Exercise vs. Training: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Published on November 12, 2023
Exercise is physical activity for general fitness and health, while Training is a structured regimen aimed at achieving specific goals.
Key Differences
Exercise refers to any physical activity that enhances or maintains physical fitness and overall health. Training, on the other hand, is a systematic process designed to improve one's skill, ability, or performance in specific areas.
Exercise can be a spontaneous activity like taking a walk or doing a set of push-ups. Training is more structured, often with a set schedule, repetitions, and objectives in mind, such as preparing for a marathon.
While both Exercise and Training focus on physical activity, Exercise's main purpose is to promote general health, increase energy, and provide relaxation. In contrast, Training has specific outcomes like improving a certain skill or achieving a particular level of strength or endurance.
Exercise can be recreational, like playing a sport for fun. Training tends to be goal-oriented, where athletes train to compete, workers train for job efficiency, or individuals train to achieve personal milestones.
Both Exercise and Training are essential for a healthy lifestyle. However, while Exercise emphasizes overall well-being and enjoyment, Training zeroes in on progression, results, and targeted improvement.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Purpose
Enhance or maintain physical fitness and health
Improve skill, ability, or performance
Structure
Can be spontaneous
Structured and systematic
Outcome Focus
General health and well-being
Specific goals or milestones
Duration & Frequency
Varies based on individual preference
Often has set schedules, repetitions, or periods
Examples
Jogging, swimming, yoga
Marathon preparation, strength training programs, job training
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Exercise and Training Definitions
Exercise
Activity for mental or physical improvement.
Meditation is a form of mental exercise.
Training
The action of teaching a person or animal a particular skill or behavior.
Dog training requires patience and consistency.
Exercise
Activity that requires physical or mental exertion, especially when performed to develop or maintain fitness
Walks every day for exercise.
Training
Preparation for a specific event or goal.
Athletes are in rigorous training for the Olympics.
Exercise
A specific activity performed to develop or maintain fitness or a skill
Sit-ups and other exercises.
A piano exercise.
Training
A period of instruction or practice to enhance performance.
The team underwent training to improve coordination.
Exercise
The active use or application of something
The exercise of good judgment.
Training
A process to develop skills or knowledge.
She took a training course in digital marketing.
Exercise
The discharge of a duty, function, or office.
Training
The process or routine of one who trains.
Exercise
An activity having a specified aspect
An undertaking that was an exercise in futility.
Training
The state of being trained.
Exercise
A military maneuver or training activity.
Training
Present participle of train
Exercise
Exercises A ceremony that includes speeches, presentations, and other activities
Graduation exercises.
Training
Action of the verb to train. en
Exercise
To subject to practice or exertion in order to train, strengthen, or develop
Exercise the back muscles.
Exercise the memory.
Training
The activity of imparting and acquiring skills.
Exercise
To put through exercises
Exercise a platoon.
Training
The result of good social upbringing.
Exercise
To make active use of; employ, apply, or exert
Exercise restraint.
Exercise control.
Training
(computing) The process by which two modems determine which protocol and speed to use; handshaking.
Exercise
To discharge (duties, for example).
Training
(voice recognition) The recording of multiple samples of a user's voice to aid pattern recognition.
Exercise
To carry out the functions of
Exercise the role of disciplinarian.
Training
The act of one who trains; the act or process of exercising, disciplining, etc.; education.
Exercise
To execute the terms of (a stock option, for example).
Training
Activity leading to skilled behavior
Exercise
To alarm, worry, or anger; upset
An injustice that exercised the whole community.
Training
The result of good upbringing (especially knowledge of correct social behavior);
A woman of breeding and refinement
Exercise
To engage in exercise.
Training
Conditioning or acclimatization for a specific task.
The climbers started their altitude training months before the expedition.
Exercise
(countable) Any activity designed to develop or hone a skill or ability.
The teacher told us that the next exercise is to write an essay.
Exercise
Activity intended to improve physical, or sometimes mental, strength and fitness.
Swimming is good exercise.
I like to do my exercises every morning before breakfast.
I do crosswords for mental exercise.
Exercise
A setting in action or practicing; employment in the proper mode of activity; exertion; application; use.
The law guarantees us the free exercise of our rights.
Exercise
The performance of an office, ceremony, or duty.
I assisted the ailing vicar in the exercise of his parish duties.
Exercise
(obsolete) That which gives practice; a trial; a test.
Exercise
To exert for the sake of training or improvement; to practice in order to develop.
To exercise troops or horses;
To exercise one's brain with a puzzle
Exercise
(intransitive) To perform physical activity for health or training.
I exercise at the gym every day.
Exercise
(transitive) To use (a right, an option, etc.); to put into practice.
The tenant exercised his option to renew the tenancy.
She is going to exercise her right to vote.
Exercise
To occupy the attention and effort of; to task; to tax, especially in a painful or vexatious manner; harass; to vex; to worry or make anxious.
Exercised with pain
Exercise
(obsolete) To set in action; to cause to act, move, or make exertion; to give employment to.
Exercise
The act of exercising; a setting in action or practicing; employment in the proper mode of activity; exertion; application; use; habitual activity; occupation, in general; practice.
Exercise of the important function confided by the constitution to the legislature.
O we will walk this world,Yoked in all exercise of noble end.
Exercise
Exertion for the sake of training or improvement whether physical, intellectual, or moral; practice to acquire skill, knowledge, virtue, perfectness, grace, etc.
An exercise of the eyes and memory.
Exercise
Bodily exertion for the sake of keeping the organs and functions in a healthy state; hygienic activity; as, to take exercise on horseback; to exercise on a treadmill or in a gym.
The wise for cure on exercise depend.
Exercise
The performance of an office, a ceremony, or a religious duty.
Lewis refused even those of the church of England . . . the public exercise of their religion.
To draw him from his holy exercise.
Exercise
That which is done for the sake of exercising, practicing, training, or promoting skill, health, mental, improvement, moral discipline, etc.; that which is assigned or prescribed for such ends; hence, a disquisition; a lesson; a task; as, military or naval exercises; musical exercises; an exercise in composition; arithmetic exercises.
The clumsy exercises of the European tourney.
He seems to have taken a degree, and performed public exercises in Cambridge, in 1565.
Exercise
That which gives practice; a trial; a test.
Patience is more oft the exerciseOf saints, the trial of their fortitude.
Exercise
To set in action; to cause to act, move, or make exertion; to give employment to; to put in action habitually or constantly; to school or train; to exert repeatedly; to busy.
Herein do I Exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence.
Exercise
To exert for the sake of training or improvement; to practice in order to develop; hence, also, to improve by practice; to discipline, and to use or to for the purpose of training; as, to exercise arms; to exercise one's self in music; to exercise troops.
About him exercised heroic gamesThe unarmed youth.
Exercise
To occupy the attention and effort of; to task; to tax, especially in a painful or vexatious manner; harass; to vex; to worry or make anxious; to affect; to discipline; as, exercised with pain.
Where pain of unextinguishable fireMust exercise us without hope of end.
Exercise
To put in practice; to carry out in action; to perform the duties of; to use; to employ; to practice; as, to exercise authority; to exercise an office.
I am the Lord which exercise loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth.
The people of the land have used oppression and exercised robbery.
Exercise
To exercise one's self, as under military training; to drill; to take exercise; to use action or exertion; to practice gymnastics; as, to exercise for health or amusement.
I wear my trusty sword,When I do exercise.
Exercise
The activity of exerting your muscles in various ways to keep fit;
The doctor recommended regular exercise
He did some exercising
The physical exertion required by his work kept him fit
Exercise
The act of using;
He warned against the use of narcotic drugs
Skilled in the utilization of computers
Exercise
Systematic training by multiple repetitions;
Practice makes perfect
Exercise
A task performed or problem solved in order to develop skill or understanding;
You must work the examples at the end of each chapter in the textbook
Exercise
(usually plural) a ceremony that involves processions and speeches;
Academic exercises
Exercise
Put to use;
Exert one's power or influence
Exercise
Carry out or practice; as of jobs and professions;
Practice law
Exercise
Give a work-out to;
Some parents exercise their infants
My personal trainer works me hard
Work one's muscles
Exercise
Do physical exercise;
She works out in the gym every day
Exercise
Learn by repetition;
We drilled French verbs every day
Pianists practice scales
Exercise
Physical activity to enhance fitness and health.
Regular exercise can reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Exercise
A task or activity done to practice or test a skill.
The math book contains several exercises on algebra.
Exercise
The use of a right or privilege.
She chose to exercise her right to vote.
Exercise
A maneuver or simulated wartime operation carried out for training and evaluation.
The military conducted a joint exercise with allied forces.
FAQs
Can yoga be considered an Exercise?
Yes, yoga is a form of exercise that benefits both the mind and body.
What is the primary purpose of Exercise?
Exercise primarily focuses on enhancing or maintaining physical fitness and overall health.
Is on-the-job training a form of Training?
Yes, on-the-job training is designed to improve job-specific skills.
Is a workout regimen an example of Training?
Yes, a workout regimen with specific goals in mind is a form of training.
How does Training differ in its objective?
Training is designed to improve specific skills, abilities, or performance.
Do you need equipment for Exercise?
Not necessarily. Exercises like running or bodyweight workouts don't require equipment.
Is dancing a form of Exercise?
Yes, dancing is an enjoyable way to exercise and burn calories.
Can Training focus on mental skills?
Yes, training can target both physical and mental skills.
Can Training be self-taught or always needs a trainer?
While trainers can provide guidance, many individuals successfully self-train using resources.
Can Exercise be harmful if overdone?
Overexercising can lead to injuries and health issues; moderation and rest are essential.
How is sports Training different from general Training?
Sports training is tailored to improve performance in specific sports, focusing on related skills and conditioning.
Do seniors benefit from Exercise?
Absolutely, exercise can enhance mobility, balance, and overall well-being in seniors.
How often should one Exercise for health benefits?
Ideally, adults should aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly.
How long should a training session last?
Training session duration varies based on objectives and the individual's condition.
Is there a difference between training for strength vs. endurance?
Yes, strength training focuses on muscle power, while endurance training targets stamina.
Is walking a good form of Exercise?
Yes, walking is a low-impact exercise beneficial for cardiovascular health.
How does Exercise benefit mental health?
Exercise releases endorphins, which can reduce stress and improve mood.
Can Exercise help in weight loss?
Yes, combined with a balanced diet, exercise can facilitate weight loss.
How important is consistency in Training?
Consistency is crucial in training to achieve and maintain desired results.
How does one measure progress in Training?
Progress can be tracked by setting benchmarks, recording performance, and noting improvements.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
