body combat: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal (fitness/leisure), Commercial (trademark)
Quick answer
What does “body combat” mean?
A trademarked group fitness program that combines martial arts movements (like karate, boxing, taekwondo) with music into a non-contact, choreographed cardio workout.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A trademarked group fitness program that combines martial arts movements (like karate, boxing, taekwondo) with music into a non-contact, choreographed cardio workout.
Any high-intensity fitness class or workout that mimics martial arts strikes, kicks, and defensive moves for exercise, often without actual contact or opponent. Can also refer loosely to intense physical training for combat sports.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. The Les Mills program name is identical. In generic use, both varieties understand it as a type of fitness class.
Connotations
Connotes fitness, health, empowerment, and controlled aggression. It is associated with gym culture and group exercise.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties within the context of fitness centres and health clubs. Laypersons unfamiliar with fitness trends may not know the term.
Grammar
How to Use “body combat” in a Sentence
do + body combat (I do body combat on Tuesdays)have + body combat (The gym has body combat at six)be + in + body combat (She's in body combat right now)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “body combat” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not used as a verb.
American English
- Not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- She's a dedicated Body Combat participant.
- The body combat vibe in that class is incredible.
American English
- He loves the Body Combat workout.
- They offer a body combat-style routine.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the fitness industry marketing: 'Our new studio launch includes Body Combat classes.'
Academic
Rare. Might appear in sports science research on high-intensity interval training (HIIT) modalities.
Everyday
Used when discussing gym routines: 'I'm shattered after Body Combat.'
Technical
In fitness instructor training, referring to the specific choreography, tracks, and techniques of the branded program.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “body combat”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “body combat”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “body combat”
- Using it as a verb (*I body combat every day). Correct: 'I do Body Combat.'
- Capitalising incorrectly when referring to the specific program (Body Combat vs. body combat).
- Confusing it with actual combat sports like MMA.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is a non-contact, choreographed fitness program. There is no opponent or physical contact between participants.
No experience is needed. The classes are designed for all fitness levels, and instructors provide modifications.
Kickboxing is a combat sport with contact and competition. Body Combat is a pre-choreographed fitness class using similar movements for exercise, with no contact.
Body Combat is a group fitness program created and distributed by Les Mills International.
A trademarked group fitness program that combines martial arts movements (like karate, boxing, taekwondo) with music into a non-contact, choreographed cardio workout.
Body combat is usually informal (fitness/leisure), commercial (trademark) in register.
Body combat: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɒdi ˈkɒmbæt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɑːdi ˈkɑːmbæt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No specific idioms. May be part of phrases like 'a dose of body combat'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: Your BODY engages in mock COMBAT for fitness. It's combat for your body, not against someone else.
Conceptual Metaphor
EXERCISE IS BATTLE (fighting calories, battling lethargy, conquering a workout).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary context for the term 'Body Combat'?