Plus size workout reviews, discussions, sales, specs and more

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

BMI (Body Mass Index) - The most widely used method of assessing weight. An index of a person's weight in relation to height, determined by dividing the weight (in kilograms) by the square of the height (in meters). For us pound users, its pounds times 703 divided by the height in inches, divided by the height in inches again (or just use our BMI Calculator

Calorie Goal - The amount of calories needed to lose weight and still provide energy for the body; a formula for losing weight based on the number of calories eaten per day.

Cellulite - the dimples and bumps in the skin, usually around the thighs and buttocks. Beneath the skin's epidermis and dermis layers are two fat layers. Cellulite develops in the layer called the hypodermis or subcutaneous fat layer. This layer's fat reserves are organized into chambers surrounded by fibers made up of fascia, which connect skin to an underlying muscle cover. As the amount of fat in these chambers increases, the fascia does not stretch causing the chambers to bulge outward with dimpling in between them

Cross - training - mixing different activities into your regular workout routine to avoid overuse injuries and to prevent boredom. Cycling, running and swimming are 3 common activities used to cross- train different muscle groups

Fat Grams - a measure the fat content of a food. One gram of fat = 9 kCalories.

Flexibility - Being able to move easily for daily activity and exercise without tightness, soreness, or injury. A tight muscle is a weak muscle.

Generic drug - a drug whose patent has expired thus enabling it to be manufactured by any company

Glycogen - Energy stores in your muscles stoked by carbohydrates in your diet. Hitting the wall means you're empty.

Hormones - chemical messenger substances in the body that are released into the blood from one location and that bind to target tissues at other locations and elicit specific responses. Insulin is a hormone

Metabolism - the sum total of all the energy production that goes on in a living cells. The chemical processes that take place within a living cell or organism that break down substances to provide energy

Microfiber - fabric of tightly woven polyester or nylon fibers that offers good resistance to wind and light rain, as well as breathability. Shells used for outdoor workouts are frequently made of this lightweight fabric

Recovery heart rate - see Heart rate, recovery

Repetition or "rep" - a term used most often in resistance exercises or weight lifting. A single movement, as in doing one squat (going down and then going back up would be one rep). A certain number of reps will equal a set

Shin splints - A catch-all term for any pain in the front of the lower leg (shin). Usually means you just need to stretch and