How to Say Exercise in Spanish | MostUsedWords.com
Updated for 2026, this guide explains how to say "exercise" in Spanish, including various types of exercises, their pronunciations, and related idioms.
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What is "Exercise" in Spanish?
In English, exercise refers to physical activity aimed at improving health and strength. In Spanish, the word for exercise is ejercicio (IPA: /eˈxerθjo/), a masculine noun derived from Latin.
| Singular | Plural |
|---|---|
| Ejercicio (IPA: /eˈxerθjo/) | Ejercicios (IPA: /eˈxerθjos/) |
It is preceded by the masculine article "el" in singular form and "los" in plural. Additionally, here are some common types of exercises with their Spanish equivalents:
- Caminar (IPA: /kaˈmaniɾ/) - Walking.
- Correr (IPA: /koˈreɾ/) - Running.
- Fitness (IPA: /fitnes/) or Entrenamiento (IPA: /entɾenaˈmjento/) - Fitness training.
Different Types of Exercises and Their Spanish Equivalents
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The Spanish Frequency Dictionary series covers the 10,000 most common Spanish words — ranked by how often native speakers actually use them, with IPA pronunciation, English translations, and bilingual example sentences at every level.
Browse all 4 volumes →In addition to general exercise, there are specific terms for different types of workouts:
- Ejercicio cardiovascular (IPA: /eˈxerθjo kaɾtaˈsoðaɾno/) - Cardiovascular exercise.
- Pilates (IPA: /piˈlatɛs/) - Pilates workout.
- Zumba (IPA: /ˈtsuβma/) - Zumba dance fitness class.
Common Idioms and Expressions Related to Exercise
Spanish has several idiomatic expressions related to exercise:
- Hacer ejercicio regularmente (IPA: /aθer eˈxerθjo reɡuleɾˈmeðe/) - To exercise regularly.
- Ejercicio de fuerza (IPA: /eˈxerθjo ðe ˈfuerθa/) - Strength training.
Regional Differences in Fitness Routines Across Spanish-Speaking Countries
The term "ejercicio" can vary in usage across different regions:
- Mexico: Hacer ejercicio (IPA: /aθer eˈxerθjo/)
- Argentina: Gimnasia (IPA: /xi(m)ˈna.sja/)
- Spain: Entrenamiento (IPA: /entɾenaˈmjento/)
In Latin America, sports and physical activities are often community-based. In Spain, fitness centers and outdoor activities like running are popular among younger generations.
Cultural Significance of Exercise in Spanish-Speaking Countries
Exercise is an integral part of daily life in many Spanish-speaking countries:
- Latin America: Community-based sports and physical activities.
- Spain: Popularity of fitness centers and outdoor running among younger generations.
How to Pronounce Exercise in Spanish
To help you master the pronunciation, here are some sample sentences with audio pronunciations:
- Ejercicio cardiovascular (IPA: /eˈxerθjo kaɾtaˈsoðaɾno/)
- Hacer ejercicio regularmente (IPA: /aθer eˈxerθjo reɡuleɾˈmeðe/)
Listen to these pronunciations and practice saying them aloud.
Spanish Words for Workout
In addition to "ejercicio," here are some common Spanish words related to workouts:
- Fitness (IPA: /fitnes/)
- Zumba (IPA: /ˈtsuβma/)
- Pilates (IPA: /piˈlatɛs/)
These terms are widely used in Spanish-speaking countries and can be found in fitness centers, gyms, and community sports events.
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