o  Repetition or rep: the number of times you complete a strength exercise by returning to the start position.

o  Set: a completion of reps.

o  Resistance: the added force to the exercise, this could be elastic bands, dumbbells, handheld weights, or the weight of your body.

o  Rest between sets:  30 seconds to 2 minutes.

o  Primary muscle: the target muscle being worked on, for example the chest.

o  Secondary muscle: this muscle aids the primary muscle, for example the arms are needed to work the chest.

o  Momentum: the goal is to eliminate any added movement such as jerking or swinging.  You always want to maintain the proper technique with the correct body alignment.

o  Range of Motion: this refers to the possible range of motion for a joint.  Find an optimal range of motion to produce full range muscle strength while maintaining joint stability.

o  Hypertrophy: the increase in the size of muscle fibers.

o  Breathing: breathing is essential to life and proper breathing during exercise can be a great aid.  Exhale as you drive the weight and inhale as you return it.  Holding your breath can cause your blood pressure to rise and put unnecessary stress on your heart.  Breathing correctly prevents that from happening.

o  Tempo: The speed or cadence at which one repetition is performed. There are four parts to tempo:

1.  Concentric contraction: as the weight is lifted

2.  Concentric-isometric contraction: the pause at the peak of the lift before the weight is lowered.

3.  Eccentric contraction: when the weight is lowered.

4.  Eccentric-isometric contraction: the pause at the bottom or stopping before the next lift is performed.

Strength training definitely transforms your body in the shortest possible time and keeps it lean.  It really does give you a new lease on life as you walk in added confidence and self-esteem.