REPS, short for repetitions, is a term commonly used in fitness and exercise contexts to refer to the number of times a specific exercise or movement is performed in a given set. It represents the basic building blocks of strength training and helps individuals track their progress and determine the intensity of their workouts.
In weightlifting or strength training, a repetition typically involves performing a complete cycle of a specific exercise, starting from the initial position, executing the movement as intended, and returning to the initial position. For example, if someone is doing bicep curls with a dumbbell, one repetition would involve lifting the weight towards the chest and then lowering it back down to the starting position. The number of times this cycle is performed constitutes the number of reps.
Reps are often paired with another important term called sets. A set is a group or series of repetitions performed back-to-back with short rest periods in between. For instance, someone might perform three sets of ten reps of a particular exercise, meaning they complete ten repetitions, take a brief break, and then repeat the cycle two more times.
The amount of reps prescribed in a workout can vary depending on factors such as fitness goals, exercise intensity, and individual fitness level. Higher rep ranges (e.g., 12-15 reps) are often associated with improving muscular endurance, while lower rep ranges (e.g., 6-8 reps) are commonly utilized for building muscle strength and size.
Tracking the number of reps performed during exercises helps individuals monitor their progress, increase workout intensity, and achieve desired fitness goals. Additionally, it allows for consistency in training so that improvements can be accurately measured over time.
