Tone up Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈtoʊn/ /ˈəp

TOHN-uhp

UK

tˈəʊn/ /ˈʌp

TOHN-up

Definition

To exercise in order to make your muscles firmer, stronger, and more defined, often without greatly increasing their size.

Usage & Nuances

Common in fitness and health contexts; usually means improving muscle shape and firmness ("tone up your arms"). Not the same as 'bulk up', which refers to gaining muscle size. Can be used as 'tone up' with or without an object ('tone up my body').

• Spanish: tonificar - ponerse en forma
• Portuguese (BR): tonificar - definir (músculos)
• Portuguese (PT): tonificar - definir (músculos)
• Chinese (Simplified): 锻炼（使肌肉结实） - 塑形
• Chinese (Traditional): 鍛鍊（使肌肉結實） - 塑形
• Hindi: मांसपेशियाँ मज़बूत बनाना
• Arabic: شدّ العضلات
• Bengali: মাংসপেশী টন করা - শরীর শক্ত করা
• Russian: подтянуться (тело) - привести мышцы в тонус
• Japanese: 引き締める（筋肉）
• Vietnamese: làm săn chắc (cơ bắp)
• Korean: 탄탄하게 하다 (근육)
• Turkish: vücudu sıkılaştırmak - kasları belirginleştirmek
• Urdu: پٹھوں کو مضبوط بنانا
• Indonesian: mengencangkan (otot)

Example Sentences

I go to the gym to tone up my legs.

basic

These exercises will help you tone up your arms.

basic

Swimming is a great way to tone up your whole body.

basic

I really want to tone up before summer hits.

natural

After a few months of lifting weights, she started to tone up nicely.

natural

Looking to tone up without getting bulky? Try Pilates.

natural