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.

H

Hand Off - Assistance in getting a weight to starting position for an exercise.

Hard Set - Perform a prescribed number of repetitions of an exercise using maximum effort.

Hemodilator - An agent that contributes to the widening of the blood channels that lead to skeletal muscles through the mechanism of amplified blood flow.

High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) - a protein in the blood plasma (the "good" cholesterol) that promotes breakdown and removal of cholesterol from the body. You may be able to raise your HDL cholesterol levels by ingesting quality unsaturated fats like flaxseed oil. Exercise has also been shown to increase HDL levels. HDL under 35 puts you at risk for heart disease. Higher is better!

Hypertrophy - The scientific term meaning an increase in muscle size but not by an increase in the number of constituent cells. Hypertrophy occur as a result of working muscles with various training techniques during a bodybuilding workout.