Lots of people make New Year’s resolutions to lose weight and get stronger by going to the gym. But if you’re learning English, there’s another challenge – how to talk about exercise naturally in English.
In this lesson, I’m going to teach you 50 essential vocabulary words for fitness — the words native English speakers use when we talk about working out (working out = exercising).
We’ll start with words for gym equipment, then learn verbs for specific exercises, and finally some super common phrases about exercise.
🏋️♂️ GYM EQUIPMENT
Treadmill
A machine you walk or run on indoors.
Stationary bike
A bike that doesn’t move — you pedal in one place.
Elliptical
A low-impact cardio machine that feels like walking or running without impact to your joints.
Rowing machine
A machine that simulates rowing a boat — great for full-body workouts.
Dumbbells
Small handheld weights, usually used one in each hand.
Barbell
A long bar you load with weight plates.
Kettlebell
A round weight with a handle — very popular for functional training.
Resistance bands
Stretchy bands used instead of weights.
Yoga mat
A mat for stretching, yoga, or floor exercises.
Bench
A padded seat or platform for exercises like bench press.
Punching bag
A hanging bag used for boxing or kickboxing.
Pull-up bar
A bar you hang from to do pull-ups.
Medicine ball
A heavy ball used for strength and explosive movements.
Exercise ball / Stability ball
A large ball filled with air, used for stretching and gentle exercise
Foam roller
A hard foam cylinder used to massage sore muscles.
Jump rope
A rope you jump over repeatedly
Gym towel
A towel to wipe sweat or place on equipment.
Locker room
The room where you change clothes and store your belongings.
💪 VERBS & EXERCISES
These are the actions you hear all the time at the gym.
Lift (weights)
Use weights to build strength.
Squat
Lower your body like you’re sitting in a chair.
Deadlift
Lift a barbell from the floor using your legs and back.
Bench press
Push a barbell or dumbbells upward while lying on a bench.
Curl
Lift weights by bending your arms, usually for biceps.
Lunge
Step forward and bend both knees.
Push-up
Lower and raise your body using your arms.
Pull-up
Pull your body upward while hanging from a bar.
Sit-up
Go from lying on your back to sitting, using your stomach muscles.
Plank
Hold your body straight, supported by your arms and toes.
Stretch
Lengthen muscles to improve flexibility.
Warm up
Do light exercise before training.
Cool down
Slowly relax your body after a workout.
Run
Move quickly on foot.
Jog
Run slowly and steadily.
Sprint
Run very fast for a short time.
Cycle
Ride a bike.
Row
Pull with your arms and legs, like rowing a boat.
Train
Exercise regularly to improve fitness or prepare for a sport/competition
Spot (someone)
Help someone lift weights safely.
Sweat
Produce moisture when your body heats up.
🧠 FITNESS PHRASES & CONCEPTS
These are very common in conversations about fitness.
Cardio
Exercise that makes your heart beat faster.
Strength training
Exercises focused on building muscles.
Fitness tracker
A device that tracks steps, heart rate, or workouts.
Core / abs
The muscles around your stomach and lower back.
In shape / out of shape
Fit vs. not physically fit.
Out of breath / catch your breath
Breathing hard after exercise — then recovering.
Personal trainer
A professional who helps plan workouts.
Workout routine
Your regular exercise plan.
Rest day
A day with no intense exercise.
Sore
Feeling muscle pain after a workout.
LET’S STRENGTHEN YOUR VOCABULARY!
Strengthening your vocabulary is a LOT like going to the gym…
Not only do you need to watch your teacher say the words (or do the exercises) – you also need to practice them yourself.
That’s why my Vocabulary Builder Courses help you learn AND practice!
You’ll learn hundreds of the most common, most useful English words – and practice them through quizzes and writing exercises.
The result? You’ll remember the vocabulary better and be able to use it naturally in your own conversations.
Ready to learn and use 1000+ new words in the next month?
Join the Vocabulary Builder Course and get started today!
