Glossary

• Dynamic Stretching

  Ths type of stretching involves active movement done in their full range of motion before a workout routine. Dynamic stretching, such as arm circles, help increase heart rate and deliver oxygen to the muscles.

• DUP

  This is an acronym which means “daily undulating periodisation.” Here, you do different numbers of reps during the same workout to achieve your fitness goals.

• Downward Dog

  This is a yoga position where you place your hands and feet firmly on the mat whilst your glutes are propped up toward the ceiling. The downward dog helps strengthen your arms, shoulders, core, and spine.

• DOMS

  This stands for “delayed onset muscle soreness,” which is typically caused by muscle fibre damage. One may experience DOMS hours or even days after a hard training session.

• DNF

  This is an acronym for “did not finish.” Possible reasons for not finishing a set or workout include injury and fatigue.

• Distal

  This describes the parts of your body which are distant from the centre or from their attachment location. Distal is the opposite of proximal. For example, your biceps tendon is distal to your elbow.

• Dig Deep!

  When you’re having someone spot for you at the gym, you’re digging deep. For instance, lifting heavy bench press reps may require a spotter, so you have to dig deep.

• Detraining Principle

  Simply known as the “use it or lose it” principle, detraining means you stop training for a long period of time. This extended hiatus may set you back in terms of the progress you’ve made at the gym.

• Derailed

  You get derailed when a gruelling exercise literally saps every ounce of strength and energy from your body. For instance, after doing several intense sets of barbell squats, you’re so derailed you lie down on your back afterwards.

• Dead Start

  When you do a dead start, you start doing a lift with no momentum. For example, when you do deadlifts, you lift the barbell off the floor so there’s no momentum at all.

• Cortisol

  Whilst this stress hormone helps manage the body’s use of macronutrients, ward off inflammation, and keep your blood pressure levels in check, too much of it may result in anxiety, indigestion, and weight gain.

• Cool Down

  This refers to the latter phase of a workout where an individual decreases the intensity so he can lower his heart rate and body temperature. One typically does static stretching to begin the cool down phase.