Bodybuilding and Fitness Dictionary

An abductor is a muscle whose contraction results in moving a limb away from the central axis of the body. Example. The deltoids (shoulders) are abductors when they contract and move your arms up and away from your sides.

Slang for abdominals.

a common over the counter analgesic (pain reliever) that is not a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, sold under the brand name Tylenol®, and many others. It may be used when a pain killer is desired which will not inhibit clotting or produce gastric upset, though it will not provide any anti-inflammatory effects, nor may it be substituted for aspirin in the ECA stack.

The tendon connecting the lower end of the calf muscle to the back of the heel.

Adenosine Triphospate
The basic unit of energy in the body. The molecular "currency" that provides energy within cells for everything from protein synthesis to muscle contraction.

A specific form of arteriosclerosis caused by the accumulation of fatty materials on the inner walls of the arteries, causing them to thicken, harden, and lose elasticity.

A receptor that responds to hormones (such as epinephrine (adrenaline)) produced by the adrenal gland

With or requiring oxygen. When describing exercise, it refers to a state in which the body is receiving adequate oxygen to metabolise fat as energy.

The doer. The implementer. A muscle or chemical that performs a certain purpose or action. Example: In a bicep curl the agonist muscle is the bicep because it causes the movement. The antagonist muscle is the tricep that contracts to stabilize and slow down the movement.

Basic building blocks of protein. Often called the “building blocks of life,” amino acids are subunits that join together in sequences to form protein. Amino acids are named as such because they contain both an acid and an amine chemical side unit.

A state in which growth or repair is occuring. Chemical reaction in the body where smaller subunits are combined to form larger units. As an example, amino acids are joined together to form long polypeptide chains which in turn join to form strands of protein.

tending to reduce or eliminate pain. The word analgesic derives from Greek an- ("without") and -algia ("pain").

Producing or accentuating male sexual characteristics (body hair, deepened voice, male pattern baldness).

Without or not requiring oxygen. Example: When the body produces energy without the use of oxygen this is known as anaerobic metabolism.

The opposition. Antagonist muscles or chemicals oppose and balnce the action of another muscle or chemical (the agonist).
An Antagonist Muscle may also be called a stabilizer or synergist.

Preventing or lessening catabolism

an enzyme responsible for (among other things) converting testosterone into estrogens

Artificial, noncaloric sweetener. Generic name for Nutrasweet

Originally a brand name, aspirin is now a generic term for acetylsalicylic acid (C 9 H 8 O 4 ), a common over the counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory. Side effects include inhibition of blood clotting (so that it may increase internal bleeding and/or the extent of bruising if used when an injury is fresh).

Avulsion. Tearing away a body part or structure such as tearing a tendon or ligament off of a bone.

A protein found in muscle fibers that acts with myosin to bring about contraction and relaxation.

An ester, composed of adenine, D - ribose, and phosphoric acid, that affects energy release in work done by a mucle.

A compound consisting of the nucleotide adenosine attached through its ribose group to one, two, or three phosphoric acid molecules. Kinds of adenosine phosphate, all of which are inter convertible, are adenosine diphosphate, adenosine monophosphate, and adenosine triphosphate.

An enzyme in skeletal muscle that catalyzes the hydrolysis of adenosine triphosphate to adenosine diphosphate and inorganic phosphate. Among various enzymes in this group associated with cell membranes and intracellular structures, mitochondrial ATPase is involved in obtaining energy for cellular metabolism, and myosin ATPase is involved in muscle contraction.

Pertains to the adrenal or suparenal glands located atop the kidneys.

The outer and larger section of the adrenal gland, which produces mineralocorticoids, androgens, and glucocorticoids - hormones essential to homeostasis.

Either of two secretory organs located on top of the kidneys and surrounded by the protective fat capsule of the kidneys. Each consists of two parts having independent functions: the cortex and the medulla. The adrenal cortex, in response to adrenocorticotropic hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary, secretes cortisol and androgens.

The inner portion of the adrenal gland. Adrenal medulla cells secrete epinephrine and norepinephrine.

An individual with at least one year of steady, systematic resistance training experience.

Prolonged, moderate - intensity work that uses up oxygen at or below the level at which your cardiorespiratory system can replenish oxygen in the working muscles. Aerobic literally means “with oxygen”, and the only type of exercise that burns body fat to meet its energy needs.

Prescription drugs that mimic male hormones, but without most of the androgenic side effects of actual testosterone. Many bodybuilders use these dangerous drugs to help increase muscle mass and strength, even though possession of them is now a felony in most states.

Constructive metabolism characterized by the conversion of simpler compounds into more complex ones.