Chinese Exercise Vocabulary: 锻炼 vs. 锻练

Meaning:

To exercise, to train, to develop (physical or mental strength)

This is the more common and versatile meaning. It encompasses a wide range of activities, from physical exercise to mental training or skill development.

Meaning:

To train (emphasizing the strengthening and refining of skills, often in a more formal or structured setting); to harden (metal)

While the pinyin is the same, the use varies in most contexts

This meaning is often used in a more formal or technical context, such as training for an official sport, specialized military training, or improving certain skills.

For most everyday situations, 锻炼 is the better choice. The difference may be slight and sometimes negligible.