English Learning: Exercise & Fitness for Beginners

Current Situation

In today’s world, exercise and fitness are more important than ever. Many people live busy lives, often working in jobs that require a lot of sitting. This can lead to health problems. However, there’s also a growing awareness of how good physical activity is for both our bodies and our minds.

Gyms are popular, offering various classes from yoga to high-intensity workouts. Many people also enjoy outdoor activities like running, cycling, or hiking. With the rise of technology, home workouts using online videos and fitness apps have become very common. Wearable devices like smartwatches help people track their steps, heart rate, and sleep, encouraging them to stay active.

The goal isn’t just about looking good; it’s about feeling good, having more energy, reducing stress, and improving overall health. Finding an activity you enjoy is key to making fitness a regular and fun part of your life!

Key Phrases

• Look a little tired: To appear slightly weary or fatigued. Example: After studying all night, she looked a little tired.
• My body is telling me ‘no’: Expressing reluctance or resistance to an activity. Example: I want to go for a run, but my body is telling me ‘no’ today.
• Priorities, you know: Explaining that something else is more important (often jokingly). Example: I should clean my room, but watching movies is more fun. Priorities, you know.
• Feel like a pretzel: To feel very flexible or stretched (often after yoga/stretching). Example: After that deep stretching class, I feel like a pretzel.
• Feel like a melting ice cream cone: To feel tired, lethargic, or out of shape. Example: After climbing those stairs, I feel like a melting ice cream cone.
• Good for your energy: Beneficial for increasing your vitality or stamina. Example: Eating breakfast is really good for your energy in the morning.
• Brisk walk: A fast, energetic walk. Example: Let’s go for a brisk walk to clear our heads.
• It’s all about motivation: Emphasizing that inspiration or drive is the most important factor. Example: Learning a new language can be hard, but it’s all about motivation.
• Pull a muscle: To injure a muscle by stretching it too much. Example: Be careful when lifting weights; you don’t want to pull a muscle.
• You won’t regret it: You will be glad you did it; it will be a good decision. Example: Try this delicious cake, you won’t regret it!
• Pinky promise: A traditional sign of a strong promise, especially between children or close friends. Example: I’ll keep your secret, pinky promise!
• That’s the spirit!: An expression of encouragement, meaning “that’s a good attitude!” Example: “Let’s try again!” “That’s the spirit!“

Grammar Points

Let’s look at some important grammar points used in the dialogue:

• 1. Simple Present Tense: Used for habits, routines, and general truths.
  • Example from dialogue: “I feel like a pretzel.” (a general feeling)
  • Example from dialogue: “It’s good for your energy.” (a general truth)
  • How to form: Base form of the verb (e.g., walk, eat, feel). For ‘he/she/it’, add ‘-s’ (e.g., he walks, she eats).
• 2. Present Continuous Tense: Used for actions happening right now or around the present time.
  • Example from dialogue: “My body is telling me ‘no.’” (action happening now)
  • Example from dialogue: “Are you still trying to start…?” (an ongoing effort)
  • How to form: ‘to be’ (am/is/are) + verb-ing (present participle).
• 3. Modal Verbs (Should, Can): These verbs add meaning to other verbs.
  • Should: Used for advice or recommendations. Example: “You should try it!” (Alice gives advice to Bob)
  • Can: Used for possibility or ability. Example: “Even a brisk walk can help.” (It is possible that it helps)
• 4. Imperatives: Used for giving commands, making suggestions, or inviting.
  • Example from dialogue: “Come on, Bob.” (encouragement/suggestion)
  • Example from dialogue: “Let’s meet at 6 PM.” (a suggestion for a shared activity)
  • How to form: Use the base form of the verb (e.g., Go, Stop, Listen). For “Let’s”, use “Let’s + base verb”.

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences with a suitable word or phrase from the list below. (look, telling, pinky, good, brisk)

Exercise 2: Match the Phrase to its Meaning

Draw a line or match the number to the correct letter.

Exercise 3: Simple Sentence Building

Arrange the words to make a correct sentence. Pay attention to the grammar points!