inside view of Tranzform Gym in Grand Haven
trainer measuring someone's leg

Common Fitness Terminology Explained

Have you ever felt confused or overwhelmed by fitness lingo? Don’t worry, our trainers are fluent in “fitness” so you can focus on crushing your goals! Check out some of the most common terms you might hear during your next gym session.

What is a DB Complex?

DB stands for dumbbell and a DB Complex is a type of circuit training that involves back-to-back exercises that are performed with dumbbells without resting. If you are limited on equipment, time, or both, this technique is a fantastic way to get a total body workout with just a few moves. Our favorite sequence is:
  • x5 DB Bent-Over Row (BOR)
  • x5 DB Cleans:
  • x5 Squat Press
  • x5 Renegade Rows
  • x5 Push-ups
Repeat for 3-5 rounds. Trainer Tip: The key to this is to hold the weights the entire round. Do not set them down until you’ve completed the whole set.

What does AMRAP mean?

AMRAP means “As Many Reps As Possible” and is all about testing your stamina and pushing your limits. The technique involves doing as many reps as you can until failure.

What is EMOM?

EMOM is a type of HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) training and means “Every Minute on the Minute.” Start an exercise at the top of each minute and rest for whatever time is left in that minute after you finish your reps. It’s a great way to challenge your endurance and pacing!

What do IL/CL mean for workouts?

IL means Ipsilateral (same side) and CL means Contralateral (opposite side). Holding the weight on the same side works your stabilizers differently than switching sides, and both help make you stronger and more balanced.

What is the difference between a hinge and a squat?

A squat is a movement in which you bend at the knees and hips while keeping your chest more upright, as if sitting down into a chair. This primarily targets your quads, glutes, and core.

A hinge is a movement where you push your hips back while keeping a slight bend in your knees, like in a deadlift. This focuses more on your glutes, hamstrings, and lower back. Both movements are essential for building strength and supporting everyday activities like lifting, bending, and moving safely.

MyZone

Train Smarter. Push Harder. Stay Accountable.

The MyZone heart rate system takes the guesswork out of your workouts by showing you exactly how hard you’re working in real time. Using personalized heart rate zones and color-coded feedback, you’ll know when to push, when to recover, and how to maximize every session. It estimates key performance metrics, such as VO₂ max, helping you track your progress and see real improvements over time.

The best part? You can see your effort live on the screen during workouts, adding an extra layer of motivation to push yourself and stay engaged. We also use MyZone for in-gym challenges, accountability, and progress tracking, so you’re not just working out—you’re working toward something measurable.

If you’re ready to level up your training, you can purchase a MyZone monitor through us at a discounted one-time fee. If you prefer to use your own device, smartwatches and other wearables can also connect via a myZoneGo subscription.

Train with purpose. Compete with yourself. Be your best. Email [email protected] to get started! 

What is an InBody Scan?

An InBody scan is a fast, non-invasive body composition analysis that goes far beyond what a scale can tell you. In just a few minutes, it measures:

  • Total Body Weight: Broken down into water, lean mass, and body fat
  • Skeletal Muscle Mass: The muscle you can actually build and develop through training
  • Body Fat Mass: Both surface-level and internal (visceral) fat
  • Percent Body Fat: A far more accurate health indicator than BMI alone
  • Segmental Lean Analysis: How muscle mass is distributed across your arms, legs, and trunk, helping identify imbalances
  • Body Composition History: Tracks up to 8 previous scans so you can see your progress over time
  • Phase Angle: A cellular health indicator that reflects the integrity of your muscle cells
  • Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR): The baseline calories your body needs daily
Summer slimdown challenge
Summer slimdown photo collage

check out this months challenge

Summer Slimdown

Lose 12-24 lbs this summer without living at the gym and feel like yourself again.

1. Schedule A Complimentary Personal Fitness Evaluation:
These sessions, approximately 60 minutes long, are designed to help you learn more about your goals and establish a baseline. It also includes a light workout. No prior fitness experience is required!
2. Pick A Membership That Works For You:
At the end of our Fitness Evaluation, we’ll recommend membership options that best align with your goals and schedule. Take as long as you need to decide! There is no pressure to sign up the same day.
3. Create A Schedule That Works For You:
Collaborate with our team to schedule sessions that align with your lifestyle and existing commitments. We offer sessions in the morning or evening, Monday - Friday, and Saturday mornings. Our coaches are always ready to help you achieve the outcomes you want!