cadency

Definition

In cycling and running, your rhythm or pedal/stride frequency measured in revolutions or steps per minute—the metronomic heartbeat of endurance sports. Coaches will tell you optimal cadence is around 90 rpm for cycling or 180 steps per minute for running, then watch you struggle to maintain anything close while gasping for air. It's the difference between smooth, efficient motion and looking like you're pedaling through peanut butter.

Example Usage

The cycling coach kept yelling 'increase your cadence!' which I interpreted as 'spin faster while dying inside.'

Source: Cycling and running training terminology

Related Terms

Intermediate

metcon

Metabolic conditioning—high-intensity circuits designed to improve your body's energy systems and work capacity while simultaneously destroying your will to continue. Cardio's angry, violent cousin.

⚽ Sports / Fitness

Intermediate

overtraining

The paradoxical condition where working out too much actually makes you weaker, proving that more isn't always better—a concept gym bros refuse to accept. This occurs when athletes don't allow adequate recovery time between sessions, leading to decreased performance, persistent fatigue, and increased injury risk. It's your body's way of saying 'I didn't sign up for this torture schedule.'

⚽ Sports / Fitness

Beginner

the burn

The intense muscle discomfort during high-rep sets from metabolite accumulation and reduced pH, not actual tissue damage despite feeling like your muscles are melting. No pain, presumably gains.

⚽ Sports / Fitness

Beginner

foam rolling

Self-myofascial release technique using a cylindrical foam device to massage muscles and connective tissue. The art of torturing yourself with a pool noodle's aggressive cousin.

⚽ Sports / Fitness

Intermediate

deceleration training

Practicing the ability to safely slow down momentum, crucial for injury prevention in sports requiring direction changes. It's teaching your body to hit the brakes effectively, because acceleration without deceleration is just falling with style.

⚽ Sports / Fitness

Intermediate

muscle confusion

The controversial theory that constantly changing exercises prevents adaptation plateaus by 'confusing' your muscles. Muscles don't have brains and can't be confused, but this hasn't stopped fitness marketers from selling programs based on outsmarting your biceps.

⚽ Sports / Fitness

Translate This Term

See “cadency” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.

Try the Translator

Share This Term

Post on X Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn

Discover a Term

Intermediate

spin room

The designated area after debates where campaign representatives tell media why their candidate clearly won, regardless ...