This study sought to redefine the concept of exercise, and to establish its correct Japanese term:jinryoku. In contemporary Japan, exercise is recognized as easy-access bodily movement for maintenance of individual health or improvement of physical skill.
Historically, however, research on the history of philosophy has tended to consider exercise in the context of morality and ethics related to individual well-being.
Therefore, reconsidering the concept of exercise and translating it into a suitable Japanese context might help to advance the philosophy of sport in relation to culture.
Applying the theory of “spiritual exercise”, the 20th century French philosopher Pierre Hadot (1922-2010) redefined the concept of exercise as actions directed toward a better lifestyle, which can be best expressed as the Japanese term jinryoku. Whether and how far the concept of exercise can serve as a fundamental principle of sports and culture philosophy awaits further discussion.