Glossary

    Key terms and definitions used throughout Performance Protocol. Click on any term to learn more in-depth information.

    Amino Acids

    Nutrition

    Organic compounds that combine to form proteins. Essential amino acids must be obtained through diet, while non-essential ones are synthesized by the body.

    Anabolic

    General

    Relating to the building up of complex molecules in the body, such as muscle tissue. Anabolic processes require energy and are the opposite of catabolic processes.

    Androgenetic Alopecia

    General

    The most common form of hair loss, driven by genetics and hormones (DHT). Affects both men and women with distinct patterns.

    AOD-9604

    Peptides

    A modified fragment of human growth hormone researched for fat metabolism without affecting blood sugar or tissue growth.

    Apigenin

    Supplements

    A natural flavonoid found in chamomile, parsley, and celery, researched for its calming and sleep-promoting effects.

    Autophagy

    Longevity

    A cellular 'cleaning' process where cells break down and recycle damaged components. Stimulated by fasting and exercise, it's associated with longevity and disease prevention.

    BCAAs

    Supplements

    Branched-Chain Amino Acids (leucine, isoleucine, valine) that play key roles in muscle protein synthesis and exercise recovery.

    Bioavailability

    General

    The proportion of a substance that enters circulation and is able to have an active effect when introduced into the body.

    Blood Glucose

    Biomarkers

    The concentration of glucose in the blood, a key marker of metabolic health. Measured as fasting glucose or HbA1c for long-term averages.

    BPC-157

    Peptides

    Body Protection Compound-157, a synthetic peptide derived from a protein found in gastric juice. Researched for tissue repair and healing properties.

    Catabolic

    General

    Relating to the breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy. Muscle breakdown during intense exercise is a catabolic process.

    Circadian Rhythm

    Sleep

    The 24-hour internal clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles, hormone release, body temperature, and other physiological processes.

    CJC-1295

    Peptides

    A synthetic peptide that stimulates growth hormone release. Often combined with Ipamorelin for synergistic effects.

    Cortisol

    Hormones

    The primary stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Follows a circadian pattern and affects metabolism, immune function, and blood pressure.

    Creatine

    Supplements

    A naturally occurring compound that helps supply energy to cells, particularly muscle cells. One of the most researched and effective sports supplements.

    DEXA Scan

    Biomarkers

    Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry, the gold standard for measuring body composition including bone density, lean mass, and fat distribution.

    DHEA

    Hormones

    Dehydroepiandrosterone, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that serves as a precursor to testosterone and estrogen.

    DSIP

    Peptides

    Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide, a neuropeptide researched for promoting deep sleep and modulating stress responses.

    Epithalon

    Peptides

    A synthetic tetrapeptide that may activate telomerase, the enzyme that maintains telomere length. Researched for anti-aging properties.

    Estrogen

    Hormones

    A group of hormones primarily responsible for female reproductive development, but also important for bone health, cardiovascular function, and cognition in both sexes.

    Fasting

    Nutrition

    Voluntarily abstaining from food for a period of time. Various protocols (intermittent, extended) offer metabolic and longevity benefits.

    Follistatin-344

    Peptides

    A naturally occurring glycoprotein that inhibits myostatin, a protein that limits muscle growth. Researched for muscle-building potential.

    FOXO4-DRI

    Peptides

    A peptide that selectively induces apoptosis in senescent cells, researched as a senolytic for healthy aging.

    GHK-Cu

    Peptides

    A copper peptide with regenerative properties, researched for skin health, wound healing, and tissue remodeling.

    GHRP

    Peptides

    Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide. A category of synthetic peptides that stimulate the pituitary gland to release growth hormone.

    GLP-1

    Weight Loss

    Glucagon-Like Peptide-1, a hormone that regulates appetite, blood sugar, and metabolism. GLP-1 receptor agonists are used for diabetes and weight management.

    Glycine

    Supplements

    The simplest amino acid, important for collagen synthesis, sleep quality, and as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.

    Growth Hormone (GH)

    Hormones

    A peptide hormone that stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and regeneration. Declines naturally with age.

    Half-life

    General

    The time it takes for half of a substance to be eliminated from the body. Important for understanding dosing frequency.

    HbA1c

    Biomarkers

    Hemoglobin A1c, a blood test measuring average blood sugar over 2-3 months. A key marker of metabolic health.

    Hexarelin

    Peptides

    A potent growth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP) that also has cardioprotective properties.

    HRV

    Biomarkers

    Heart Rate Variability, the variation in time between heartbeats. Higher HRV generally indicates better cardiovascular fitness and recovery status.

    Hypertrophy

    Training

    The increase in muscle cell size, resulting in muscle growth. Achieved through progressive resistance training and adequate nutrition.

    IGF-1

    Hormones

    Insulin-like Growth Factor 1, a hormone that mediates many of growth hormone's effects on muscle and tissue growth.

    Insulin

    Hormones

    A hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar by facilitating glucose uptake into cells.

    Ipamorelin

    Peptides

    A selective growth hormone secretagogue peptide. Known for stimulating GH release with minimal impact on cortisol or prolactin.

    Kisspeptin

    Peptides

    A neuropeptide that plays a crucial role in regulating the reproductive hormone cascade, including stimulating GnRH release.

    Lean Mass

    Biomarkers

    Total body weight minus fat mass. Includes muscle, bone, organs, and water.

    Leucine

    Supplements

    An essential amino acid that directly activates mTOR, the primary trigger for muscle protein synthesis.

    Lipolysis

    General

    The metabolic process of breaking down stored fat (triglycerides) into fatty acids and glycerol for energy.

    LL-37

    Peptides

    An antimicrobial peptide produced by the human immune system with broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

    Longevity

    Longevity

    The science and practice of extending healthy lifespan through interventions targeting aging mechanisms.

    Magnesium

    Supplements

    An essential mineral involved in 300+ enzymatic reactions, including muscle function, energy production, and sleep regulation.

    Melatonin

    Sleep

    The 'sleep hormone' produced by the pineal gland that regulates circadian rhythm and signals the body to prepare for sleep.

    Metabolic Rate

    General

    The rate at which the body burns calories to maintain basic functions. Can be influenced by muscle mass, hormones, and activity level.

    MOTS-c

    Peptides

    A 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) encoded in the mitochondrial genome that regulates metabolic homeostasis and may protect against age-related metabolic decline.

    mTOR

    Longevity

    Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin, a protein that regulates cell growth and metabolism. Activated by protein intake and resistance training.

    NAD+

    Longevity

    Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide — a coenzyme present in every living cell that is essential for cellular energy production (ATP synthesis), DNA repair, and longevity signaling. NAD+ levels decline approximately 50% between ages 40 and 60.

    Peptide

    Peptides

    A short chain of amino acids (typically 2-50). Peptides act as signaling molecules and have various biological functions in the body.

    Progressive Overload

    Training

    The gradual increase in stress placed on the body during training. Essential for continued adaptation and improvement.

    Protein Synthesis

    General

    The biological process by which cells build proteins. Muscle protein synthesis (MPS) is the key driver of muscle growth.

    Protocol

    General

    A systematic plan or set of rules for a specific intervention or practice. In performance contexts, refers to structured approaches to optimization.

    PT-141

    Peptides

    Bremelanotide, a peptide that acts on melanocortin receptors to enhance sexual arousal and desire in both men and women.

    Recovery

    Training

    The processes by which the body repairs and adapts to training stress. Encompasses sleep, nutrition, and stress management.

    REM Sleep

    Sleep

    Rapid Eye Movement sleep, the stage associated with vivid dreams and memory consolidation. Critical for cognitive function and recovery.

    RPE

    Training

    Rate of Perceived Exertion, a subjective scale (typically 1-10) used to gauge training intensity based on how difficult an effort feels.

    Secretagogue

    General

    A substance that promotes the secretion of another substance. Growth hormone secretagogues stimulate the pituitary to release GH.

    Selank

    Peptides

    A synthetic peptide derived from tuftsin with anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) and nootropic properties.

    Semaglutide

    Weight Loss

    A GLP-1 receptor agonist used for type 2 diabetes and weight management. Sold as Ozempic (diabetes) and Wegovy (weight loss).

    Semaglutide Savings

    Weight Loss

    Programs, coupons, and strategies to reduce the cost of semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) medications for weight loss or diabetes management.

    Semax

    Peptides

    A synthetic heptapeptide derived from ACTH with nootropic, neuroprotective, and neurorestorative properties.

    Senolytic

    Longevity

    A class of compounds that selectively clear senescent ('zombie') cells that accumulate with age and contribute to inflammation.

    Sermorelin

    Peptides

    A growth hormone-releasing hormone analog that stimulates natural GH production from the pituitary gland.

    Subcutaneous

    General

    Under the skin. Subcutaneous injections deliver medication into the fatty tissue layer beneath the skin.

    TB-500

    Peptides

    Thymosin Beta-4, a synthetic peptide researched for tissue repair, wound healing, and flexibility. Often used alongside BPC-157.

    Telomeres

    Longevity

    Protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that shorten with each cell division. Telomere length is considered a biomarker of biological aging.

    Testosterone

    Hormones

    The primary male sex hormone, responsible for muscle mass, bone density, libido, and various metabolic functions. Declines naturally with age.

    Thymosin Alpha-1

    Peptides

    A peptide that modulates immune function by enhancing T-cell activity. Used clinically for immune support and viral infections.

    Tirzepatide

    Weight Loss

    A dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist used for diabetes and weight management. Sold as Mounjaro and Zepbound.

    Tirzepatide Titration

    Weight Loss

    The gradual dose escalation schedule for tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound), starting low to minimize side effects and optimize efficacy.

    Titration

    General

    The process of gradually adjusting a medication dose to find the optimal level. Important for minimizing side effects.

    TRT

    Hormones

    Testosterone Replacement Therapy, a medical treatment to restore testosterone levels in men with clinically low levels.

    Visceral Fat

    Biomarkers

    Fat stored around internal organs in the abdominal cavity. Metabolically active and associated with increased disease risk.

    VO2 Max

    Biomarkers

    Maximum oxygen consumption during exercise. A key measure of cardiovascular fitness and predictor of longevity.

    Volume vs Intensity

    Training

    Two primary training variables: volume is total work performed (sets × reps × weight), while intensity is relative effort or load (%1RM or RPE).

    Wearable Technology

    Tools

    Devices like Oura Ring, WHOOP, and Apple Watch that track biometrics such as HRV, sleep, recovery, and activity for performance optimization.

    Weight Loss

    Weight Loss

    The process of reducing body mass, ideally through fat loss while preserving lean tissue. Achieved through caloric deficit and lifestyle modifications.

    Zone 2 Training

    Training

    Low-intensity aerobic exercise at 60-70% of max heart rate. Builds mitochondrial density and metabolic efficiency.

    78 terms found