Meaning
To engage in weightlifting exercise.
Cultural Background
In Spain, 'hacer pesas' is often a social activity. People go to the gym and then have a 'caña' (beer) or coffee together. Colombia is a powerhouse in 'halterofilia' (Olympic weightlifting). The phrase carries a lot of prestige there. In Mexico, the term 'fierros' is often used as slang for weights in the gym. Gym culture is very strong in Buenos Aires, with a focus on 'estar marcado' (being ripped/defined).
Plural is Key
Always use 'pesas' in plural when talking about your workout routine.
Avoid 'Subir'
English speakers often say 'lift up', leading them to use 'subir'. Stick to 'levantar'.
Meaning
To engage in weightlifting exercise.
Plural is Key
Always use 'pesas' in plural when talking about your workout routine.
Avoid 'Subir'
English speakers often say 'lift up', leading them to use 'subir'. Stick to 'levantar'.
Regional Nuance
If you are in Spain, use 'hacer pesas' to sound more like a local.
Gym Slang
In many places, you can just say 'hacer fierros' or 'ir al gym' and people will know you mean lifting weights.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'levantar' in the present tense.
Yo _______ pesas en el gimnasio.
For the first person singular (Yo), the ending is -o.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I lift weights'?
Choose the best option:
'Levantar' is the standard verb for this collocation.
Match the Spanish phrase with its English meaning.
Match them:
Direct translation check.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¿Qué haces para estar en forma? B: Yo _______.
You lift weights to stay in shape; you don't eat or watch them.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Levantar vs. Subir
Gym Activities
Strength
- • Levantar pesas
- • Calistenia
Cardio
- • Correr
- • Nadar
Practice Bank
4 exercisesYo _______ pesas en el gimnasio.
For the first person singular (Yo), the ending is -o.
Choose the best option:
'Levantar' is the standard verb for this collocation.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Direct translation check.
A: ¿Qué haces para estar en forma? B: Yo _______.
You lift weights to stay in shape; you don't eat or watch them.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsThe phrase is a verbal construction, but the noun 'pesas' is feminine and plural.
Yes, 'hacer pesas' is very common, especially in Spain, and means the same thing.
Usually no. 'Levanto pesas' is more common than 'Levanto las pesas' unless you mean specific ones.
Use the present continuous: 'Estoy levantando pesas'.
A 'pesista' or 'halterófilo' (professional) or simply 'alguien que hace pesas'.
No, for that use 'calistenia' or 'ejercicios con el propio peso'.
It is 'press de banca'.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends or with a doctor.
No, use 'levantar una caja pesada' or 'cargar una caja'.
You say 'levantar pesado'.
In the context of the hobby, yes. A single 'pesa' is just one dumbbell.
There isn't a direct opposite, but 'hacer cardio' is the most common contrast.
Related Phrases
Hacer pesas
synonymTo do weights
Entrenar
similarTo train
Halterofilia
specialized formOlympic weightlifting
Musculación
similarBodybuilding/Resistance training
Ponerse cachas
builds onTo get buff
