Stepping into the world of fitness—whether it’s a gym, studio, or an online platform—is like learning a new language. From acronyms to branded terms, the jargon can feel a bit overwhelming, especially when you’re starting out. SPENGA is no exception. If you’ve just joined as a member or are considering giving it a try, having a solid understanding of the terminology can make a big difference. Knowing these terms can help boost your confidence, enhance your understanding of workouts, and allow you to fully maximize the benefits of each session.
This guide is here to help, breaking down both general fitness terms and SPENGA-specific lingo so you’ll feel right at home during your next session. Whether you’re completely new to SPENGA or just looking to fine-tune your knowledge, this toolkit ensures you’re fully prepared to dive into your fitness journey.
Common Fitness Terminology
Before diving into SPENGA-specific terms, let’s go over some common fitness lingo you might hear in a variety of workout environments. These terms will help you understand not only SPENGA workouts but also general fitness principles that can elevate your overall performance.
HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training)
This popular workout method alternates between short bursts of high-intensity exercise and quick recovery periods. HIIT is known for maximizing efficiency by burning calories and improving cardiovascular health in a shorter amount of time. It’s widely used because of its ability to deliver results quickly without requiring long hours at the gym.
Circuit Training
In this style of training, you perform a sequence of exercises back-to-back, targeting different muscle groups with minimal rest in between. Once you complete the “circuit,” you can either repeat it or move on to a new one. Circuit training is highly effective for building strength, improving endurance, and keeping workouts dynamic and engaging.
Reps and Sets
Reps, short for repetitions, refer to the number of times you perform a specific movement (e.g., 12 squats or 8 push-ups). A set is a group of reps completed without rest. For instance, doing 3 sets of 12 squats means you’ll perform a total of 36 squats, broken into manageable chunks with rest in between.
Superset
This term refers to completing two exercises back-to-back without resting. Supersets are a time-efficient way to increase workout intensity and challenge your muscles. For example, you might pair bicep curls with triceps dips for a superset that targets opposing muscle groups.
Functional Training
Functional exercises are designed to improve movements you use in everyday life, like bending, lifting, or twisting. These exercises focus on stability, balance, and overall strength, helping you build a body that’s not just strong but also capable of handling daily activities with ease.
SPENGA-Specific Terminology
SPENGA brings its own unique twist to fitness by combining three core elements—spin, strength, and yoga—into a single session. This innovative approach delivers a comprehensive workout that balances cardio, strength training, and recovery. To get the most out of your SPENGA experience, it’s helpful to understand the key terms you’ll encounter during your sessions.
SPENGA Session
A SPENGA session is carefully structured into three 20-minute segments—Ride (spin), Rep (strength training), and Revive (yoga). This thoughtful blend ensures you get a full-body workout that’s balanced and effective. The Ride segment boosts your cardiovascular endurance, the Rep segment builds muscular strength and functional fitness, and the Revive segment focuses on flexibility and recovery.
SPENGA Sweet Spot
In the Ride segment, your Sweet Spot refers to the optimal heart rate zone that delivers maximum cardiovascular benefits without overexertion. Your instructor will guide you to maintain this zone, ensuring you work hard enough to see results but not so hard that you burn out. It’s a personalized balance that makes the Ride segment so effective.
SPENGA RIDE
Unlike traditional spin classes, RIDE is designed to be a high-impact yet achievable 20-minute cardio session. The shorter duration allows you to give your all without feeling drained, leaving you energized and ready for the strength and recovery segments.
SPENGA REP
REP is the strength-focused segment targets all major muscle groups using tools like dumbbells, kettlebells, and resistance bands. It’s all about building endurance, functional strength, and muscle tone. The exercises are designed to be challenging yet accessible, helping you push your limits while improving form and technique.
SPENGA REVIVE
The final 20 minutes of your session are dedicated to yoga, emphasizing stretching, flexibility, and recovery. This segment helps your body heal from the intense RIDE and REP portions while promoting mindfulness and relaxation. It’s the perfect way to end your workout on a calm, centered note.
SPENGA Power
Power measures the effort you bring to each segment—whether it’s speed, resistance, or weights. It’s a reflection of your energy and focus throughout the session. Tracking your Power helps you push toward your personal best and stay motivated.
SPENGA Flow
This term refers to the smooth integration of yoga poses and breath work during the Revive segment. Flow is all about finding balance and mindfulness, helping you connect with your body and mind as you wind down your workout.
WERK
One of SPENGA’s core mantras, WERK is more than just a catchy word—it’s a mindset. It encourages you to bring intentional effort and focus to every class, pushing yourself to grow stronger, fitter, and more confident with each session.
Why Fitness Terminology Matters
Understanding fitness terminology isn’t just about sounding knowledgeable—it’s about empowering yourself to get the most out of your workouts. For SPENGA members, knowing terms like “Sweet Spot” or “WERK” can make your sessions more effective, less intimidating, and far more enjoyable.
When you’re familiar with the language of fitness, you can focus on challenging yourself instead of feeling lost or unsure. Confidence is key to success, and mastering the terminology is one of the tools that helps you commit to your fitness goals with clarity and ease.
Your Toolkit for Every Session
Whether you’re booking your first session at SPENGA Dayton or you’ve been attending for months, understanding the lingo is a game-changer. The more terms you learn, the more in control you’ll feel during your workouts. You’ll know exactly what the Sweet Spot means, how to power through your Reps, and why Flow and WERK are integral to the SPENGA philosophy.
