1. pumping iron - Noun
2. pumping iron - Verb
pumping iron
present participle of pump iron
pumping iron (uncountable)
(weightlifting, informal) The activity of weightlifting, especially for the purposes of bodybuilding.
Pumping iron is not what it used to be. It doesn't have the personality it used to. When we started out, people who worked out had nothing. Now there is so much money involved; back then it was the love of the sport. We appreciated what we have. Today it's not the same. Lou Ferrigno