Bodydisciple's A Beginner’s Guide to Gym Lingo
Starting the gym is intimidating enough without feeling like you’ve accidentally walked into an episode of Love Island: Protein Edition.
People are tossing around phrases like “in prep” or “hitting a PB” while you’re just trying to figure out how to adjust the seat on the leg press. Relax — you’re not alone.
Here’s a friendly, no-judgement guide to some of the most common gym slang you’ll hear, so next time you overhear a conversation in the free weights area, you’ll actually know what’s going on.
Gym Lingo Cheat Sheet
In Prep
Translation: “I’m on a strict diet and training plan because I’m getting ready for a bodybuilding show or photoshoot.”
Expect mood swings, tupperware meals, and a slight obsession with rice cakes.
PB / PR
Translation: “Personal Best” (UK) / “Personal Record” (US). The heaviest you’ve ever lifted or the fastest you’ve ever run.
Example: “Smashed a PB on deadlifts today!” = Look at me go.
Macros
Short for macronutrients: protein, carbs, and fat. Tracking your macros means counting these daily like a maths-obsessed bodybuilder.
Warning: Macros chat can get very serious.
Natty
Translation: Natural. Someone who trains without performance-enhancing drugs.
Often accompanied by the phrase: “All natty, mate.” (Always said unprompted.)
Bulking / Cutting
Bulking = Eating a surplus of calories to gain muscle.
Cutting = Eating in a calorie deficit to lose fat.
Sometimes happening within the same month after panic-checking holiday photos.
Bro Split
Training style where each gym session focuses on one muscle group. Usually sounds like:
• Chest Day
• Back Day
• Leg Day (…and often skipped day.)
DOMS
Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness. That glorious (and slightly awful) ache that kicks in 24-48 hours after training. Walking downstairs post-leg day? Good luck.
Superset
Two exercises back-to-back with no rest in between.
Translation: Hurts more. Works faster. Looks cooler.
Mind-Muscle Connection
The art of really feeling the muscle work during an exercise.
(Not to be confused with simply grimacing at yourself in the mirror.)
Gym Fail
A moment of tragic comedy — dropping a dumbbell, missing a box jump, or forgetting to clip your barbell properly. If it happens near someone with a camera… congratulations, you’re viral now.
Final Thoughts
The world of gym lingo might sound ridiculous at first, but soon enough you’ll catch yourself saying things like “Hit a cheeky PB today, feeling natty strong” without even blinking.
Until then, remember: nobody knows everything when they start — just focus on showing up, moving your body, and maybe learning a phrase or two along the way.
And if all else fails, nod, smile, and say “Bro, that’s sick.”
Works every time.