Fitness: meaning, definitions and examples

💪

Add to dictionary

fitness

[ˈfɪtnəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

physical health

Fitness is the condition of being physically healthy and strong.

Synonyms

health, strength, wellness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fitness	Used when talking about the condition of being physically fit and healthy, often in reference to exercise routines, gym activities, and physical training. John has great fitness because he works out regularly. I joined a fitness class to improve my overall condition.
health	Used in a broader context to describe the overall state of someone's physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Maintaining good health requires a balanced diet and regular exercise. She took a day off work to focus on her mental health.
wellness	Generally used to describe a holistic approach to health, including physical, mental, and emotional aspects. Often associated with preventive measures and holistic practices. The wellness retreat offered yoga, meditation, and healthy eating workshops. She focuses on wellness by practicing mindfulness and eating organic food.
strength	Specifically refers to the physical power and capacity to perform tasks that require muscle effort. Often used in fitness and exercise contexts. Weightlifting is great for building muscle strength. He has the strength to lift heavy boxes by himself.

Examples of usage

Regular exercise is important for maintaining fitness.
She has been working hard to improve her fitness levels.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

physical activity

Fitness can also refer to the quality of being suitable to perform a particular physical activity.

Synonyms

capability, competence, suitability.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fitness	Typically refers to physical health and well-being, including the ability to perform daily tasks and exercise. She goes to the gym regularly to improve her fitness / His fitness level allowed him to complete the marathon
suitability	Describes how appropriate or fit someone or something is for a specific role, purpose, or condition. The suitability of this location for the event was carefully considered / His suitability for the job was evident in his extensive experience
capability	Describes the general potential or ability to do something, often in a broad or flexible manner. The new software's capability to process large amounts of data is impressive / She demonstrated her capability by handling multiple projects at once
competence	Refers to the ability to do something successfully or efficiently, often related to skills and knowledge. Her competence in managing the team earned her a promotion / The doctor's competence was evident in how she handled the complex surgery

Examples of usage

His flexibility and agility contribute to his fitness for gymnastics.
The athlete's overall fitness is impressive.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

gym or exercise class

Fitness is also a term commonly used to describe the industry and facilities related to physical exercise and training.

Synonyms

exercise, gym, training.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fitness	Use this word to talk about the general state of being physically healthy and strong. It's a broad term that can include exercise, diet, and overall well-being. She is committed to improving her fitness levels. Fitness is an important part of a balanced lifestyle.
gym	This word is used when referring to the place where people go to work out. People might mention the gym when they are talking about a specific location where they exercise. She goes to the gym three times a week. I saw him lifting weights at the gym.
exercise	This term is used when you are talking specifically about physical activities that you do to maintain or improve your health and physical condition. It is often used to describe individual activities or routines. Daily exercise can help reduce stress. They did a cardio exercise to build endurance.
training	Use this word to talk about a more structured and often specific regimen aimed at achieving certain fitness goals or preparing for an athletic event. It often implies a more serious or professional approach. He is in training for the marathon. Her training schedule is very rigorous.

Examples of usage

She signed up for a fitness class at the local gym.
The fitness center offers a variety of workout options.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'fitness' comes from the Old English word 'fitt,' meaning 'a condition or state.'
It was first used in the early 16th century to describe the state of being fit or suitable for something.
The modern understanding of 'fitness' evolved in the 20th century, focusing more on health and physical activity.

Health

Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
Exercise releases endorphins, known as 'feel-good hormones,' which can improve mood and reduce stress.
Being fit not only benefits physical health but also enhances mental well-being, leading to better focus and productivity.

Pop Culture

The fitness industry has become a major global market, with millions participating in gyms and fitness classes.
Social media influencers promote various fitness trends, from high-intensity interval training to yoga, reaching wide audiences.
Popular films and documentaries, like 'The Game Changers,' showcase the impact of fitness and nutrition on overall health.

Science

Studies show that regular exercise can lead to increased brain function and cognitive abilities.
Fitness training affects muscle memory, allowing athletes to perform skills faster and with greater precision.
The concept of 'biological fitness' in biology refers to an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment.

Lifestyle

Incorporating physical activity into your daily routine can be as simple as walking or biking instead of driving.
Many people find motivation for fitness by joining groups or classes, making it more social and enjoyable.
Nutrition plays a crucial role in fitness; what you eat can significantly affect your energy levels and performance.

Translations

Translations of the word "fitness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aptidão

🇮🇳 फिटनेस

🇩🇪 Fitness

🇮🇩 kebugaran

🇺🇦 фітнес

🇵🇱 kondycja

🇯🇵 フィットネス

🇫🇷 forme physique

🇪🇸 aptitud física

🇹🇷 fitness

🇰🇷 피트니스

🇸🇦 لياقة بدنية

🇨🇿 kondice

🇸🇰 kondícia

🇨🇳 健身

🇸🇮 kondicija

🇮🇸 líkamlegt ástand

🇰🇿 фитнес

🇬🇪 ფიტნესი

🇦🇿 fitness

🇲🇽 aptitud física

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,349 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
6346 terminals
6347 neutron
6348 module
6349 fitness
6350 reporter
6351 cleaned
6352 irradiation
...