Abduction - Movement of the straight legs, accomplished by contraction of the leg abductor muscles (the sarorius, primarily), from a fully abducted position back to one in which the legs are again pressed together.

Bar - The steel shaft that forms the basic part of a barbell or dumbbell. These bars are normally about one inch thick, and they are often encased in a revolving metal sleeve.

Basic Exercise - A bodybuilding exercise which stresses the largest muscle groups of your body (e.g., the thighs, back, and/or chest), often in combination with smaller muscles. You will be able to use very heavy weights in basic exer-cises in order to build great muscle mass and physical power. Typical basic movements include squats, bench presses, and deadlifts. (You should also see the listing for Isolation Exercise.)

Cardiovascular - pertaining to the heart and the entire circulatory system

Eccentric - The lowering phase of an exercise, when the muscle lengthens. For example, lowering the weight to your chest during the bench press is the eccentric, or "negative," portion of the exercise.

Hypertension - higher than normal blood pressure

Lydiard, Arthur - New Zealand's most famous coach, Lydiard's trademark approach (base-building, hill phases and bounding drills) to middle and long distance running still holds great sway in modern training circles. Snell and Halberg were his most famous Olympic runners.

Supination - You supinate your hand when you turn the palm down.