Glossary of Terms
- AASE: Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence
The AASE is aimed specifically at young people who have the potential to achieve excellence in their sport and are aiming to perform at the very highest level as their main career goal.
- Aerobic Exercise
Aerobic exercise refers to exercise that is of moderate intensity, undertaken for a long duration.
- Aerobics
Aerobics is a form of exercise that comprises rhythmic exercises including stretching and strength training routines. It aims to improve all elements of fitness (flexibility, muscular strength, and cardio-vascular fitness) and is usually performed to music.
- ALI: Adult Learning Inspectorate
The ALI is a non-departmental public body and is responsible for inspecting the quality of education and training for adults and young people in the UK. They also promote good practice and help learners make informed decisions about the quality of courses.
- CPD: Continued Professional Development
A planned process to acquire knowledge, experience and skills and develop personal qualities throughout a person's career.
- Cross Trainer: Sometimes called an elliptical trainer
A cross trainer is a stationary cardiovascular workout machine used to simulate walking or running without causing excessive pressure to the joints.
- CV Training: Cardiovascular Training
CV Training exercises the heart, lungs and associated blood vessels. CV exercise is extremely important because your CV system is effectively your body's engine. The most common exercises include running, cycling and rowing.
- CYQ: Central YMCA Qualification
The first and only awarding body to specialise in health and fitness qualifications.
- Dumbbell: Piece of equipment used in weight training
Dumbbells are a type of free weight usually held in one hand. It is often used to increase strength and muscle size.
- ETM: Exercise to Music
Exercise to music includes aerobic classes, body combat and body pump. ETM can include choreography, cardiovascular and resistance training.
- FI: Fitness Instructor
A fitness instructor can induct clients onto gym equipment and plan and supervise their workouts. Some qualifications will allow fitness instructors to take exercise classes.
- FIA: Fitness Industry Association
The industry's trade body which promotes excellence and best practice within the Health and Fitness sector.
- Kinesiology: It is about the movement of the body
Kinesiology concerns itself with rebalancing the energy system of the body. It uses muscle testing to identify the problem areas, light pressure is applied to a muscle and the response is monitored. Once the stresses are identified, gentle techniques are used to bring the body back into balance and harmony with itself.
- LSC: Learning and Skills Council
The LSC is the organisation responsible for funding and planning education for over 16-year-olds in England.
- NES: National Employer Service
The NES helps large companies and organisations understand the Government skills strategy and the support available for workforce development.
- NOS: National Occupational Standards
The NOS define the knowledge and understanding, skills and level of competence expected of individuals to perform key tasks in particular areas of work.
- NRPT: National Register of Personal Trainers
The NRPT is the organisation that represents the growing number of professional, qualified and committed personal trainers in the UK.
- NVQ: National Vocational Qualification
An NVQ is a practical qualification based on being able to do the required job which can be gained through assessments and training.
- OCR: Oxford Cambridge & RSA Examinations
The examination board in which Lifetime exams are undertaken. OCR is a nationally recognised qualification.
- Periodization: Different segments
Periodization is organized approach to training that involves progressive movement through various aspects of a training program during a specific period of time.
- Plyometrics
Plyometrics is a form of exercise training that brings together strength and speed which helps to improve performance. It's designed to produce fast, powerful movements.
- Power Plate: Vibration Equipment
The Power Plate uses the principles of acceleration training to stimulate the body's natural response to vibration. These vibrations transmit waves of energy throughout the body, activating muscle contractions.
- PT: Personal Trainer
A personal trainer is a professional who educates people about physical fitness. Personal trainers typically design exercise routines and teach physical exercises to their clients.
- REPs: Register of Exercise Professionals
The Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) is a system of regulation for all instructors, coaches, trainers and teachers involved in the exercise and fitness industry.
- Resistance band: Exercise equipment used in resistance training
The elastic resistance band is a cheap and portable alternative to weights for strength training. A variety of exercises have been devised to target specific muscle groups.
- Resistance Training: Sometimes know as strength training
Refers to any training that uses a resistance to the force of muscular contraction.
- Swiss Ball: Also known as balance ball, exercise ball and gym ball. The ball is constructed of elastic rubber with a diameter of around 35 to 85 cm (14 to 34 inches)
The Swiss ball is often used in physical therapy and exercise. The ball makes the body respond to the instability of the ball to remain balanced, engaging many more muscles to do so. Most frequently, the core body muscles - the abdominal muscles and back muscles - are the focus of exercise ball fitness programs.
- Treadmill: Fitness Equipment
A treadmill is a piece of indoor cardiovascular equipment used to allow for the motions of running or walking while staying in one place.