English Lessons (Vocabulary): Play football, do football or go football? Verbs to Use for Sports and Exercises

Here are the simple rules (with some exceptions).

1. If the sports involve using a ball or hitting something, the verb PLAY is used.

Examples: We play basketball (football, soccer, volleyball, tennis, hockey, etc.)
Except bowling – I bowl (verb). I go bowling. I play bowling.

2. If the sports do not involve using a ball or hitting something and it is not similar to exercises, the verb GO is used or the specific verb for the sport.

Examples:
I go swimming (I swim)
I go hiking (I hike)
I go horse-riding (I ride a horse)

3. If the sports are similar to an exercise like yoga, martial arts, bodybuilding, stretching, and so on, the verb DO is used.

Examples:
She does yoga.
I do martial arts. I do karate.
I do crunches.
I do strength training.

NOTE: To work out means to exercise. Example: "I work out at the fitness center (fitness club, gym) thrice weekly.