Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Exercises Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🏋️‍♂️
Add to dictionary

exercises

[ˈɛksərsaɪzɪz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

physical activity

Exercises are physical or mental activities that you do in order to stay healthy or become stronger.

Synonyms

activity, training, workout.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
exercises

Typically refers to specific physical tasks or movements you do to improve health, strength or physical fitness.

  • She did a set of abdominal exercises to strengthen her core.
  • The doctor recommended daily exercises to improve his recovery.
workout

A session of physical exercise, often in a gym, targeting improvement in fitness levels and physical appearance.

  • She has a strenuous workout routine that she follows four times a week.
  • After his morning workout, he felt energized and ready to start the day.
training

Refers to a process of preparing, often over a period of time, for a specific sport, job, or skill. It implies a structured, goal-oriented program.

  • The team has been in training for the championship for six months.
  • He is undergoing training to improve his sales skills.
activity

A general term for any kind of movement or task, not necessarily related to fitness. Can also refer to mental or leisure pursuits.

  • Hiking is a fun outdoor activity.
  • Keeping your mind active with puzzles and reading is important.

Examples of usage

  • She does yoga exercises every morning.
  • I need to do more exercises to improve my fitness.
  • The doctor recommended some breathing exercises for stress relief.
Context #2 | Verb

performing a task or activity

To exercise means to do a particular task or activity, especially to improve a skill or ability.

Synonyms

apply, implement, practice.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
exercises

Used to refer to physical activities or tasks designed for learning or practicing something. It can apply to both physical and mental activities.

  • He does stretching exercises every morning.
  • The teacher gave us grammar exercises for homework.
practice

Used when repeatedly doing an activity to improve skill, or in the professional activities of some occupations.

  • She practices the piano every day after school.
  • He decided to practice law after graduating from college.
implement

Used when putting a plan or system into effect, often in formal or business contexts.

  • The company will implement the new policy next month.
  • We need to implement the changes to improve efficiency.
apply

Used when putting something to practical use, or when formally requesting something.

  • She plans to apply her knowledge of science to solve the problem.
  • I need to apply for a visa to travel abroad.

Examples of usage

  • You should exercise caution when dealing with unfamiliar situations.
  • He exercises his right to free speech by participating in protests.
  • The students were asked to exercise their creativity in the art class.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The concept of physical exercises dates back to ancient Greece, where they were part of training for athletes in events like the Olympics.
  • In ancient China, exercises were part of traditional martial arts and included movements that improved strength, agility, and focus.
  • The word 'exercise' comes from the Latin 'exercitium,' meaning 'a doing' or 'to keep busy.' It has been used for many centuries.

Science

  • Regular physical activity is known to release endorphins, which can improve mood and reduce feelings of stress.
  • Studies show that engaging in exercises can boost cognitive function, improving memory and brain performance in people of all ages.
  • Exercise has been found to play a significant role in preventing diseases such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Different cultures have unique approaches to exercise, including yoga in India, calisthenics in the U.S., and traditional dances in various Indigenous communities.
  • In modern fitness culture, 'exercises' often refer to both structured workouts and recreational sports, highlighting the diverse ways people stay active.
  • Many cultures celebrate physical fitness through annual competitions or festivals, promoting community engagement and health awareness.

Psychology

  • Engaging in exercises not only benefits physical health but also has therapeutic effects, helping to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.
  • Setting fitness goals through exercises can enhance self-esteem and a sense of achievement, positively impacting mental health.
  • Group exercises can foster social connections, which are crucial for emotional well-being and can combat feelings of loneliness.

Pop Culture

  • In popular movies and TV shows, characters often undergo physical transformations through rigorous training and exercises, symbolizing personal growth.
  • Fitness challenges and trends, like Zumba or Pilates, frequently go viral on social media, influencing how people incorporate exercises into their daily lives.
  • The phrase 'no pain, no gain' has become iconic in fitness culture, representing the belief that effort and persistence in exercises yield results.

Origin of 'exercises'

The word 'exercises' has its origin in Middle English from the Old French word 'exercice', which is derived from Latin 'exercitium', meaning 'training' or 'practice'. The concept of exercise has evolved over centuries, from military training to physical fitness routines and mental challenges. In modern times, exercises play a crucial role in maintaining health and well-being.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,944, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.