Top 34 Slang For Work Out – Meaning & Usage

Working out is a key part of many people’s daily routines, but did you know there’s a whole new language to describe it? From “swole” to “beast mode,” our team has gathered the top slang terms that will have you feeling pumped and ready to hit the gym. Get ready to level up your workout vocabulary and impress your gym buddies with our list of must-know slang for work out!

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1. Hit the gym

This phrase means to go to the gym and engage in a workout or exercise routine.

For example, “I’m going to hit the gym after work to work on my fitness.”
Someone might say, “I hit the gym every morning before starting my day.”
A fitness enthusiast might post on social media, “Time to hit the gym and crush this workout!”

2. Pump iron

This slang term refers to lifting weights, specifically barbells or dumbbells, to build strength and muscle mass.

For instance, “I love to pump iron at the gym to sculpt my physique.”
Someone might say, “I’m heading to the weight room to pump some iron.”
A fitness trainer might encourage their clients, “Let’s pump iron and make those gains!”

3. Sweat it out

This phrase means to engage in a vigorous workout or exercise session that causes you to sweat heavily.

For example, “I’m going to sweat it out at the spin class tonight.”
Someone might say, “I always feel great after sweating it out during a challenging workout.”
A fitness enthusiast might post on social media, “Time to hit the gym and sweat it out!”

4. Get swole

This slang term means to become muscular or gain muscle mass through weightlifting or strength training.

For instance, “He’s been hitting the gym hard and getting swole.”
Someone might say, “I’ve been following a strict workout routine to get swole.”
A fitness enthusiast might post progress photos on social media, “From skinny to swole, hard work pays off!”

5. Grind

In the context of working out, “grind” refers to putting in consistent effort and hard work to achieve fitness goals.

For example, “I’m going to grind at the gym every day to reach my fitness goals.”
Someone might say, “The key to success is to grind and never give up on your fitness journey.”
A fitness trainer might motivate their clients, “Keep grinding and you’ll see amazing results!”

6. Flex

To flex means to show off one’s muscles, typically by tensing them. It can also refer to showing off one’s physical abilities or achievements.

For example, “He loves to flex his biceps whenever he gets the chance.”
Someone might say, “I can flex my abs when I do sit-ups.”
In a fitness competition, a participant might be asked to “flex your muscles and show the judges what you’ve got.”

7. Burn calories

To burn calories means to engage in physical activity in order to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. It refers to the process of using energy to perform exercise or other physical tasks.

For instance, “Running on the treadmill for 30 minutes can help you burn calories.”
A person might say, “I need to burn off the extra calories from that dessert I ate.”
In a fitness class, the instructor might encourage participants by saying, “Keep pushing! You’re burning calories and getting stronger.”

8. Fit fam

Fit fam is a term used to describe a community of individuals who are dedicated to fitness and leading a healthy lifestyle. It can refer to a group of friends or a larger online community.

For example, “I love being part of the fit fam. We motivate each other to stay active.”
Someone might post on social media, “Shoutout to my fit fam for always pushing me to reach my goals.”
In a fitness forum, a user might ask, “Any fit fam members here? Looking for workout buddies!”

9. Swole mate

A swole mate is a term used to describe a workout partner or someone who shares a similar fitness journey. It refers to a person with whom one exercises regularly and supports each other’s fitness goals.

For instance, “My swole mate and I always push each other to lift heavier weights.”
Someone might say, “Finding a reliable swole mate is key to staying motivated in the gym.”
In a fitness challenge, participants might be paired up and referred to as “swole mates” for the duration of the program.

10. Gain train

The term gain train refers to a focus on building muscle and gaining strength through intense workouts and proper nutrition. It emphasizes the journey of making progress and gaining muscle mass.

For example, “All aboard the gain train! Let’s get those gains.”
Someone might say, “I’m hopping on the gain train to transform my physique.”
In a fitness group, members might use the hashtag #gaintrain to track their progress and support each other’s muscle-building goals.

11. Lifting heavy

This term refers to the act of performing weightlifting exercises with heavy weights to build strength and muscle mass.

For example, “I’m really focusing on lifting heavy to increase my strength.”
A weightlifter might say, “I love the feeling of pushing my limits and lifting heavy.”
Someone might ask, “Do you have any tips for lifting heavy without injuring yourself?”

12. Endorphin rush

This slang term describes the surge of endorphins, which are natural chemicals in the body that create feelings of happiness and reduce pain, experienced after a workout.

For instance, “I always get an endorphin rush after a good run.”
Someone might say, “I love the endorphin rush I get from exercising—it’s addictive!”
A fitness enthusiast might post, “Who else loves that post-workout endorphin rush?”

13. Grunt work

This term refers to the difficult and strenuous exercises or activities that require a lot of effort and physical exertion during a workout.

For example, “Burpees are definitely grunt work.”
A person might say, “I hate doing grunt work, but I know it’s necessary for progress.”
Someone might ask, “What are some effective grunt work exercises for building strength?”

14. Cardio sesh

This slang term is used to describe a workout session focused on cardiovascular exercises, such as running, cycling, or aerobics.

For instance, “I’m heading to the gym for a cardio sesh.”
Someone might say, “I always feel so energized after a good cardio sesh.”
A fitness enthusiast might post, “Who wants to join me for a cardio sesh tomorrow morning?”

15. Swole patrol

This term refers to a group of individuals who are committed to building muscle mass and achieving a strong and fit physique.

For example, “I joined the swole patrol at my gym for extra motivation.”
Someone might say, “Being part of a swole patrol keeps me accountable and motivated.”
A fitness enthusiast might post, “Looking for fellow swole patrol members to train with!”

16. Train insane

This phrase is used to describe a workout that is extremely intense and challenging. It implies pushing oneself to the limit during a workout.

For example, a fitness enthusiast might say, “I’m going to train insane today and really push my limits.”
Someone might post on social media, “Just finished a train insane session at the gym. I’m drenched in sweat!”
A personal trainer might encourage their client by saying, “Don’t hold back, let’s train insane and reach your fitness goals!”

17. Muscle up

This term refers to performing a specific exercise that requires a significant amount of upper body strength. It involves pulling oneself up from a hanging position to a position where the chin is above the bar.

For instance, a fitness enthusiast might say, “I’ve been working hard and can finally muscle up!”
Someone might ask for advice on an online forum, “Any tips for improving my muscle up technique?”
A trainer might challenge their client by saying, “Let’s work on your upper body strength so you can muscle up.”

18. Get shredded

This phrase is used to describe the process of losing body fat and gaining muscle to achieve a lean and defined physique. It implies having a low body fat percentage and visible muscle definition.

For example, someone might say, “I’ve been working out and dieting hard to get shredded for summer.”
A fitness influencer might post on social media, “Check out my progress, I’m getting shredded!”
A personal trainer might motivate their client by saying, “Keep pushing, you’re on your way to getting shredded!”

19. Sweat session

This term refers to a workout that is so intense that it causes a person to sweat profusely. It implies a challenging and physically demanding exercise session.

For instance, someone might say, “I had a great sweat session at the gym today, I feel amazing!”
A fitness enthusiast might post on social media, “Join me for a sweat session tomorrow morning, it’s going to be intense!”
A trainer might encourage their client by saying, “Get ready for a sweat session, we’re going to push your limits!”

20. Gym rat

This term refers to someone who frequently and consistently goes to the gym to work out. It implies a dedication to fitness and a regular presence at the gym.

For example, someone might say, “I’m a gym rat, I’m at the gym every day of the week.”
A fitness enthusiast might post on social media, “Being a gym rat has become a lifestyle for me, and I love it!”
A trainer might compliment their client by saying, “You’re becoming a real gym rat, your progress is impressive!”

21. Train like a beast

This phrase is used to encourage someone to work out with extreme intensity and determination.

For example, a personal trainer might say, “Come on, train like a beast and give it everything you’ve got!”
A fitness influencer might post on social media, “Today’s workout was killer. Train like a beast and see the results!”
A motivational quote might say, “Train like a beast and become unstoppable.”

22. Cardio bunny

This term is often used to describe someone who prefers cardio exercises over other forms of exercise, such as weightlifting.

For instance, someone might say, “She’s a cardio bunny. She’s always on the treadmill or the elliptical.”
A fitness blogger might write, “I used to be a cardio bunny, but now I incorporate strength training into my workouts.”
In a conversation about different workout preferences, someone might ask, “Are you more of a cardio bunny or do you enjoy weightlifting too?”

23. Fit freak

This term is used to describe someone who is passionate about fitness and prioritizes their workouts and healthy lifestyle.

For example, a friend might say, “She’s such a fit freak. She never misses a workout and always eats clean.”
A fitness enthusiast might proudly declare, “I’m a fit freak and I love every minute of my workouts.”
In a discussion about different fitness goals, someone might say, “I’m not a fit freak, but I do enjoy staying active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.”

24. Muscle mania

This term is used to describe someone who is extremely focused on building muscle and achieving a muscular physique.

For instance, a bodybuilder might be referred to as a muscle maniac because of their dedication to muscle growth.
A fitness trainer might say, “He’s in a constant state of muscle mania. He’s always looking for new ways to challenge his muscles.”
In a conversation about different workout routines, someone might ask, “Are you into muscle mania or do you prefer a more balanced approach to fitness?”

25. Sweat it to get it

This phrase emphasizes the importance of putting in the effort and working up a sweat in order to see results from workouts.

For example, a motivational poster might say, “Sweat it to get it. Put in the work and you’ll achieve your fitness goals.”
A fitness coach might encourage their clients by saying, “Remember, you have to sweat it to get it. Push yourself and you’ll see progress.”
In a conversation about fitness journeys, someone might share, “I used to hate sweating during workouts, but now I embrace it. Sweat it to get it!”

26. Pumped and primed

This phrase describes the feeling of being motivated and prepared for a workout.

For example, “I’m feeling pumped and primed for my morning run.”
A fitness enthusiast might say, “I always get pumped and primed before hitting the gym.”
Someone might post on social media, “Just finished my workout and I’m feeling so pumped and primed!”

27. Fit for life

This phrase emphasizes the importance of maintaining fitness and health throughout one’s lifetime.

For instance, “I’m not just working out for summer, I’m getting fit for life.”
A personal trainer might say, “My goal is to help my clients become fit for life.”
A person might declare, “I’ve made a commitment to stay fit for life, no matter my age.”

28. Gym grind

This term refers to the daily or regular effort put into working out at the gym.

For example, “I’m in the middle of my gym grind, trying to reach my fitness goals.”
A fitness blogger might write, “Here are some tips to stay motivated during your gym grind.”
Someone might say, “I love the gym grind because it helps me relieve stress and stay healthy.”

29. Flex appeal

This phrase combines the idea of having well-defined muscles (flexing) with being appealing or attractive.

For instance, “His muscular physique gives him a lot of flex appeal.”
A fitness model might say, “I work hard in the gym to maintain my flex appeal.”
Someone might compliment another person by saying, “You’ve got a lot of flex appeal with those toned arms!”

30. Fit and fabulous

This phrase describes someone who is not only in good physical shape but also exudes confidence and self-assurance.

For example, “She’s not just fit, she’s fit and fabulous!”
A fitness influencer might use this hashtag: #FitAndFabulousLife
Someone might say, “I feel so fit and fabulous after completing my workout today!”

31. Ripped

When someone is “ripped,” it means they have a low body fat percentage and visible muscle definition. This term is often used to describe someone who has put in a lot of effort in the gym and has achieved a highly muscular physique.

For example, “He’s been working out for months and now he’s ripped.”
Someone might compliment another person by saying, “You’re looking ripped, man!”
In a fitness conversation, someone might ask, “Do you have any tips for getting ripped?”

32. Cut

Being “cut” means having a well-defined and muscular physique with low body fat percentage. This term is often used to describe someone who has worked hard to achieve a lean and sculpted body.

For instance, “She’s been following a strict diet and exercise routine to get cut.”
A person might ask, “How can I get cut like you?”
In a fitness discussion, someone might say, “Cutting is the final phase of my workout program.”

33. Bulk

When someone is “bulking,” it means they are in a phase of their workout routine where the primary goal is to gain muscle mass and size. This often involves consuming a surplus of calories and following a specific training program to achieve muscle growth.

For example, “He’s currently in a bulking phase to gain more muscle.”
Someone might ask, “What’s the best way to bulk up?”
In a fitness conversation, a person might say, “I’m focusing on bulking right now to increase my strength.”

34. Lean

Being “lean” refers to having a low body fat percentage while maintaining well-defined muscles. This term is often used to describe someone who has achieved a toned and athletic physique through a combination of regular exercise and a healthy diet.

For instance, “She’s been working out and eating clean to get lean.”
A person might compliment another by saying, “You’re looking really lean!”
In a fitness discussion, someone might ask, “What’s the best way to get lean without losing muscle mass?”