October 27, 2025

Your guide to all those confusing gym terms

RPE? AMRAP? Superset? Huh? Don’t worry, we break down all the gym terms you need to know in this blog. 

You know the feeling. Sometimes gym lingo can be truly confusing.

“Wait… what? RPE? AMRAP? Superset? Also, why do my legs feel like jelly thanks to DOMS from last week’s sesh?”

If that’s you, welcome to the club of everyone who’s ever felt like gym jargon is a whole secret language designed to confuse. Spoiler: It kind of is. But once you crack the code, it’s actually pretty simple — and way less intimidating.

We’re breaking down the acronyms and terms you’re likely to hear in your Kic workouts — because your DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) shouldn’t kill your vibe, your RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion) is your new best friend, and your PB (Personal Best) is totally within reach. 

  1. PB (Personal Best): This one’s your trophy moment. It’s the fastest, strongest, longest you’ve ever gone — whether that’s running a 5K, holding a plank, or deadlifting your own body weight.Pro tip: Your PB is personal. So, forget about what everyone else is doing and celebrate your wins. 
  1. Rep (Repetition): One complete movement of an exercise — think: one full squat or one push-up.Fun fact: Doing multiple reps in a row is called a set (more on that soon). 
  1. Set: A set is a group of reps done consecutively. So if your workout says “3 sets of 12 reps,” you’ll do 12 squats, take a breather, then repeat two more times. It’s your workout in mini-chapters. 
  1. Superset: Two exercises done back-to-back with little to no rest. Often targeting different muscle groups. It’s like the Netflix binge of workouts. Fast-paced, efficient, and a little bit addictive. 
  1. RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion): Your personal “how hard am I working?” scale from 1 (couch rotting and scrolling TikTok…) to 10 (holy moly, I might pass out). Why it matters: It helps you push hard enough. But not so hard that you’re collapsing in a heap. Perfect for tuning into your body’s signals. 
  1. DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness): That lovely (or not-so-lovely) soreness you feel a day or two after a tough workout. It’s your muscles’ way of saying, “Hey, we’re getting stronger!”Warning: it might make stairs your new nemesis for a bit. 
  1. Engage Your Core: This is your reminder to gently brace your abs like you’re about to get tickled or laugh — keeping your torso strong and stable. Think of it as: Switching on your body’s natural “Wi-Fi.” 
  1. AMRAP (As Many Reps As Possible): A timed challenge where you do as many reps or rounds of an exercise as you can in a set period. It’s basically: your chance to unleash your inner beast, but with a timer to keep things fair. 
  1. Cool Down: Gentle stretching and slow movement after a workout to help your body relax and recover. Your muscles’ favourite part: Like a spa day but for your legs and arms. 
  1. Active Recovery: Low-intensity movement days. Think walking, yoga, or easy cycling. That help your body bounce back from hard sessions without completely sitting still. It’s like: giving your muscles a coffee break without clocking out. 

Sooooo….what now?

You don’t need to be fluent in gym acronyms to crush your workouts. But knowing these little gems can make your sessions feel less like a confusing foreign language and more like your own personal jam. 

Next time someone drops “RPE” or “superset” in your Kic workout, you can nod knowingly, smile, and secretly know you’re already ahead of the game. 

Your DOMS might hit hard, but your PB is waiting on the other side. 

You got this. Now, go get that run, lift, or stretch in; and remember:  
 
it’s all about progress, not perfection.