ESL WORKSHEET - Going to the gym

LESSON PLAN FOR ENGLISH TEACHERS

AT THE GYM

LinguaHouse

May 6, 2025

Level: Intermediate (B1-B2)
Type of language: General English
Tags: Health and Well-being; Gadgets and Inventions; Sport and Fitness; People and Places; Routines and Activities; Vocabulary Lesson; Useful Vocabulary; Everyday Objects; Phrasal Verbs; Hobby; 13-15 Years Old; 16-18 Years Old; 18+ Years Old
Publication date: 05/06/2025

In this updated lesson, students develop their language and skills in the context of going to the gym. They start with a short discussion to engage with the topic and then learn about gym equipment, exercises, and workouts. They then listen to three people talking about the gym before noticing and practicing a set of phrasal verbs. There is a focus on informal vocabulary before the students respond to the topic and consolidate the language in a speaking task. (by V. Aitken)

• CLICK HERE to download the student’s worksheet in American English.
• CLICK HERE to download the teacher’s lesson plan in American English.
• CLICK HERE to download/listen to the audio in American English.
• CLICK HERE to download the student’s worksheet in British English.
• CLICK HERE to download the teacher’s lesson plan in British English.
• CLICK HERE to download/listen to the audio in British English.

AUDIO TRANSCRIPT

Speaker 1 (female): I’m not a fan but I let my friend talk me into joining a new gym in town. They had an opening introductory offer. If you signed up for an annual membership, there was no joining fee and you got a free session with a personal trainer. My friend said we could be gym buddies and get in shape for the summer. I wanted to lose a bit of weight and get rid of my wobbly arms, so I agreed. That was six months ago and I’ve barely been. I always have good intentions but manage to talk myself out of going and then feel bad for not going. Then I stress about the monthly fee. I really should go!
Speaker 2 (male): I can’t get enough of it! My friends always tease me about it; they call me a gym rat, but I don’t care. I work out every day. I get up at six and then hit the gym before I go to work. I always warm up first with a few stretches. I alternate my routine to work on different body parts. Some days I do cardio exercises like running on the treadmill or skipping and other days I do strength work. I mostly do sit-ups and push-ups. It has really helped me tone up. I even have a six-pack which I am happy about. I sometimes do weight training, but I don’t do it that often because I don’t want to bulk up too much. For me, going to the gym not only improves my fitness level, it helps me clear my head and gives me more energy. I am full of energy every time I leave.
Speaker 3 (female): It depends on the day. Sometimes I get really into it and feel great afterwards, and other days I just want to give up. I just tell myself the phrase no pain, no gain. I can already see and feel the difference in my body so that motivates me. I used to be out of shape but now I feel in shape and healthy. I mostly do cardio workouts to get my heart pumping. This type of training helps me burn off calories and build up my body strength. Listening to music helps me power through when I’m struggling. I have made a ton of upbeat playlists to keep me going. I would prefer to work out outside in the fresh air but going to the gym is more convenient.

Adapted from: https://www.linguahouse.com/esl-lesson-plans/general-english/at-the-gym. Accessed on May 22, 2025. LinguaHouse.com © 2008–2025. All rights reserved.