Use this section as a reference tool to maximize your vocabulary . We realize that some of you are more advanced bodybuilding enthusiasts have already grasped the meaning of these terms but for others, an explanation of what they mean will take your knowledge base to higher level.

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Abduction - Movement of a particular limb away from middle of body, i.e., bringing the arm to shoulder height from hanging-down position.

Abs - Slang for abdominal muscles.

Accommodating Resistance - Increasing or decreasing the resistance as the lifter's force changes through range of motion. Nautilus machines are said to provide accommodating resistance.

Aerobic Exercise - Prolonged, moderate-intensity exercise that uses up oxygen at or below the level in which your cardio-respiratory (heart-lung) system can replenish oxygen in the working muscles. "Aerobic", meaning with oxygen, is the only type of exercise which burns body fat to meet its energy demands. Bodybuilders engage in aerobic exercise to develop additional cardio-respiratory fitness, as well as to eliminate excess body fat to achieve peak muscularity. Common aerobic activities are running, swimming, cycling, dancing, and walking.

AFWB -American Federation of Women Bodybuilders - group that administers women's amateur bodybuilding in America.

Agonist - a muscle responsible for moving the body part that contracts or shortens.

Amino acids - a group of organic compounds identified by the presence of both an amino group(NH2) and a carboxyl group(COOH). They are the building blocks for protein and are essential to life. Although around 80 amino acids are found in nature, only 22 are needed for human metabolism. The ones that cannot be produced by the body, and must be supplied by food, are called essential amino acids. The essential amino acids are histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, cysteine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, threonine ,tryptophan, and valine. The non- essential amino acids (which the body can manufacture itself),are alanine, aspartic acid, arginine, citrulline, glutamic acid, lycine, hydroxyl glutamic acid ,hydroxyproline, norleucine, praline and serine. Arginine can be essential in certain states or age groups because the body cannot make it fast enough to supply the demand.

AMDR - An abbreviation for the Adult Minimum Daily Requirement of certain nutrients as established by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Anabolic - The building up of proteins from simpler molecules in the body, (such as proteins forming from amino acids). This generative process results in increased lean muscle mass, stronger bones, and a greater energy supply. Anabolic hormones include DHEA, testosterone, and growth hormone.

Anabolic Steroids - a class of natural and synthetic steroid hormones that promote cell growth and division, resulting in growth of muscle tissue and sometimes bone size and strength. Testosterone is the best known natural anabolic steroid, as well as the best known natural androgen. These drugs are not without hazardous side effects, however, and they are legally available only through a physician's prescription.

Androgen - These drugs are not without hazardous side effects, however, and they are legally available only through a physician's prescription.

Anabolic - Pertaining to anabolism, the metabolic process of building tissue from simpler molecules.

Anabolism - The process of building larger compounds and cellular matter from simpler compounds - such as in the building of muscle fiber from nutrients.

Anaerobic Exercise - Exercise without use of oxygen as an energy source. Short burst of vigorous activity, like weight lifting.

Androgen - Generic term for any natural or synthetic compound, usually a steroid hormone, that stimulates or controls the development and maintenance of masculine characteristics. This also includes the activity of the male sex organs and development of male secondary sex characteristics.

Androgenic Drugs - Androgenics are drugs that simulate the effects of the male hormone testosterone in the human body.

Antagonist - Muscle that acts against or in opposition to the agonist muscle, relaxing when the agonist contracts.

Antioxidant - Certain vitamins and other substances that provide protection from the damage caused by free radicals, which are created as a result of oxygen reactions in living tissues.

APC - American Physique Committee, Inc. Group that administers men's amateur bodybuilding in America.

Arm Blaster - Bicep and tricep training tool that allows maximum stability and isolation, by keeping elbows from moving.

Aromatase - An enzyme that converts androgens (testosterone) into estrogens. This enzyme complex is located in estrogen-producing cells found in ovaries, placenta, testicles, fat cells, and brain tissues.

Aromatase Inhibitor - Estrogen production-blocking agents that work by inhibiting the action of the enzyme aromatase which converts androgens into estrogens by a process called aromatization.

Ascorbic Acid - Also known as vitamin C, it is essential for the development and maintenance of connective tissue. Vitamin C speeds the production of new cells in wound healing and it is an antioxidant that keeps free radicals from hooking up with other molecules to form damaging compounds that might attack tissue.

Atherosclerosis - A condition that exists when too much cholesterol builds up in the blood and accumulates in the walls of the blood vessels.

Atrophy - Withering away - decrease in size and functional ability of tissue or organs. Loss of muscle fiber volume characterized by a visible decrease in muscle size.