learnlingo
Get started
Phrasebook

English Phrases at the Gym

Gyms have their own small language: sets, reps, working in and wiping down. These phrases help you join, share equipment politely and talk about your training like a regular.

34 phrases · By LearnLingo Team · Updated

Tap to hear a phrase. Levels follow the CEFR scale. American English is the default; British variants are noted.

Joining and the front desk

EnglishTurkishYou might hear

I'd like to sign up for a membership.

A2
Üye olmak istiyorum.
  • Great. Would you like a quick tour first?
  • Monthly or annual?

Can I get a day pass?

A2
Günlük giriş alabilir miyim?
  • Sure. Can I see some ID?

Do you offer a free trial?

B1
Ücretsiz deneme imkânınız var mı?
  • Yes, you can try us for a week.
  • We have a free trial class on Mondays.

What are your opening hours?

A2

Americans often just say "What are your hours?"

Çalışma saatleriniz nedir?
  • We're open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • We're open 24 hours.

Is there a contract, or can I cancel anytime?

B1
Sözleşme var mı, yoksa istediğim zaman iptal edebilir miyim?
  • It's a 12-month contract.
  • You can cancel with 30 days' notice.

I'd like to freeze my membership.

B1
Üyeliğimi dondurmak istiyorum.
  • Sure. For how long?

Where are the locker rooms?

A2

UK: "changing rooms".

Soyunma odaları nerede?
  • Down the hall on the left.

Do I need my own lock?

A2
Kendi kilidimi getirmem gerekiyor mu?
  • Yes, or you can buy one at the front desk.

Sharing equipment

EnglishTurkishYou might hear

Are you using this?

A1

The most useful question at any gym.

Bunu kullanıyor musunuz?
  • No, go ahead.
  • Yeah, I've got two more sets.

Is anyone using this bench?

A2
Bu sehpayı kullanan var mı?
  • No, it's free.
  • Yeah, that guy's coming back.

How many sets do you have left?

B1
Kaç setin kaldı?
  • Just one more.

Mind if I work in?

B2

Gym slang: you take turns on the same machine between each other's sets.

Setlerin arasında ben de kullanabilir miyim?
  • Sure, jump in.
  • Go for it.

Are you done with these dumbbells?

A2
Bu dambıllarla işin bitti mi?
  • Yep, all yours.

Could you spot me?

B1

A spotter stands behind you and helps if you cannot finish a heavy lift.

Kaldırırken beni kollayabilir misin?
  • Sure. How many reps?

Sorry, I didn't see you were using it.

A2
Pardon, kullandığını görmedim.
  • No worries.

Talking about your training

EnglishTurkishYou might hear

I usually work out three times a week.

A2

"Work out" is the verb (two words). "Workout" is the noun (one word).

Genelde haftada üç kez spor yapıyorum.
  • Nice. What kind of training do you do?

Today's leg day.

A2
Bugün bacak günü.
  • Good luck. You'll feel it tomorrow!

I'm trying to build muscle.

B1
Kas yapmaya çalışıyorum.
  • Make sure you get enough protein.

I'm training for a half marathon.

B1
Yarı maraton için antrenman yapıyorum.
  • Wow, when is it?

I do three sets of ten reps.

B1

"Rep" is short for "repetition".

On tekrarlık üç set yapıyorum.
  • Try adding weight when ten feels easy.

I'm really sore from yesterday.

B1
Dünkü antrenmandan dolayı kaslarım çok ağrıyor.
  • That's normal. Take it easy today.

I'm out of shape.

B1
Formdan düştüm.
  • Everyone starts somewhere.

I'm just getting back into it.

B1
Spora yeniden başlıyorum.
  • Good for you. Don't overdo it.

Classes and personal trainers

EnglishTurkishYou might hear

Could you show me how to use this machine?

A2
Bu makineyi nasıl kullanacağımı gösterebilir misiniz?
  • Sure. First, adjust the seat.

Am I doing this right?

A2
Doğru yapıyor muyum?
  • Keep your back straight.
  • Almost. Slow down a little.

What time is the spin class?

A2

A spin class is an indoor cycling class.

Spinning dersi saat kaçta?
  • There's one at 6 and one at 7:30.

Do I need to book classes in advance?

B1
Derslere önceden kayıt olmam gerekiyor mu?
  • Yes, through the app.
  • No, just show up.

Is this class suitable for beginners?

B1
Bu ders yeni başlayanlar için uygun mu?
  • Yes, the instructor will show you easier versions.

I'd like to book a session with a personal trainer.

B1
Kişisel antrenörle bir seans almak istiyorum.
  • Sure. What are your goals?

Etiquette and problems

EnglishTurkishYou might hear

Could you wipe down the machine when you're done?

B1

Wiping equipment after use and putting weights back are basic gym etiquette.

İşin bitince makineyi silebilir misin?
  • Oh, sorry. Sure.

This treadmill isn't working.

A2
Bu koşu bandı çalışmıyor.
  • Thanks for telling us. I'll put a sign on it.

I think I pulled a muscle.

B1
Sanırım kas çektim.
  • Stop and put some ice on it.
  • Do you need to sit down?

Where can I refill my water bottle?

A2
Su şişemi nerede doldurabilirim?
  • There's a water fountain by the entrance.

Do you have towels?

A1
Havlunuz var mı?
  • Yes, at the front desk.
  • Sorry, you need to bring your own.

Sample dialogues

Sharing a machine

Selin
Hey, are you using this machine?
Selam, bu makineyi kullanıyor musun?
Josh
Yeah, I've got two more sets.
Evet, iki setim daha var.
Selin
No problem. Mind if I work in?
Sorun değil. Aralarda ben de kullanabilir miyim?
Josh
Sure, go for it.
Tabii, buyur.
Selin
Thanks. How do I adjust the seat?
Teşekkürler. Koltuğu nasıl ayarlıyorum?
Josh
Just pull this lever and slide it up.
Şu kolu çekip yukarı kaydırman yeterli.
Selin
Got it. I'll wipe it down when I'm done.
Anladım. İşim bitince silerim.
Josh
No worries.
Sorun değil.

Joining a gym

Staff
Hi, welcome! Are you a member?
Merhaba, hoş geldiniz! Üye misiniz?
Kerem
Not yet. I'd like to sign up for a membership.
Henüz değilim. Üye olmak istiyorum.
Staff
Great. Would you like a quick tour first?
Harika. Önce kısa bir tur atmak ister misiniz?
Kerem
Sure. Is there a contract, or can I cancel anytime?
Olur. Sözleşme var mı, yoksa istediğim zaman iptal edebilir miyim?
Staff
We have both. The monthly plan has no contract.
İkisi de var. Aylık planda sözleşme yok.
Kerem
Perfect. Do you have group classes?
Harika. Grup dersleriniz var mı?
Staff
Yes, yoga, spin and HIIT. You can book them in our app.
Evet, yoga, spinning ve HIIT. Uygulamamızdan kayıt olabilirsiniz.
Kerem
Great. I'll go with the monthly plan.
Harika. Aylık planı alayım.

Common mistakes Turkish speakers make

I am doing sport every day.

I work out every day. / I go to the gym every day.

Turkish "spor yapmak" is not "do sport" at the gym. "Do sport" is British and usually means team or competitive sports.

I go to fitness.

I go to the gym.

In Turkish "fitness" can mean the place. In English, "fitness" is the state of being fit; the place is "the gym".

Is this machine empty?

Is anyone using this? / Is this free?

Turkish "boş mu" becomes "free" or "available". "Empty" sounds strange for a machine.

I made ten repeats.

I did ten reps.

Use "do" with exercise, and the word is "reps" (repetitions), not "repeats".

I am very painful today.

I'm really sore today.

Turkish "ağrıyor" is "sore" for muscles. "Painful" describes the thing that causes pain, not the person.

Quick quiz

Eight questions to check what you remember. Pick an answer to see if it is right.

  1. 1. You want to use a machine. What do you ask first?

  2. 2. "Mind if I work in?" means:

  3. 3. Complete: "I ___ out four times a week."

  4. 4. Your legs hurt after yesterday's workout. You say:

  5. 5. What is the UK word for "locker room"?

  6. 6. Which sentence is correct?

  7. 7. A person who helps you safely lift a heavy weight is a:

  8. 8. Choose the best phrase for gym etiquette.

0 of 8 answered

Show all answers
  1. Are you using this?
  2. Can I take turns with you on this machine?
  3. work
  4. My legs are sore.
  5. changing room
  6. I had a good workout.
  7. spotter
  8. Wipe down the machine when you're done.

See what the B1 English course covers, or test your level first.

People also ask

What is the difference between "work out" and "workout"?+

"Work out" is a phrasal verb: "I work out in the morning." "Workout" is a noun: "That was a hard workout." The stress is different: work OUT for the verb, WORKout for the noun.

What are sets and reps?+

A rep is one movement, like one push-up. A set is a group of reps done without stopping. "Three sets of ten reps" means ten push-ups, a short rest, three times.

How do I ask to share a machine politely?+

Ask "Are you using this?" or "How many sets do you have left?" If the person is still using it, "Mind if I work in?" asks to take turns between sets.

What are the basic gym etiquette rules?+

Wipe down equipment after use, put weights back where they belong, do not keep a machine for a long time when others are waiting, and use headphones for music.

Related reading

Vocabulary · A1

Body Parts Vocabulary

Learn the English names for body parts from head to toe, plus how to describe pain and symptoms at the doctor, with irregular plurals and idioms.

6 min readVocabulary · B1

30 Everyday Phrasal Verbs

Learn 30 of the most useful everyday phrasal verbs in English, grouped by topic, with meanings, example sentences and separable verb rules.

7 min readCommon Mistakes · A2

How to Make Polite Requests in English

How to make polite requests in English with can, could, would and would you mind, from casual to formal, plus how to reply.

6 min readCommon Mistakes · B1

Common English Slang

Common English slang words and phrases with meanings, examples, and advice on when it is safe for learners to use them.

7 min read

More phrasebook topics

All phrasebook topics