Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Nuggets]

My coteacher asked me this, and I thought about it for a minute, and then I told her I'd get back to her and now am asking you guys. I know there are minute differences, I just can't formulate a coherent solid explanation on use and meaning, help!

[Captain Corea]

Exercise and Working Out? Basically the same to me.

[ulsanchris]

workout: to take part in physical exercise, as in training

exercise: Activity that requires physical or mental exertion, especially when performed to develop or maintain fitness

[Nuggets]

I think this might be the main difference:

workout - a structured regime of physical exercise: She goes to the gym for a workout twice a week.

[The Gipkik]

Sounds about the same to me, too. I'm going to exercise. I'm going to work out. There may be some variations in terms of intensity and effort as well as in terms of quantity. I don't often hear someone say "we exercised hard" or "that was a great/tough exercise." In the latter case, that would refer to one activity, one exercise as opposed to a series of exercises. When we say "that was a great work out," we refer to all the exercises we have done, cardio or strength based.

However, when we say "let's go exercise," that also means the series of exercises or physical exertion. Also, "I don't get enough exercise" means "I don't workout enough."

[8 years down]

But going for a hike is exercise, not working out.

[Nuggets]

true, but according to a dictionary, workout is only a noun. Even though we turned it into a verb overtime. Like 'google' and to 'google something'. exercise is can be either a verb or a noun.

[Missihippi]

I associate "working out" with being inside a gym or using weights. Excercise is more of a broad term to describe anything physical to increase one's strength, stamina, or physical condition.

For example, when you go jogging, do you say "i'm going to work out"?

Meh, that's just my interpretation.

[seonsengnimble]

Pretty much what the other posters have said. They can be used in the same sense, but each has its own set of specific definitions.

Working out is doing specific exercises with the intention of losing/gaining weight or improving your health. Exercise is any activity which involves being physically active.

They also each have separate different meanings. You can't really exercise a problem or work out a demon.