Glossary P

The Fitness and Health Glossary +++ Popular Articles: 'Protein', 'Posture', 'Pose'

Deutsch: Schwangerschaft / Español: Embarazo / Português: Gravidez / Français: Grossesse / Italiano: Gravidanza

Pregnancy in the fitness context refers to the specific considerations and adaptations needed for exercise and physical activity during the different stages of pregnancy. Safe fitness routines during pregnancy can help maintain cardiovascular health, muscle tone, flexibility, and mental well-being, while ensuring the safety of both the mother and the developing baby.

Deutsch: Parkrun / Español: Parkrun / Português: Parkrun / Français: Parkrun / Italiano: Parkrun

Parkrun in the fitness context refers to a free, weekly, timed 5-kilometre run or walk that takes place in local parks across the world. It is open to all fitness levels, from beginners to experienced runners, and is aimed at encouraging community participation in regular physical activity. Parkrun promotes inclusivity, fitness, and social well-being by creating a friendly, non-competitive environment for participants of all ages.

Deutsch: Beckengürtel / Español: Cinturón pélvico / Português: Cintura pélvica / Français: Ceinture pelvienne / Italiano: Cintura pelvica

The pelvic girdle is the bony structure located in the lower part of the trunk, connecting the spine to the lower limbs. In the fitness context, the pelvic girdle plays a crucial role in supporting movement, balance, and stability. It consists of the two hip bones (ilium, ischium, and pubis), sacrum, and coccyx, and serves as a strong base for the attachment of muscles involved in movements like walking, running, squatting, and jumping. The pelvic girdle also supports the weight of the upper body and protects vital organs in the pelvic region.

Deutsch: Erbsenprotein / Español: Proteína de guisante / Português: Proteína de ervilha / Français: Protéine de pois / Italiano: Proteina di pisello

Pea protein is a plant-based protein powder derived from yellow split peas, widely used in the fitness context as a dietary supplement for muscle building, recovery, and overall nutrition. It has gained popularity due to its high protein content, digestibility, and suitability for people following vegan, vegetarian, or lactose-free diets. Pea protein is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids, although it is slightly lower in methionine compared to animal-based proteins.

Deutsch: Peloton / Español: Pelotón / Português: Pelotão / Français: Peloton / Italiano: Plotone

Peloton refers to a popular fitness brand that offers interactive, at-home exercise equipment, such as stationary bikes and treadmills, paired with live and on-demand workout classes. In the fitness context, Peloton is known for revolutionizing home workouts by combining cutting-edge technology with high-quality fitness instruction, creating an immersive and social workout experience. The platform allows users to join live classes, follow curated workout programs, and track their fitness progress while fostering a sense of community.

Deutsch: Plateau / Español: Meseta / Português: Platô / Français: Plateau / Italiano: Plateau

Plateau in the fitness context refers to a phase where progress in exercise performance, weight loss, muscle gain, or overall fitness levels stalls, despite continuing consistent training or dieting efforts. This can happen when the body adapts to a routine, making it more efficient at performing the same exercises or processing the same calorie intake, which results in reduced effectiveness of the current regimen. Plateaus are a common experience for individuals working towards fitness goals and can be frustrating, but they are usually temporary and can be overcome with adjustments to training or nutrition strategies.

Deutsch: Pilates / Español: Pilates / Português: Pilates / Français: Pilates / Italiano: Pilates

Pilates is a form of low-impact exercise that focuses on strengthening muscles while improving postural alignment, flexibility, and body awareness. Named after its creator, Joseph Pilates, this method involves a series of controlled movements that target the core muscles, including the abdominals, lower back, hips, and glutes. Pilates is often practised on a mat or using specialised equipment, such as the Reformer, to enhance resistance and support.

Deutsch: Großer Brustmuskel / Español: Pectoral mayor / Português: Peitoral maior / Français: Grand pectoral / Italiano: Grande pettorale

The pectoralis major is a large, fan-shaped muscle located on the chest. It plays a key role in movements of the shoulder and arm, such as pushing and lifting. In the context of fitness, this muscle is heavily targeted in strength and resistance training, particularly in exercises that focus on the upper body.

Deutsch: Kraftdreikampf / Español: Levantamiento de potencia / Português: Powerlifting / Français: Force athlétique / Italian: Powerlifting

Powerlifting in the fitness context is a strength sport that focuses on maximising the amount of weight lifted in three specific exercises: the squat, bench press, and deadlift. Unlike other forms of weightlifting that emphasise speed or explosive movements, powerlifting prioritises maximal strength and technical proficiency in lifting the heaviest weights possible. It is both a competitive sport and a popular training method for building overall strength, enhancing muscle mass, and improving functional fitness.

Deutsch: Probiotika / Español: Probióticos / Português: Probióticos / Français: Probiotiques / Italian: Probiotici

Probiotics in the fitness context refer to live microorganisms, primarily beneficial bacteria and yeasts, that support gut health and overall well-being. They are commonly found in supplements and fermented foods, such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kombucha. In fitness, probiotics are valued for their potential to improve digestion, boost immune function, enhance nutrient absorption, and reduce inflammation, all of which can contribute to better performance, recovery, and overall health.