From Fitness to Fluent: How Sports Tools Double as Language Practice

James Batchelor
Sep 16
3 min read

September is the rentrée, and that means new goals. Some people join a gym, others sign up for a course, and many decide to finally improve their English or French. But here’s a secret: you don’t have to choose. Your fitness routine can also be part of your language-learning journey.

If you are following one of my English courses with CPF, it’s easy to connect your training sessions with your learning—every workout can double as a lesson.

Why Fitness and Language Belong Together

For me, this isn’t theory—it’s daily life. English is my native language, but I live in French. My phone is set to French, so almost every app I use gives me constant exposure. At the gym, I use Fitbod, an English-only app, which keeps me in touch with English fitness vocabulary.

And when I’m on the treadmill, I listen to podcasts in Spanish. One routine, three languages.

Some of my learners who take a French course with CPF have told me the same: when their apps are set in French, suddenly even a warm-up or a run becomes a mini lesson.

The truth is, language isn’t confined to classrooms—it lives in your routines, in your apps, in your workouts.

Language Resources for Active Learners

Here are some tools that make it easy to keep your target language alive while you train:

Podcasts: Coffee Break French, Walk, Talk, and Learn French, or fitness shows in English. Spanish podcasts are also great for cardio sessions.
Lingopie: Watch shows with dual subtitles while cycling indoors.
Beelinguapp: Audiobooks in two languages, perfect for stretching sessions.
Memrise or Qlango: Quick vocabulary reviews between sets.
Language Transfer or Pimsleur: Audio-only lessons—ideal for walks, jogs, or cooldowns.

If you’re using my E-learning resources, you can easily combine them with these tools—switching between lessons and podcasts, or reviewing vocabulary while you rest between exercises.

Sports Apps That Train Your Body (and Immerse You in Language)

Some of the best immersion comes from apps designed for fitness, not for language. Depending on your goals, you can use them in English or French:

Fitbod (English only): Personalized strength-training plans with clear English terminology.
adidas Training / adidas Running (English & French): HIIT workouts and GPS tracking in multiple languages.
Strava (English & French): A global social GPS app for runners and cyclists.
Freeletics (English & French): AI-driven bodyweight and HIIT workouts.
Runkeeper (English & French): Running tracker with social features.
Kinomap (English & French): Indoor cycling, rowing, and running with immersive video routes.
Apple Fitness+ (English with French subtitles): Guided workouts across yoga, HIIT, and more.
Nike Training Club (English & French): Free, professional-level workouts.
Be Sport (English & French): A French sports social network with bilingual access.
Eurosport & beIN Sports: Watch live sports with English or French commentary.

As an English teacher in Vincennes, I’ve seen how students benefit from choosing the language setting that matches their learning goals—whether they’re lifting weights, running

outdoors, or cycling indoors.

Four Practical Tips to Get Started

Switch your phone to your target language — it transforms all your apps instantly.
Pair cardio with listening — podcasts, audio lessons, or even live sports commentary.
Use rest breaks wisely — instead of scrolling, review flashcards or headlines in your target language.
Pick sports apps strategically — English learners can benefit from Fitbod, while French learners might prefer Freeletics or adidas Training set in French.

Conclusion: One Routine, Two Goals

Your rentrée resolutions don’t need to compete. Every run, lift, or stretch can be both training for your body and practice for your brain. Whether you are studying with me as an English teacher in Vincennes or working with me as a French teacher in Vincennes, sports tools make it possible to learn while you move.

This rentrée, don’t separate your goals. Train your body, train your brain.