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.

C

CBBF - The Canadian BodyBuilding Federation. The CBBF is Canada's federally recognized governing body for amateur bodybuilding and fitness competition. This is the only Canadian organization that qualifies competitors for the prestigious IFBB World Championships, and the only one that awards the privilege of IFBB Pro Card status.

Calories - A unit of energy that measures the energy content of food. The body needs calories as "fuel" to perform all of its functions, such as breathing, circulating the blood, and physical activity. Also known as a kilocalories (kcal).

Carbs - Slang for carbohydrates.

Carbohydrates - Components of food that give us energy. They are made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Carbohydrates are found in fruits, vegetables, sugary, and starchy foods.

Cardiorespiratory - pertaining to or affecting both the heart and the lungs and their functions.

Carb Up - A term used to describe the amount of carbohydrate consumption for the purpose achieving full muscle glycogen stores.

Carb Load - same as carb up.

Carcinogens - Cancer producing substances such as chemicals, ultraviolet radiation, free radicals, or viruses.

Cardio - slang for cardiovascular training.

Cardiovascular Training - Physical conditioning that strengthens heart and blood vessels. Aerobic exercise is a good example of cardiovascular exercise.

Catabolism - Muscle tissue which is broken down and converted to energy in order to keep the body fueled when dieting or overtraining.

Catechins - A type of chemical compound found in tea which provides the health benefits of neutralizing free radicals and possibly reducing the risk of cancer.

Chalk Powder - Used on hands for secure grip.

Cheating - A term commonly associated with the use of steroids in sports.

Controlled Cheating - A means of increasing intensity to get one or two more reps out of a set after reaching positive failure.

Cholesterol - A fat-like substance that is found in certain foods and is also produced in the body. Cholesterol travels through the bloodstream in different packages called lipoproteins. Low-density lipoproteins (LDL or "bad" cholesterol) deliver cholesterol to the body, while high-density lipoproteins (HDL or "good" cholesterol) take cholesterol out of the bloodstream. There is a correlation between high blood-cholesterol levels and heart disease.

Circuit Training - A series of exercise machines set up in sequence. The exercises are performed one after the other, each stressing a different muscle group.

Clean - The movement of raising selected weights in one smooth motion. To properly execute a clean movement, full muscle control must be utilized in total coordination.

Clean and Jerk - An Olympic weight lift maneuver in which the barbell is lifted to shoulder height and then jerked overhead.

Clean and Snatch - One of 2 Olympic lifts where weight is raised from floor to overhead at arms' length in one motion.

Collar - The clamp that is used to hold plates securely in place on a barbell or dumbbell bar.

Compulsory Pose - Mandatory poses in bodybuilding competitions, which consist of front double biceps, front lat spread, side chest, side triceps, back double biceps, back lat spread and abdominals and thighs.

Concentric - The lifting phase of an exercise, when the muscle shortens or contracts, by means of the positive part of the repetition, when you raise the weight.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) - A type of fatty acid found in cheeses and some meat products and also supplements which may provide the health benefits of improving body composition and decreasing the risk of certain cancers.

Control Group - The group of subjects in a study to whom a comparison is made in order to determine whether an observation or treatment has an effect. In an experimental study it is the group that does not receive a treatment. Subjects are as similar as possible to those in the test or treatment group. Controlled Study - In this type of research, study subjects (whether animal or human) are selected according to relevant characteristics, and then randomly assigned to either an experimental group, or a control group. Random assignment ensures that factors known as variables, which may affect the outcome of the study, are distributed equally among the groups and therefore could not lead to differences in the effect of the treatment under study. The experimental group is then given a treatment (sometimes called an intervention), and the results are compared to the control group, which does not receive treatment. A placebo, or false treatment, may be administered to the control group. With all other variables controlled, differences between the experimental and control groups may be attributed to the treatment under study.

Cortisol - A steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex as part of the body's response to stress that promotes the synthesis and storage of glucose. Cortisol is the primary glucocorticoid and regulates glucose metabolism and the body's response to stress. During times of stress, cortisol levels increase and accelerate the breakdown of proteins to provide the fuel to maintain body functions. This tearing-down needs to be balanced with periods of rebuilding to maintain good health. Corticosteroid - A natural steroid that comes from the cortex or adrenal gland, or a synthetic version. Corticosteroids can reduce swelling, pain, and other manifestations of inflammation. Includes cortisol and cortisone which regulate the use of nutrients in the body.

Couples' Competition - A bodybuilding competition in which man and woman teams compete against others with particularly appealing posing routines featuring dance movements and lifts. Also referred to as "Mixed Pairs Competition," this event is held in both amateur and professional World Championships.

Creatine - Creatine, or creatine monohydrate is a naturally occurring amino acid that helps to supply energy to muscle cells.

Crunches - Repetitive abdominal exercises where the knees are brought to the elbows from a laying flat on the back position.

Curl-Bar - Bended bar designed for more comfortable grip and less forearm strain.

Cut Up (Cut) - A term used to denote a bodybuilder who has an extremely high degree of muscular definition due to a low degree of body fat.