Although often used interchangeably, these words are not the same.
The difference is Intention {insert definition – an aim or plan; Oxford Language}
Training implies there is a clear purpose. Exercises are being performed in order to achieve a specific, and hopefully measurable, goal. There is a desired result and the training is the means to get there.
Exercise is defined as, “activity requiring physical effort, carried out to sustain or improve health and fitness.” In this definition, the purpose of exercise is identified as “to sustain or improve health and fitness,” but what exactly does that mean? How is it measured? And how will you know when you get there?
In conversation, when we talk about “exercise,” “exercising,” or “going to the gym,” we are expressing that we will be performing movements, but not necessarily conveying that we are aiming for a specific goal, that we are trying to accomplish something specific with our actions.
Need an example?
Consider how these words are often used in conversation. If someone says, “I’m going to the gym today,” how might you respond? “What are you working on today?” “What do you usually do at the gym?”
If we ask a follow up question, we tend to ask about the contents of the workout today. We ask about what they like to do at the gym. Or, we might keep it more superficial and ask what gym they go to. Or, we might just say, “Awesome! Hope you have a great workout,” when what we really mean is “I need to get my own ass in the gym.”
There is often no thought given to the purpose for the exercise. What is the goal that is being aimed at? Why is it that the typical response is not, “What are you exercising for?” In the context of a conversation, such a question would sound silly, borderline ridiculous. Of course everyone knows we exercise for our health!
This belies a lack of understanding or awareness that different types of exercise will lead to very different outcomes. Not all exercises or forms of exercise were created equally. Choosing one at random, without considering if it’s appropriate for us as an individual, or what aspect of our health we are trying to improve, sets us up for subpar outcomes. Posed as a question, do we even know what outcomes we’re setting ourselves up for when we choose our exercise?
That is a reflection of the fact that “exercise” has become something we just do; or at least something that all of us should be doing. And doing more often.
But the key question is, what are we trying to achieve with our exercise?
Enter Training. Consider the natural response when this word appears in conversation. “Bob, what are you doing this afternoon?” “I’m training.” What question reflexively comes to mind? Let me give you a hint, “What are you training for?”
The tendency to respond with this follow up question reflects the nuance behind the word – there is a goal. There is a purpose for the action. When someone is “training,” they have a clear target.
A similar example is reading vs studying. If someone says they’re reading, we might as what (the focus for that day, like asking what someone will do in the gym today), but if someone says they are “studying,” we will almost always ask what for.
The widespread use of the word “exercising” rather than “training” reflects two things: 1) a lack of clear outcomes that are being aimed at with the exercise and 2) an underlying lack of understanding that different forms of exercise will have different effects on the body.
Conversation with Nick today (1/6/25). He can run 4-5 miles quite comfortably, but cannot swim more than 2 lengths of the pool without stopping feeling short of breath. And yet, these are often mentioned in the same breath when talking about “cardio” exercise as if they were interchangeable. If they were, how is it possible that a person good at one could have such trouble with the other? The quick answer is skill and efficiency. But that only supports the point that these two forms of exercise confer different benefits on the body. One is not superior. But if the goal is clearly defined, one will be more appropriate than the other. { Expand – eccentric load from running. There is an element of breath control with swimming that is not present with running. }
- Reflects a lack of understanding about how different forms of exercise impact the body.
- Some of this comes from the exercise guidelines – 150, 2 wt lifting sessions. What are we trying to accomplish with those things? Where do they come from? The average amounts to move the needle in most people. But, should a 20 year old healthy female be doing the same amount of physical activity as a 60 year old female? The explanations that these are “minimum” guidelines does not remove the fact that they come without explanation of what they are intended to achieve, and thus most people assume all cardio exercise is the same, and any amount of it will deliver the same vague result of better health.
- Reflects that people are just exercising, just moving around, pushing and pulling things. Which is not bad, but if there were actually a clear goal, intention, and planning behind the exercise, it would elevate it to the level of Training. With a clear goal, progress can be measured, which means the course can be adjusted when necessary, goals can be reached, and clearer health benefits can be achieved.