Weight Training 101 - The Very Basics

As with many other things in life, weight training is not something you want to just dive into and do exactly what someone else with 5 years of experience is doing. It is key that you begin to know the basic information in order to begin an effective weight training routine specifically for you. Be patient, work hard and you will succeed. "The Very Basics" includes a look at some common terminology, Short term and Long term Goals, Over-training, Muscle Groups, Split Sets, Form and Pre / Post Workout food intake. Lets get started!

Terms
The most common two terms you will hear and use are "sets" and "reps". A "rep" is short for repetition and the number of repetitions you do consecutively for any given lift is called a "set". For example, you might have 2 sets of one exercise for your Chest, or Quads. Within each set you my have 8 reps each. Between each set is when you rest appropriately.

Other common terms are:

Splits Set- What muscle groups will be worked on what days during the week or Weight Lifting Schedule.

Isolation Movement- An exercise that uses a single joint movement to complete and works 1 specific muscle.

Compound Movement- An exercise that uses two or more joint movements to complete and gets assistance from more than 1 muscle group.

Primary Muscle Group- or Primary Movers. During a specific exercise this is the main group that is being worked.

Secondary Muscle Group- or Secondary Movers. During a Compound movement, this is the muscle group(s) that assist to complete the movement.

Goals; Short term and Long term
Goals are a very important part of being able to achieve what you want in a given time frame. This applies to many aspects of life and weight training is no different. Goals 'point you in the right direction' and help give you something to strive for. In regards to weight training it is a good idea to set specific goals, that are both short term and long term in nature. The goals you set need to make you work hard and sweat, however they should be realistic in obtaining and specific, not completely untouchable and too general.