Gym equipment names and common fitness words

1. Gym equipment names

Fitness refers to how strong our bodies are and how well they can move. When you are fit, you can run, jump, lift things, and do other physical activities easily. In this fitness vocabulary lesson, we will learn common gym equipment names in English.

How often do you go to the gym? What is your favourite exercise? I go to the gym three times a week.

You don’t have to go to the gym to stay fit. There are many outdoor activities that you can do.

Boxing gloves have several layers of padding to spread out the force of each punch. This helps lower the pressure felt by your hands and wrists, keeping them safer during training.

Kettlebells can be used to build muscles. You just need to know how to use them correctly. Focus on using the right form before lifting heavier weights. You can try more advanced movements as you get used to them.

A leg extension machine helps you strengthen your quadriceps, the large muscles in the front of your thighs. You sit on the machine and push a padded bar upward with your lower legs while keeping your hips stable. This movement isolates the quads and helps you build better knee stability and stronger legs.

Resistance bands let you target all the major muscle groups of your body. You can train your upper body by doing presses and rows to hit your shoulders, chest, and back. You can also use the bands to target the lower body part using squats and leg lifts. For the core, you can perform twists and planks.

An elliptical trainer lets you move both your arms and legs at the same time without harsh impact on your joints. In just 30 minutes, you can burn around 270 to 380 calories.

A chest press machine targets your chest muscles, shoulders and triceps. When you sit and push the handles forward, the resistance curve gives you more load at the top of the push than free weights usually do. This helps you train heavier and reach muscle fatigue safely. Adjust the seat so the handles sit just below your shoulders and keep your back and glutes pressed into the pad for best results.

A cable crossover machine lets you work your chest muscles. You stand between two cable stacks, grab the handles, and pull them in a wide arc until your hands meet in front of your body. This movement targets your pectorals while also engaging your shoulders and back.

A leg‑curl machine works the hamstrings, the muscles at the back of your thighs. You lie down and curl your legs by bending your knees to lift the padded lever with your legs. This movement activates your glutes and calves while your core stabilises your body. Use slow, controlled motion and keep your hips still on the pad.

2. Popular gym exercise names

Push-ups engage multiple muscle groups at once. To do proper push-ups, keep your body straight from head to heels. Lower yourself until your chest is close to the ground, then push back up.

Sit‑ups target the abdominal muscles. They help improve your core strength and posture. Start by lying on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Cross your arms over your chest or place your hands behind your head. Use your abdominal muscles to lift your upper body towards your knees. Lower yourself back down slowly until your back touches the floor, then lift up again to repeat the movement.

Bar dips work the chest, triceps, and shoulders. They strengthen your upper body. Start by gripping the parallel bars with your arms straight and your feet off the ground. Slowly bend your elbows to lower your body until your upper arms are roughly parallel to the ground. Push yourself back up to the starting position. Repeat the movement until you feel tired.

I hate plank exercises. I used to do them when I practised Karate. What about you? How long can you hold a plank position?

3. Common fitness words in English

Be familiar with these fitness words and start using them in your gym conversations. You'll find names of workouts, body parts, movements, food terms, and gym equipment.

3.1 Exercise types

1. cardio
2. strength
3. endurance
4. flexibility
5. nobility
6. aerobics
7. pilates
8. yoga
9. CrossFit
10. HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training)
11. circuit
12. calisthenics
13. zumba
14. spinning
15. powerlifting
16. bodybuilding
17. functional
18. tabata
19. plyometrics
20. kickboxing

3.2 Body and muscle

1. abs
2. biceps
3. triceps
4. glutes
5. hamstrings
6. quads
7. core
8. lats
9. delts
10. pecs
11. muscles
12. tendons
13. ligaments
14. joints
15. posture
16. metabolism
17. stamina
18. physique
19. endorphins
20. cardiorespiratory

3.3 Actions and movements

1. stretch, lift, push, pull, squat, lunge, run, jump, sprint, plank, row, press, deadlift, curl, balance, rotate, hinge, crunch, dip, kick

3.4 Health and wellness

1. nutrition
2. hydration
3. protein
4. carbs
5. fat
6. sleep
7. recovery
8. rest
9. wellness
10. BMI (Body Mass Index)
11. body fat
12. calories
13. macros
14. meal prep
15. supplement
16. fiber
17. electrolytes
18. energy
19. mental health
20. motivation

3.5 Equipment and gear

1. dumbbell
2. barbell
3. kettlebell
4. mat
5. treadmill
6. resistance band
7. bike
8. elliptical
9. rowing machine
10. bench
11. foam roller
12. weight plate
13. jump rope
14. pull-up bar
15. sandbag
16. TRX
17. gym
18. sneakers
19. fitness tracker
20. stopwatch

4. Gym vocabulary words you should know

Being physically fit and healthy.

After months of regular exercise, he’s in good shape now.

Being physically unfit or unhealthy.

He hasn’t exercised in years, and he’s really out of shape.

To have a diet that is good for you, including lots of fruits and vegetables.

She tries to eat healthily by including lots of fruits and vegetables in her meals.

To reduce the amount of something like unhealthy foods or habits.

He’s trying to cut down on sugar to improve his health.

To exercise to the point where you start to sweat.

Jogging every morning helps him work up a sweat and keep fit.

To stay fit and healthy.

Yoga helps maintain good health.

Eating the right amount and variety of foods to stay healthy.

Maintaining a balanced diet is good for your health.

Doing physical activity consistently.

Regular exercise can help prevent high blood pressure.

To drink enough water.

You need to hydrate properly during workouts.

Food that has a lot of energy; can lead to weight gain if consumed excessively.

Foods like chocolate and fast food are high in calories.

Food that does not have much energy; usually healthier and good for weight loss.

Vegetables and lean proteins are low in calories.

Foods that are not healthy; often high in fat, sugar, and calories but low in nutrients.

Candy is a junk food.

Foods that are high in vitamins and minerals.

Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are nutrient-rich foods.

To stop consuming something, usually a food or habit that’s bad for your health.

She decided to cut out sugar from her diet to improve her health.

To keep one’s weight steady and within a healthy range.

Eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly can help maintain weight.

Weighing more than is healthy for one’s height.

Regular exercise can prevent you from becoming overweight.

Weighing less than is healthy for one’s height.

It’s just as unhealthy to be underweight as it is to be overweight.

A way of life that involves little physical activity.

Living a sedentary lifestyle can lead to many health problems.

A way of life that includes regular physical activity.

She leads an active lifestyle, which includes daily exercise and healthy eating.

The ability to sustain prolonged physical or mental effort.

Regular exercise can help improve your stamina.

A harmful decrease in the amount of water in your body.

Drinking plenty of water can help prevent dehydration.