range of motion

Definition

The distance a joint moves during an exercise, abbreviated ROM. Full ROM builds muscle and flexibility; partial ROM builds ego and Instagram content.

Example Usage

Your squats need more depth - you're only hitting about half the range of motion.

Origin

Physical therapy and kinesiology terminology dating back to early 20th century rehabilitation practices.

Fun Fact

While full ROM is generally superior, partial ROM training at sticking points can overcome strength plateaus - it's not always about ego lifting.

Source: Kinesiology and exercise science terminology

Related Terms

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deoxygenated

The process of removing oxygen from blood or water, basically turning your red stuff blue (or making your aquarium a fish graveyard). In fitness contexts, it's what happens to your blood after your muscles greedily steal all the oxygen during that last brutal set. Think of it as oxygen's eviction notice from your bloodstream.

⚽ Sports / Fitness

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PR

Personal Record — the number that justifies every early morning, every meal prepped in Tupperware, and every time you said "I can't, I have gym" to your friends. Breaking a PR gives you a dopamine hit that scientists should probably study.

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newbie gains

The miraculous rapid muscle growth and strength increases experienced by beginners in their first 6-12 months of training. Enjoy it while it lasts, because nothing will ever feel this easy again.

⚽ Sports / Fitness

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Full Send

Going all out with zero hesitation and even less planning, the fitness equivalent of running into battle without checking if you're wearing pants. It's maximum effort meets minimum forethought, and somehow it works about half the time.

⚽ Sports / Fitness

Intermediate

Crossfit open

The annual worldwide online competition that serves as the first qualifying stage for the CrossFit Games. Where regular people discover that they're neither as fit as they thought nor immune to existential crisis via burpee box jump-overs.

⚽ Sports / Fitness

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bioelectrical impedance

A method of estimating body composition by passing a weak electrical current through the body to measure resistance. The scale that judges you with science and electricity simultaneously.

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