Use this section as a reference tool to maximize your vocabulary . We realize that some of you are more advanced bodybuilding enthusiasts have already grasped the meaning of these terms but for others, an explanation of what they mean will take your knowledge base to higher level.

M

Mass - The relative size of each muscle group, or of the entire physique. As long as you also have a high degree of muscularity and good balance of physical proportions, muscle mass is a highly prized quality among competitive bodybuilders.

Meal - Food that's eaten at one time. Each meal should contain a portion (which is the size of the palm of your hand or your clenched fist) of protein and a portion of carbohydrates.

Metabolic rate - The rate you convert energy stores into working energy in your body usually expressed as kcal/day. The metabolic rate is controlled by a number of factors, including: muscle mass (the greater your muscle mass, the greater your metabolic rate), calorie intake, and exercise.

Metabolism - The use of nutrients by the body. It's the process by which substances come into the body and the rate at which they are used.

Midsection - Muscles of abdominal area, including upper and lower abdominals, obliques and rectus abdominis muscles.

Military press - Pressing a barbell from upper chest upward in standing or sitting position. Minerals - Naturally occurring, inorganic substances which are essential for human life, which play a role in many vital metabolic processes.

Minerals - Naturally occurring, inorganic substances which are essential for human life, which play a role in many vital metabolic processes.

Mixed Pairs Competition - Couples' competition, a form of bodybuilding competition in which man-woman teams compete against others with particularly appealing posing routines and dance movements.

Muscle - Tissue consisting of fibers organized into bands or bundles that contract to cause bodily movement. Muscle fibers run in the same direction as the action they perform.

Muscle Head - Slang for someone whose life is dominated by training.

Muscle Spasm - Sudden, involuntary contraction of muscle or muscle group.

Muscle Tone - Muscle tone is the resting tautness or laxity of a muscle, ideally somewhere in the middle of the range between total contraction and total relaxation. Tone is important for good function of the body. Good coordination,joint function and stability, and general muscle function are all dependent on proper muscle tone.

Muscularity - An alternative term for "definition".

Myositis - Muscular soreness due to inflammation that often occurs 1-2 days after unaccustomed exercise.