entrenar
/entɾeˈnaɾ/
The English phrase 'working out' can be translated into Spanish as entrenar.
The verb entrenar is commonly used to mean 'working out' when referring to sports training or a structured physical exercise regimen. The noun ejercicio refers to 'exercise' itself.
Which one should you use?
While entrenar often implies a more specific or disciplined training regimen, hacer ejercicio is a more general way to say 'to exercise.'
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the phrase Hacer ejercicio físico is used to mean 'to do physical exercise' or 'working out'. In Argentina, Hacer gimnasia is a common phrase used for 'working out'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the continuous action of 'working out' (the present participle), use the form entrenando.
How do you pronounce it?
/entɾeˈnaɾ/
Did you know?
- The word gimnasia in the phrase hacer gimnasia comes from the Ancient Greek gymnasion, which literally means 'a place for naked exercise'.
- If you are 'working out' in a very intense, grueling way, you might describe the session as a sesión de entrenamiento intenso, but a common colloquialism in some regions is to say you are machacando.
- The Spanish word entrenar was borrowed from the French word entraîner, which originally meant 'to drag' or 'to pull along'.
Examples in context
- Es importante ejercitarse regularmente para mantenerse saludableIt's important to work out regularly to stay healthy
- El médico me recomendó hacer ejercicio todos los díasThe doctor advised me to work out every day
- Me gusta hacer deporte al aire libre los fines de semanaI enjoy working out outdoors on weekends
- Mi objetivo es ponerme en forma para el veranoMy goal is to get in shape for the summer
- Me encanta hacer ejercicio físico en el gimnasioI love working out at the gym
- Decidí empezar a hacer gimnasia para mejorar mi saludI decided to start working out to improve my health
- Estoy entrenando para el maratón.I am training/working out for the marathon.
- Voy a entrenar en el gimnasio.I am going to work out at the gym.
- ¿Quieres entrenar conmigo hoy?Do you want to work out with me today?
Example conversation
Two friends are deciding whether to exercise together.
- Elena¿Vas a entrenar hoy, Alejandro?Are you going to work out today, Alejandro?
- AlejandroSí, tengo que entrenar un poco.Yes, I have to work out a little.
- ElenaPerfecto, yo también quiero entrenar.Perfect, I want to work out too.
- AlejandroEntonces nos vemos en el gimnasio.Then I will see you at the gym.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry entrenar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries entrenar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
