Health and Fitness Glossary

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

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Abdomen or “abs” - The area of the body between the pelvic bones and the diaphragm.

Active Stretch - A stretch where you assume and hold a position with no assistance.

Adduction - The movement of a leg or arm toward the axis of the body.

Adductors - Muscles that draw a part toward the medial line of the body.

ADP (Adenosine Diphospahate) - A compound of adenosine containing two phosphoric acid groups. It is used to synthesize ATP with the energy released in cell respiration.

Aerobic capacity - The ability of the body to process oxygen.

Aerobic - Living in the presence of oxygen.

Agonist - The contracting muscle as distinguished from the relaxing muscle.

Amino Acids - The building blocks of proteins and the end products of protein digestion. There are 20 essential amino acids for human metabolism and growth.

Anabolic Steroid - Hormones that promote bone and muscle growth.

Anaerobic Threshold - The level of exercise intensity where the body begins working your muscles without oxygen.

Anaerobic - Able to live without oxygen.

Angina Pectoris - An inadequate blood flow and oxygenation to heart muscle which causes a pressure or a pain in the chest.

Antagonist - That which counteracts the action of something else, i.e. a drug or muscle.

Antioxidants - Substances that may protect cells from the damaging effects of oxygen radicals and highly reactive chemicals.

Arm Blaster - Exercise equipment which maximizes your biceps and triceps workouts by allowing maximum stability and isolation.

Arteriosclerosis - Thickening of the walls of the arterioles with loss of elasticity.

Asana - A sitting position or posture used in yoga and mediation.

Assimilation - Nutrients are absorbed into your body after digestion.

ATP - A phosphate molecule which is used to release energy for work within the body.

Atrophy - The decrease in size of a normally developed tissue or organ.