pumping iron
idiom.idiom. to lift heavy weights as a way to exercise and build strong muscles.
idiom. to engage in intensive weightlifting or bodybuilding. This figurative expression is informal and specifically refers to resistance training with free weights or machines.
He spends every morning pumping iron at the local gym.
If you want to get bigger arms, you'll need to start pumping iron at least three times a week.
While some athletes prefer cardiovascular endurance training, others find a meditative satisfaction in pumping iron within the confines of a weight room.
Usually used in a continuous tense to describe a regular hobby or a specific workout session.
The 'iron' refers to the metal plates used on barbells and dumbbells; it is a great example of synecdoche where the material represents the object.
He is pumping irons at the gym.He is pumping iron at the gym.The word 'iron' is uncountable in this idiom and should never be pluralized.