tempo work

Definition

Training with prescribed speeds for each phase of a lift, written as eccentric-pause-concentric-pause in seconds. Because apparently just lifting the weight isn't complicated enough.

Example Usage

Today's squats are 4-2-1-0 tempo work—four seconds down, two second pause, one second up, no rest at top.

Origin

Strength training methodology from the late 20th century, popularized by coaches like Charles Poliquin.

Fun Fact

Tempo training manipulates time under tension, making lighter weights significantly more challenging.

Source: Advanced strength training methodology

Related Terms

Intermediate

overtraining

The paradoxical condition where working out too much actually makes you weaker, proving that more isn't always better—a concept gym bros refuse to accept. This occurs when athletes don't allow adequate recovery time between sessions, leading to decreased performance, persistent fatigue, and increased injury risk. It's your body's way of saying 'I didn't sign up for this torture schedule.'

⚽ Sports / Fitness

Beginner

working sets

The actual challenging sets in a workout after warm-ups, where you use your target weight and rep scheme. These are the sets that count toward your gains and your bragging rights, in that order.

⚽ Sports / Fitness

Intermediate

Bulking

The phase where you eat everything in sight under the scientifically dubious justification that it's all going to muscle. It's the only time "I ate an entire pizza" counts as a training strategy rather than a confession.

⚽ Sports / Fitness

Intermediate

kipping pull-up

A momentum-based pull-up variation using hip drive and swing, primarily associated with CrossFit. Purists consider it cheating; pragmatists consider it efficient; orthopedic surgeons consider it job security.

⚽ Sports / Fitness

Intermediate

neural adaptation

Strength gains from your nervous system learning to recruit muscle fibers more efficiently, not from building bigger muscles. It's why beginners make huge strength gains before visible muscle appears, frustrating mirror-watchers everywhere.

⚽ Sports / Fitness

Intermediate

Bro Split

A workout routine where you dedicate an entire day to one muscle group, invented by guys who consider "chest and arms" a personality trait. Monday is always International Chest Day. This is not a suggestion; it's basically law.

⚽ Sports / Fitness

Translate This Term

See “tempo work” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.

Try the Translator

Share This Term

Post on X Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn

Discover a Term

Intermediate

arigonance

A beautiful portmanteau describing someone who's simultaneously arrogant AND ignorant, achieving a perfect storm of insu...