Physical activities or mental tasks performed to improve health, skill, or knowledge. Can also refer to practical applications or drills in academic or professional contexts.
From Latin 'exercitium' meaning 'training, exercise' from 'exercere' (to drive out, keep busy). The word evolved from military training contexts to broader physical and mental activities by the 14th century.
The word 'exercise' originally meant to drive animals out of their resting places, which beautifully captures how physical activity drives us out of our comfort zones. The connection between physical and mental 'exercise' shows how languages naturally extend meanings from concrete to abstract domains.
Women were historically discouraged from strenuous exercise due to false beliefs about fragility; fitness narratives default to male bodies.
Use inclusively; specify diverse bodies in fitness contexts. Acknowledge women athletes, sports medicine research on female physiology.
Women athletes broke barriers (Billie Jean King, Serena Williams); cite female sports scientists and trainers in fitness guidance.
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