The word 健身 is formed by combining two characters, each contributing a core meaning to create a new, composite idea. The first character, 健 (jiàn), carries the meaning of "strong" or "healthy". The second character, 身 (shēn), means "body" or "oneself". When placed together, the concept is not merely the sum of its parts but a purposeful fusion: the action or process of making the body strong and healthy. It conceptually frames physical exercise not as an abstract activity, but as a direct and intentional cultivation of bodily strength and well-being.