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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/lift-what-is-a-rep

In weight training, what is one rep?

One complete lift of the weight, like one push-up or one curl.

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  1. A group of lifts done without resting
  2. One full workout day
  3. One complete lift of the weight ✔

Why: A repetition, or rep, is one time you do the movement, like lifting a weight once or doing one push-up. A set is a group of reps done in a row before you rest.

Huh, didn't know that: So 3 sets of 10 means 10 reps, rest, 10 reps, rest, 10 reps: 30 lifts in all.

The dad joke
I asked my trainer for one more rep. He said, 'Sure, I'll tell everyone you're great.'
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References

Answer: One complete lift of the weight. A repetition, or rep, is one time you do the movement, like lifting a weight once or doing one push-up. A set is a group of reps done in a row before you rest.

  1. HHS: Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition (PDF) odphp.health.gov/sites/default/files/2019-09/Physical_Activity_Guidelines_2nd_edition.pdf
    Sets and repetitions, or how many times a person does the muscle-strengthening activity, like lifting a weight or doing a push-up
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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