What is defined as a fixed number of contractions in a workout program?

A fixed number of contractions in a workout program is referred to as a set. In the context of strength training or resistance workouts, a set comprises a specific number of repetitions of an exercise performed consecutively without resting. For example, if a trainer prescribes three sets of ten repetitions for an exercise, it means performing the exercise ten times in a row, resting, and then repeating that sequence three times in total.

In contrast, repetitions, often known simply as "reps," are the individual instances of completing the movement within a set. An interval typically pertains to a defined duration of exercise followed by a rest period, which is often used in cardiovascular or high-intensity training contexts. Meanwhile, a cycle can refer to various things depending on the context, such as a complete workout plan or series of exercises, but it is not used specifically to describe the fixed number of contractions in a workout program. Thus, "set" is the precise term related to the concept of a predetermined number of contractions performed in sequence.