The tempo of a repetition is typically expressed as four numbers representing phases. Which statement best describes this concept?

• A. A measure of how many reps you perform.
• B. The duration of the entire workout.
• C. The speed of lifting and lowering a load during a rep.
• D. The cadence of breathing during the set.

Answer: (C)

Tempo conveys how long you spend in each part of a single repetition. It’s written as four numbers that map to the four segments of a rep: the lowering of the weight (the eccentric phase), a possible pause at the bottom, the lifting of the weight (the concentric phase), and a possible pause at the top before starting the next rep. Each number indicates seconds for that phase, so the concept describes the speed of lifting and lowering the load during a rep. That focus on the movement itself is what makes this the best description, rather than counting reps, total workout duration, or breathing cadence. Controlling tempo changes time under tension and helps shape technique and training outcomes.