ASL Lessons | Bookstore | Library | ASL University Main ►


American Sign Language: "gym"

 


Many people just spell the word "gym." 
The formal / older general sign for GYM looked like a cross between lifting weights an jumping rope.
The position of the hands was up near the shoulders.

Over time the sign has migrated down into a more casual version done closer to the chest.

GYM (version)


That handshape is a modified "X."  The thumb is pressed up against the bent index finger as if holding a rope.
 


Notes:

At the college where I teach (my day job) we regularly have department meetings. Before and after such meetings (and sometimes during, heh) I like to ask the various interpreters how they sign whatever concept is on my mind that day. Freelance terps are great sources of current and emerging sign variations because such terps regularly interact with a wide variety of Deaf people in a wide variety of settings. When asked "How do you sign G-Y-M?" - most terps (and native Deaf adults) respond with some variation that looks like a cross between jump rope and "lift weights."  The handshapes vary a bit, but generally the handshape looks like you are holding a jump-rope in your hands.  Some people do this sign with "G" handshapes but I don't recommend that.
 




*  Want to help support ASL University?  It's easy
DONATE  (Thanks!)

Another way to help is to buy something from Dr. Bill's "Bookstore."


Want even more ASL resources?  Visit the "ASL Training Center!"  (Subscription Extension of ASLU)  

*  Also check out Dr. Bill's channel: www.youtube.com/billvicars
 


You can learn American Sign Language (ASL) online at American Sign Language University ™ 
ASL resources by Lifeprint.com  ©  Dr. William Vicars