Should the Word "exercise" be canceled?

Why “Exercise” Can Feel Off-Putting

Many people don’t react warmly to the word exercise, and here’s why:

Punishment association: For years, exercise has been framed as a consequence—“You ate cake? Better hit the treadmill.” It creates guilt rather than joy.

School trauma: Think Presidential Fitness Test flashbacks, where you received a failing grade (which 60% of kids did when introduced) your intro to exercise involved push-ups timed to humiliation, failed rope climbs, picked last in PE, that leaves a mark.

All-or-nothing culture: Fitness influencers push extreme routines that feel unattainable. If you can’t do 90 minutes at high intensity, why bother? (Spoiler: That mindset is toxic.)

Misuse in public health: Well-meaning campaigns sometimes emphasize obligation over inspiration. “You must exercise” sounds like homework, not empowerment.

Body image pressure: Exercise is tangled up with unrealistic beauty standards. Instead of strength or stamina, people feel it’s about looking “acceptable.”

Time & accessibility: Not everyone has the gear, space, or schedule. When “exercise” feels exclusive, it alienates more than it invites.

🧠 Rebuild “Exercise” as a brand or rebrand a new term

You’ve probably seen it in youth fitness programs: phrases like play, move, explore, active play, physically active, physical literacy, active lifestyle, all the result of an adult branding “Exercise” in a negative light. Exercise doesn’t mean anything to a child until an adult defines it. Exercise is a tool the Fitness Industry uses to achieve results. There are no “active lifestyle” classes on the schedule, no “active play” product sections in stores, and no physically active professionals or programs. Perhaps it’s time for the fitness industry to adopt the word 'exercise' in all its communications and rebuild its value to our current and future consumers. If not, perhaps we universally decide to cancel the word “exercise” and begin rebranding a new tool to use in our service to the public.