i started exercising

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started exercising" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that you have begun a routine of physical activity or workouts. Example: "After years of a sedentary lifestyle, I started exercising to improve my health and fitness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

I started exercising.

The New York Times - Magazine

Like, I started exercising now, versus not at all, a few years ago".

The New Yorker

Dear John Two years ago I started exercising for a few hours, three times a week.

The Guardian

I left school when I was 17 and wanted to change, so I started exercising and dieting.

Independent

It wasn't until five to eight years after I started exercising — once I found writing — that I wasn't working out with those emotions anymore and it became just a healthy habit.

The New Yorker

After a year of what could best be described as hedonistic living, I realised that I needed to treat my body better and I started exercising regularly and eating really well.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Looking out at the park opposite where I'm staying, I start exercising (a combination of yoga and pogo-ing round my room).

The Guardian - Music

NOT When I start exercising I will lose weight.

WikiHow

Questions asked in the questionnaire were e.g. "As far as I'm concerned, I don't need to exercise regularly", "I really think I should work on getting started with a regular exercise program in the next 6 months", and "I have started exercising regularly within the last 6 months".

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

E.g. "As far as I'm concerned, I don't need to exercise regularly", "I really think I should work on getting started with a regular exercise program in the next 6 months", and "I have started exercising regularly within the last 6 months.

BMC Health Services Research

It was colder than when I first started exercising.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the benefits, follow "I started exercising" with specific positive outcomes such as improved energy levels, weight loss, or better mood.

Common error

Avoid shifting to the future tense when describing the ongoing nature of the exercise. For example, instead of "I started exercising, and I will lose weight," use "I started exercising to lose weight" or "I started exercising, and I am losing weight."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started exercising" functions as a statement of action, indicating the commencement of a physical activity routine. The examples Ludwig provides demonstrate its use in diverse contexts, from personal health improvements to overcoming emotional challenges.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Huffington Post

20%

Vice

8%

Less common in

Science

14%

Wiki

4%

The New Yorker

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I started exercising" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express the beginning of an exercise routine. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is usable in written English to indicate the commencement of physical activity. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Huffington Post, maintaining a neutral tone suitable for various contexts. To enhance your writing, follow the best practices and avoid common tense errors. Consider using alternative phrases like "I began working out" or "I took up exercise" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I have started to exercise

Uses the present perfect to emphasize the continuing relevance of the action.

I began working out

Replaces "exercising" with the more general term "working out".

I started a workout routine

Specifies that it's a "workout routine" that was initiated.

I took up exercise

Uses the phrasal verb "took up" to indicate starting an exercise routine.

I initiated a fitness regimen

More formal; uses "initiated" and "regimen" to describe the start of a structured fitness plan.

I embarked on an exercise program

Uses "embarked on" to suggest a more significant or committed start to exercising.

I commenced physical training

Formal and emphasizes the structured nature of the exercise.

I got into shape

Focuses on the goal of improving physical condition, rather than just the act of starting.

I resolved to exercise

Highlights the determination and commitment to beginning an exercise routine.

I made the decision to exercise

Emphasizes the conscious choice to begin exercising.

FAQs

What are some alternative ways to say "I started exercising"?

You can use alternatives like "I began working out", "I took up exercise", or "I initiated a fitness regimen" depending on the context.

How can I use "I started exercising" in a sentence to show a cause-and-effect relationship?

You can structure your sentence like this: "I started exercising, and as a result, [positive outcome]", for instance, "I started exercising, and as a result, I feel more energetic".

Is it correct to say "I have started exercising" instead of "I started exercising"?

Yes, both are correct. "I started exercising" is simple past tense, indicating a completed action. "I have started exercising" is present perfect, indicating an action that began in the past and continues to have relevance in the present.

What's the difference between "I started exercising" and "I started to exercise"?

The difference is subtle. "I started exercising" implies a general commencement of a regular activity. "I started to exercise" can emphasize the initial effort or intention to begin, but the meanings are often interchangeable.