Low volume lipoproteins (LDL) - lipoprotein particles that are formed from VLDL (Very Low Density Lipoprotein) particles. They transport cholesterol to the cells of the body. Elevated levels of LDL are most clearly associated with arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)

Barbell - a long bar with weights attached to each end. Requires both hands to pick up

Kilometer - metric measurement of distance. One kilometer (K) = 0.62 miles, 10K = 6.2 miles, and 5K = 3.1 miles

Insulin - a hormone secreted by special cells in the pancreas in response to increased blood glucose (blood sugar) concentrations

Stretching, static - Lengthening of muscles and soft tissues by reaching to the point where you must stop and holding. Safest method. Hold for 10-30 seconds.

Glucose Intolerance - a pre-diabetic state in which the blood glucose is higher than normal but not high enough to warrant the diagnosis of diabetes. Can be effectively treated by weight loss

Fiber - a general term denoting the structural part of plants such as cellulose. Fiber is not digested by human digestive enzymes, although some are digested by the gastrointestinal tract bacterial

Anaerobic exercise - An intense or fast activity where you become breathless. Your body can't process oxygen fast enough for use. Literally, "without oxygen."

Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis - body composition analysis based on electrical conductance. Fat- free mass (muscle) is a better conductor than fat

Body fat - What is left when you subtract muscles (body lean),water, bones and vital organs. Usually expressed in a percent.

Daily Value (DV) - reference values developed by the FDA to describe the amount of a nutrient used as the standard for labeling purposes. DVs are comprised of two sets of standards: DRVs and RDIs

Digestion - the breakdown of food materials mechanically (through chewing) and chemically (by digestive enzymes) until it is in a form which can be absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract into the blood

EKG or ECG (electrocardiogram) - a recording of the heart's electrical activity using sensors attached to the limbs and chest

Fiber - a general term denoting the structural part of plants such as cellulose. Fiber is not digested by human digestive enzymes, although some are digested by the gastrointestinal tract bacterial

Heart rate, resting (RHR) - The lowest your heart will beat when you are totally at rest (averages 60-80). A true resting heart rate is taken first thing in the morning, before you get out of bed, have caffeine and with an empty bladder. An upward shift from your normal RHR by 10-15 beats can indicate stress, illness, fatigue or overtraining. Lower if you are more fit.

Individual Beliefs - overt and covert beliefs held that guide our decisions (eating and otherwise)

Lean body mass - the fat-free mass or part of the body including all its components except adipose tissue

Nutritionist - an expert who is trained in the field of nutrition and can advise patients in regard to allergies or health problems, and plan healthy diets to assist in weight loss

Strain - an injury to the tendon or muscle

Tendon - A flexible, non-elastic tissue that connects muscle to bone. Damaged in strains.

VO2 max - the largest volume of oxygen your body can take in and assimilate. This figure is a good measure of physical fitness and is very high in trained, endurance athletes

Vegetarians - a general term used to describe people who exclude meat, poultry, fish or other animal-derived foods from their diets. An ovo- vegetarian will eat vegetables plus eggs and egg products, and an ovo-lacto- vegetarian will add milk to this regime. Since no vegetable contains all of the essential amino acids but eggs do, including eggs in the diet protects against amino acid deficiency