fartlek

Definition

A Swedish training method mixing continuous running with random speed intervals. Literally translates to 'speed play,' which sounds much more fun than it actually is.

Example Usage

Today's fartlek workout had me sprinting between lampposts, making me look either very athletic or very late.

Origin

Developed by Swedish coach Gösta Holmér in 1937, from Swedish 'fart' (speed) and 'lek' (play)

Fun Fact

Fartlek training predates modern interval training by decades and remains popular because it's less structured and more intuitive than rigid interval workouts.

Source: Running coaching and endurance training methodology

Related Terms

Beginner

PR day

The day you attempt to break your personal records, typically accompanied by excessive pre-workout, questionable form, and aggressive grunting. It's when gym-goers become their own hype squad and film everything for proof.

⚽ Sports / Fitness

Beginner

workout

A scheduled torture session where you voluntarily subject your body to physical strain in the hopes of looking better in jeans. Can range from a light jog to an intense CrossFit session that leaves you unable to sit on the toilet for three days.

⚽ Sports / Fitness

Beginner

spotter leeching

When a spotter assists so much during a lift that they're basically doing a workout themselves, transforming your heroic max attempt into a sad two-person collaboration.

⚽ Sports / Fitness

Intermediate

Alligator Blood

The ruthless, cutthroat mentality required to destroy your best friends at poker without hesitation or mercy. Coined by poker legend Doyle Brunson, it's the ability to separate friendship from competition when money's on the table. It's not personal, it's just alligator blood—cold, calculating, and ready to take everything.

⚽ Sports / Fitness

Beginner

aerobics

A cardiovascular exercise regimen performed to music, typically involving synchronized movements that made the 1980s simultaneously the fittest and most fashion-challenged decade. Born from the radical idea that getting your heart rate up should involve matching spandex and enthusiastic arm waves, it remains a staple of gym classes where coordination goes to die. The original influencer fitness trend, before influencers existed.

⚽ Sports / Fitness

Intermediate

refeed day

A planned day of increased carbohydrate intake during a diet to restore glycogen and leptin levels, theoretically. In practice, it's the diet loophole that turns into psychological warfare between your meal plan and your pantry.

⚽ Sports / Fitness

Translate This Term

See “fartlek” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.

Try the Translator

Share This Term

Post on X Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn

Discover a Term

Beginner

Marty

When my wife and kids were going out of town recently my daughter looked at me and said "You should have a Marty." I had...