Making healthy lifestyle choices involves various practices that improve your physical and mental wellbeing. This vocabulary guide covers terms related to exercise, mindfulness practices, nutrition, and overall wellness that can help you discuss healthy living in English.
Exercise and Fitness
Cardiovascular Exercise: Physical activity that increases your heart rate and breathing Example: “I do 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise five times a week to strengthen my heart.”
Strength Training: Exercise focused on building muscle strength Example: “Strength training twice a week has helped me maintain muscle mass as I age.”
Flexibility: The ability to move joints through their full range of motion Example: “Regular stretching has improved my flexibility and reduced my risk of injury.”
Endurance: The ability to sustain physical activity over time Example: “Long-distance runners have incredible endurance, allowing them to maintain their pace for hours.”
Workout Routine: A regular schedule of exercise activities Example: “My workout routine includes cardio on Mondays and Wednesdays, and strength training on Tuesdays and Thursdays.”
Personal Trainer: A fitness professional who creates personalized exercise plans Example: “I hired a personal trainer to help me achieve my fitness goals more efficiently.”
Gym Membership: Paid access to a fitness facility Example: “My gym membership gives me access to equipment I couldn’t afford to have at home.”
Cross-Training: Combining different types of exercise in a fitness routine Example: “Cross-training helps prevent overuse injuries and keeps workouts interesting.”
Yoga and Mindfulness
Yoga: A practice combining physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation Example: “Practicing yoga has improved both my physical strength and mental clarity.”
Meditation: A practice of focused attention to achieve mental clarity Example: “I start each day with 10 minutes of meditation to reduce stress and improve focus.”
Mindfulness: The practice of being fully present and engaged in the current moment Example: “Mindfulness techniques have helped me worry less about the future and enjoy the present.”
Yoga Poses/Asanas: The physical positions practiced in yoga Example: “The warrior pose is one of my favorite yoga asanas for building strength.”
Breath Control/Pranayama: Breathing techniques used in yoga Example: “Pranayama exercises help calm my nervous system when I feel anxious.”
Yoga Mat: A non-slip surface used for yoga practice Example: “I invested in a high-quality yoga mat that provides good cushioning for my joints.”
Wellness Retreat: A vacation focused on health and wellbeing Example: “I attended a wellness retreat that included daily yoga, healthy meals, and meditation workshops.”
Nutrition and Diet
Balanced Diet: Eating a variety of foods that provide essential nutrients Example: “A balanced diet includes proteins, carbohydrates, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.”
Whole Foods: Foods that are unprocessed and unrefined Example: “I try to base my diet on whole foods rather than packaged products.”
Plant-Based Diet: A diet focused primarily on foods from plant sources Example: “Following a plant-based diet has increased my vegetable intake significantly.”
Meal Prep: Preparing meals in advance for the week Example: “Sunday meal prep saves me time and helps me avoid unhealthy takeout during busy weekdays.”
Portion Control: Managing the amount of food eaten at one time Example: “Learning proper portion control was key to maintaining a healthy weight.”
Nutrient-Dense: Foods that provide substantial nutrients relative to their calories Example: “Leafy greens are extremely nutrient-dense foods that offer many vitamins and minerals.”
Hydration: The process of consuming adequate water Example: “Proper hydration is essential for energy levels and overall health.”
Holistic Health
Work-Life Balance: Managing time between work and personal activities Example: “Improving my work-life balance reduced my stress levels considerably.”
Digital Detox: Taking a break from electronic devices Example: “I do a digital detox every weekend by turning off my phone and avoiding screens.”
Self-Care: Activities done deliberately to take care of mental, emotional, and physical health Example: “My self-care routine includes reading, taking baths, and going for walks in nature.”
Stress Management: Techniques to handle stress effectively Example: “Regular exercise is an important part of my stress management strategy.”
Sleep Hygiene: Habits and practices that promote good sleep Example: “Good sleep hygiene includes having a consistent bedtime and avoiding screens before sleep.”
Holistic Approach: Considering the whole person—body, mind, emotions, and spirit—in health practices Example: “I prefer doctors who take a holistic approach to healthcare rather than just treating symptoms.”
Healthy Lifestyle
Nutrition: The process of providing or obtaining food necessary for health and growth Example: “Good nutrition is essential for maintaining health.”
Diet: The kinds of food that a person habitually eats Example: “A balanced diet includes plenty of fruits and vegetables.”
Exercise: Activity requiring physical effort, carried out to sustain health Example: “Regular exercise reduces the risk of many diseases.”
Physical Activity: Any movement that requires energy expenditure Example: “Even light physical activity like walking has health benefits.”
Mental Health: A person’s condition with regard to their psychological wellbeing Example: “Stress management is important for good mental health.”
Stress: A state of mental or emotional strain resulting from adverse circumstances Example: “Chronic stress can have negative effects on both mental and physical health.”
Sleep Hygiene: Habits and practices conducive to sleeping well Example: “Good sleep hygiene includes going to bed at the same time each night.”
Mindfulness: The practice of being aware of the present moment Example: “Mindfulness meditation can help reduce anxiety and improve focus.”