conditioning
kun-DISH-un-ing
/kənˈdɪʃ.ən.ɪŋ/
The process of training to become physically fit by a regimen of exercise, diet, and rest.
Conditioning is the foundation of performance; without it, even the best strategy will fail because the players will be too tired.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'condicionem', meaning 'agreement or situation'. In an athletic sense, conditioning is the process of bringing the body into the 'condition' or state required to meet the demands of the sport.
Word relationships
- fitness: Fitness is the state of being healthy; conditioning is the active process of reaching that state.
Commonly confused with
- training: Training can include learning skills; conditioning is specifically about physical readiness.
Word family
- condition (noun/verb): The state of something; to bring into a desired state.
- conditioned (adjective): Having been trained or brought into a specific state.
Collocations
- physical conditioning
- pre-season conditioning
- peak conditioning
Example sentences
- "The athlete's physical conditioning allowed him to maintain his speed until the very end of the marathon." Athletic training
- "Pavlov's experiments with dogs are the most famous example of classical conditioning." Psychology
Memory hook
You need 'Conditioning' to be in the right 'Condition' to win. Getting the body ready.
When not to use
Don't use it for a single workout; it's a long-term 'process' of getting into shape.
Fun facts
- In the 19th century, 'conditioning' was a term used by horse trainers before it was ever applied to human athletes.
Related words
Explore more words
regimen, conditioned, maintenance, qualify, Training, recuperate
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