training volume

Definition

The total amount of work performed, typically calculated as sets × reps × weight. The number coaches manipulate to make you either grow or cry.

Example Usage

My coach increased my weekly training volume by 20% and now I'm perpetually sore and hungry.

Origin

Exercise science terminology formalized in the late 20th century from Soviet sports science.

Fun Fact

Volume is often more important than intensity for muscle growth, which is why bodybuilders do many sets while powerlifters do fewer.

Source: Exercise science and strength training

Related Terms

Beginner

PB

Personal Best — the number you're constantly chasing and the reason you keep adding "just one more plate" until you're pinned under a barbell like a cartoon character under an anvil. Breaking your PB feels like winning the Olympics, even if nobody else noticed.

⚽ Sports / Fitness

Intermediate

kiss and cry zone

The designated emotional pressure cooker at ice skating and Olympic events where athletes sit with their coaches, awkwardly awaiting their scores while cameras capture every micro-expression of triumph or devastation. It's called the 'kiss and cry' because you'll see both reactions, sometimes within the same five seconds. Think of it as the sports world's most public therapy session.

⚽ Sports / Fitness

Intermediate

fasted cardio

Performing cardiovascular exercise before eating, supposedly to enhance fat burning. The practice of running on empty and hoping science backs your suffering.

⚽ Sports / Fitness

Intermediate

deload week

A planned training week with reduced volume and intensity to allow accumulated fatigue to dissipate and supercompensation to occur. The hardest week for gym bros who confuse rest with weakness.

⚽ Sports / Fitness

Intermediate

training block

A specific phase of training lasting several weeks with a focused goal—strength, hypertrophy, or conditioning. Like a TV series season with a story arc, except the plot is just you getting gradually more tired.

⚽ Sports / Fitness

Intermediate

CrossFit

A fitness program that combines weightlifting, cardio, and the uncontrollable urge to tell everyone you do CrossFit. The first rule of CrossFit is that you always talk about CrossFit. The second rule is also that you always talk about CrossFit.

⚽ Sports / Fitness

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Intermediate

CPM

Cost Per Mille, meaning cost per thousand impressions, because apparently saying per thousand wasn't pretentious enough ...