English at the gym: Expanding our limits
English at the gym
The gym is not only a place for physical training, but also a great opportunity to practice and improve your English. When you step out of your comfort zone and combine sports with language learning, you get a lot of benefits. So let’s take a look at how English can enrich your experience in the gym.
Vocabulary expansion
In the gym, you come across many specific terms and expressions related to sports and fitness. Learning these words and expressions will help you understand your coach’s instructions, communicate with other athletes, and perform exercises effectively. Learn new words and phrases related to sports equipment, types of training, training regimens and other aspects of sports.
The most popular words in English in the gym
Here is a table of the most popular English words that you might need in a gym session
| Word | Transcription |
|---|---|
| Gym | /dʒɪm/ |
| Workout | /ˈwɜːrk.aʊt/ |
| Exercise | /ˈɛksərˌsaɪz/ |
| Repetition | /ˌrɛpɪˈtɪʃən/ |
| Set | /sɛt/ |
| Weight | /weɪt/ |
| Barbell | /ˈbɑːrˌbɛl/ |
| Dumbbell | /ˈdʌmˌbɛl/ |
| Treadmill | /ˈtrɛd.mɪl/ |
| Elliptical | /ɪˈlɪp.tɪ.kəl/ |
| Squat | /skwɑːt/ |
| Lunge | /lʌndʒ/ |
| Push-up | /ˈpʊʃ.ʌp/ |
| Pull-up | /ˈpʊl.ʌp/ |
| Plank | /plæŋk/ |
| Cardio | /ˈkɑːr.di.oʊ/ |
| Stretching | /ˈstrɛtʃ.ɪŋ/ |
| Warm-up | /ˈwɔrm.ʌp/ |
| Cool down | /kuːl/ /daʊn/ |
| Agility | /əˈdʒɪl.ə.ti/ |
| Flexibility | /ˌflɛk.səˈbɪl.ə.ti/ |
| Strength | /strɛŋθ/ |
| Endurance | /ɪnˈdʊr.əns/ |
| Balance | /ˈbæl.əns/ |
| Hydration | /haɪˈdreɪ.ʃən/ |
| Rest | /rɛst/ |
| Motivation | /ˌmoʊ.tɪˈveɪ.ʃən/ |
| Progress | /ˈprɑː.ɡrɛs/ |
Communication with the coach
Many sports trainers communicate in English, especially in large gyms or fitness clubs. By using the English language when communicating with the coach, you will be able to understand his instructions, ask questions and receive useful advice. This will allow you to receive more quality and personalized support during training.
TOP 20 phrases most often used in the gym
Here are the top 20 phrases most often used in the gym:
- Are you ready?
- Let’s warm up first.
- How many sets and reps?
- Keep your back straight.
- Breathe in, breathe out.
- Push yourself!
- You’re doing great!
- Keep going!
- One more rep!
- Don’t give up!
- Use proper form.
- It’s time for cardio.
- Take a break.
- Stretch your muscles.
- Lift with your legs.
- Control your breathing.
- Keep a steady pace.
- Use lighter weights.
- Focus on your form.
- Stay hydrated.
When working out with a trainer, you will often hear words related to muscles that are often pumped in the gym.
Muscles
| Word | Transcription |
|---|---|
| Biceps | /ˈbaɪˌsɛps/ |
| Triceps | /ˈtraɪˌsɛps/ |
| Chest | /tʃɛst/ |
| Back | /bæk/ |
| Shoulders | /ˈʃoʊldərz/ |
| Abs | /æbz/ |
| Obliques | /oʊˈbliːks/ |
| Quadriceps | /ˈkwɑː.drəˌsɛps/ |
| Hamstrings | /ˈhæmˌstrɪŋz/ |
| Glutes | /ɡluts/ |
| Calves | /kævz/ |
| Pectorals | /pɛkˈtɔːrəlz/ |
| Deltoids | /ˈdɛlˌtɔɪdz/ |
| Trapezius | /trəˈpiːʒəs/ |
| Latissimus dorsi | /ləˈtɪs.ə.məs ˈdɔr.saɪ/ |
| Abdominals | /æbˈdɑm.ɪ.nəlz/ |
| Gluteus maximus | /ˌɡluːtiːəs ˈmæk.sə.məs/ |
| Gastrocnemius | /ˌɡæs.trəˈniː.miəs/ |
| Soleus | /ˈsoʊliəs/ |
If you do not yet know the words about the human body in English, read the article – Body – words in English.
The gym is a place where people from different countries and cultures meet with different levels of English. Communicating with other athletes in English will help you improve your speaking skills, expand your worldview and learn more about different sports traditions. You can discuss training, exchange experiences and even find new sports partners.
In general, learning English in the gym is a unique opportunity to combine physical training with mental development. You can improve your language, meet new people and expand your knowledge about sports. So discover new possibilities and make your visits to the gym even more useful and exciting.