench Press: the most fundamental lift. Done while lying on your back, the bench press involves the barbell or dumbbells being lifted from the chest straight upwards.

Biceps: the muscles on the front of the upper arm. These muscles contract to bend the arm at the elbow, working opposite the triceps.

Deltoids: the shoulder muscles at the top of the arm. These are used for raising the arm at the shoulder.

Dumbbell: a one-handed barbell.

Free Weights: weights that are not part of a machine such as barbells and dumbbells.

Hamstrings: the muscles at the back of the upper legs.

Hypertrophy: the term for building muscles through resistance training.

Intensity: the amount of weight being lifted, combined with the number of times the weight is being lifted.

Isolation: an exercise that is designed to primarily work a particular muscle, without reliance on compensatory muscles (other muscles).

Quadriceps: the large muscles in the front of the upper leg.

Protein: the nutrient used to build muscles. Along with carbs and fats, protein is also one of the sources of energy. Protein molecules are made of different amino acids.

Repetitions: the number of times an exercise is done in a row. Each set is made up of a certain number of reps.

Rest Interval: the time between sets.

Sets: a collection of reps done continuously, for example 40 reps of 135 lbs lifted might be a set.

Spotting: having someone watch and give assistance if necessary while lifting weights. Spotting is vital when exercising to failure.

Supersets: two or more sets done back to back with no rest interval.

Testosterone: a natural hormone that is instrumental in promoting muscle growth. Testosterone also provides many of the characteristics we associate with males.

Triceps: the muscles on the back of the upper arm. These muscles contract to straighten the arm, working opposite the biceps.