Learning a new language opens doors to understanding different cultures and their unique ways of life. For fitness enthusiasts and gym-goers, understanding Japanese exercise-related terms can enhance your experience and integration into Japanese fitness culture. Here’s a comprehensive guide on fitness and exercise-related terms in Japanese.
体操 (たいそう) – Gymnastics or physical exercises.
毎朝、体操をしています。
This term refers to the general physical exercises that often involve stretching and body movement routines commonly practiced in the morning.
筋トレ (きんとれ) – Muscle training or strength training.
毎日筋トレをすることで、体が引き締まった。
This refers to exercises focused on increasing muscle strength and mass, such as lifting weights or using resistance bands.
有酸素運動 (ゆうさんそうんどう) – Aerobic exercise.
健康のために、毎日有酸素運動をしています。
Aerobic exercise includes any type of cardiovascular conditioning which can include activities like jogging, swimming, or cycling.
ストレッチ (すとれっち) – Stretching.
運動前にはしっかりとストレッチを行うことが大切です。
This term refers to the act of stretching muscles to increase flexibility and reduce the risk of injuries.
ジム (じむ) – Gym.
週に三回ジムに行っています。
The term ‘ジム’ is a loanword from English and it refers to a place equipped for physical exercise.
ダイエット (だいえっと) – Diet or weight loss.
健康的なダイエットは計画的に行う必要があります。
This term is often used in the context of losing weight, focusing on nutritional intake and physical exercise.
ランニング (らんにんぐ) – Running.
毎朝、ランニングをしています。
Another loanword, ‘ランニング’ specifically refers to the act of running as a form of exercise.
スポーツ (すぽーつ) – Sports.
彼は様々なスポーツを楽しんでいます。
This term covers all types of sports activities, both competitive and non-competitive.
ウォーキング (うぉーきんぐ) – Walking.
健康のために毎日ウォーキングをしています。
‘ウォーキング’ is used to describe the act of walking either for exercise or leisure.
トレーニング (とれーにんぐ) – Training.
彼はマラソンのためにトレーニングを積んでいます。
This term is used to describe the process of training or preparing oneself physically for any athletic activity.
水泳 (すいえい) – Swimming.
水泳は全身運動の一つです。
This term literally means “water swimming” and refers to the act of swimming as exercise or sport.
ピラティス (ぴらてぃす) – Pilates.
彼女は毎週ピラティスのクラスに通っています。
A system of exercises using special apparatus, designed to improve physical strength, flexibility, and posture, and enhance mental awareness.
ヨガ (よが) – Yoga.
ヨガをすることで、心も体もリラックスできます。
Yoga involves breath control, simple meditation, and the adoption of specific bodily postures, widely practiced for health and relaxation.
キックボクシング (きっくぼくしんぐ) – Kickboxing.
キックボクシングはストレス解消にも良いです。
This is a group of stand-up combat sports based on kicking and punching, historically developed from karate mixed with boxing.
回復 (かいふく) – Recovery.
適切な回復はトレーニングの効果を高めます。
This term is used in the context of sports and exercise to refer to the process of recovering strength, mental clarity, or lost nutrients after physical exertion.
Understanding these terms not only helps in integrating into Japanese fitness environments but also enriches your vocabulary and comprehension of Japanese culture surrounding health and fitness. Whether you’re discussing routines with a Japanese friend or following instructions in a local gym, these terms will surely come in handy.
