How fit are you?
How fit are you?
Hi there! My name’s Rich and I work on the Premier Skills English website. You probably saw me on the Facebook Live event we did for lesson one during this activity week or heard me speaking to Jack in the podcast you listened to during lesson three.
Anyway, this lesson is all about fitness and we want to help you with lots of new words and phrases about fitness and exercise and also find out how fit you are! I thought the best way to do this would be to talk about me and you. You’re going to read all about my fitness levels and I will highlight some difficult vocabulary on the way. At the end of the article, there is an activity to check the vocabulary and a quiz to help you think about your fitness levels. Finally, we want you to discuss what you do to keep fit at the bottom of the page.
Before we start, I want you to think about the exercise you do every week. How fit are you?
This quiz is just for fun - there are no right or wrong answers!
Do I go to the gym?
I am not someone who you could describe as superfit. I don’t go to the gym to pump iron (lift weights) three times a day. In fact, I don’t think I’ve been to a gym since 2007 and that was only to meet a friend for a drink after his workout. I don’t like gyms. Actually, I hate them! I just get so bored. Running on a treadmill that goes nowhere or getting on a bicycle without any wheels. It doesn’t make any sense to me. The other problem is that the gym doesn’t motivate me. I have never been out of breath in a gym because when I get tired I just stop. Maybe I’m just a bit jealous of the other people in the gym with a better physique than me. I’m not sure.
How fit am I?
Just because I don’t go to the gym doesn’t mean that I don’t do any exercise. When I said I wasn’t superfit earlier that’s not to say that I’m out of breath after walking up some stairs or absolutely knackered after taking a couple of shopping bags to my car. Oh! The car! That’s probably something I should use less. There’s probably no need to take the car when I need a pint of milk. The shop is only about two hundred metres from my house!
What do I do?
As I was saying, I’m not superfit but I’m not a total couch potato either. I could probably do with losing a bit of weight, but who doesn’t? What do I do? I like to go out on my bike or go for a run. I do this two or three times a week. I live in the mountains. It’s great to get out in the open air. It’s much better than being stuck in the gym going nowhere. I think I need competition to motivate myself. I do a lot of sport. I love playing five-a-side football, tennis and squash. Maybe I don’t have enough self-discipline but I am very competitive. If I have the chance of beating someone else I will push myself that extra mile.
Vocabulary
Phrases about fitness
Try the activity below that will look at vocabulary from this article. One of the best ways to learn new words and phrases is when you see them in context. If you are not sure what an answer is, find the word or phrase in the article (they are in red) and read the sentence before and after the word or phrase. This will help you understand the meaning.
Quiz
Please login to take this quiz.
Comment
What about you?
We’d like to know what kind of exercise and sport you do. Are you someone who loves the gym?
Are you someone who loves playing sport or are you someone who loves watching sport from your sofa?
How important is exercise and staying fit in your life?
Do you have any questions about the vocabulary on this page?
Write your answers in the comments section below.
Leave a comment
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Comments
23/08/2019
points
both, doing sports is good and seeing it is much more fun.
consider that sport is good for many aspects, so I really like to walk and occasionally jog
23/08/2019 19:28
Manchester City
87
both, doing sports is good and seeing it is much more fun.
consider that sport is good for many aspects, so I really like to walk and occasionally jog
23/08/2019
points
I always play basketball, and staying fit in my live is very important, thanks to that I can play basketball without any problem.
23/08/2019 17:06
Liverpool
89
I always play basketball, and staying fit in my live is very important, thanks to that I can play basketball without any problem.
23/08/2019
points
I like to go cycling and the sport I am practicing is basketball, but I am not a person who loves the gym I go from time to time, I like to practice but when I get home I watch a little TV, it is very important since Do you feel good about yourself
23/08/2019 16:52
Manchester United
119
I like to go cycling and the sport I am practicing is basketball, but I am not a person who loves the gym I go from time to time, I like to practice but when I get home I watch a little TV, it is very important since Do you feel good about yourself
12/03/2019
points
I used to play soccer at school,but now I watch it at home. I do regular exercise normally once or twice a week.
12/03/2019 18:23
Chelsea
1749
I used to play soccer at school,but now I watch it at home. I do regular exercise normally once or twice a week.
02/02/2019
points
I am a little bit out of shape at this moment. I usually practice cycling twice a week and the rest of the days walk for a half an hour.
02/02/2019 08:41
Manchester City
57
I am a little bit out of shape at this moment. I usually practice cycling twice a week and the rest of the days walk for a half an hour.
05/09/2018
points
I like to play basketball. I go to the gym regularly.
05/09/2018 04:00
Arsenal
375
I like to play basketball. I go to the gym regularly.
03/09/2018
points
I like the gym because in this way I can stay fit
03/09/2018 01:07
Manchester United
151
I like the gym because in this way I can stay fit
27/08/2018
points
I don't really like the gym at all. But, I do like dancing and gymnastics.
I don't like playing sports nor watching them, maybe just the world cup.
Well, I try to eat healthy sometimes but it's not super important.
27/08/2018 12:54
Arsenal
1152
I don't really like the gym at all. But, I do like dancing and gymnastics.
I don't like playing sports nor watching them, maybe just the world cup.
Well, I try to eat healthy sometimes but it's not super important.
27/08/2018
points
I do not practice any exercise but I go to the gym.
The exercise is very important because this gives energy in your daily activities .
27/08/2018 04:18
Manchester United
71
I do not practice any exercise but I go to the gym.
The exercise is very important because this gives energy in your daily activities .
27/08/2018
points
No, I do not do much exercise.
Watch sports.
It is important, to have good health.
No
27/08/2018 03:35
Liverpool
754
No, I do not do much exercise.
Watch sports.
It is important, to have good health.
No
27/08/2018
points
-I'm quite in agreement with Rich, I do not like gyms, I prefer outdoor exercise.
-I love sports, and even more play them.
-I like very much to keep myself in shape and feed myself in an adequate way.
-I understood the vocabulary very well, love this activity.
27/08/2018 02:55
Newcastle United
321
-I'm quite in agreement with Rich, I do not like gyms, I prefer outdoor exercise.
-I love sports, and even more play them.
-I like very much to keep myself in shape and feed myself in an adequate way.
-I understood the vocabulary very well, love this activity.
27/08/2018
points
I really do not like the gym very much, my sport is basketball.
I am someone who prefers sport.
Exercise and staying fit is important in my life because that depends on my physical and mental health.
27/08/2018 01:46
Arsenal
833
I really do not like the gym very much, my sport is basketball.
I am someone who prefers sport.
Exercise and staying fit is important in my life because that depends on my physical and mental health.
26/08/2018
points
No, I do not like the gym.
I love doing sports, see them sometimes.
It is important in spite of not being very athletic.
Do not.
26/08/2018 22:18
Arsenal
774
No, I do not like the gym.
I love doing sports, see them sometimes.
It is important in spite of not being very athletic.
Do not.
26/08/2018
points
I do not practice sports but I have an exercise routine in the gym. I like the exercise but I’m not a gym fan.
26/08/2018 22:10
Manchester United
70
I do not practice sports but I have an exercise routine in the gym. I like the exercise but I’m not a gym fan.
26/08/2018
points
I like to play basketball.
I am not a person who loves the gym.
I like to ride a bicycle
26/08/2018 21:00
Crystal Palace
687
I like to play basketball.
I am not a person who loves the gym.
I like to ride a bicycle
26/08/2018
points
No, I do not love the gym.
I really like to play sports, especially running and playing basketball, but I also watch TV sometimes.
It is not the primordial but it does have a certain degree of importance.
not any.
Thank you.
26/08/2018 21:00
Chelsea
889
No, I do not love the gym.
I really like to play sports, especially running and playing basketball, but I also watch TV sometimes.
It is not the primordial but it does have a certain degree of importance.
not any.
Thank you.
26/08/2018
points
I'm a fan of the gym.
I like to play football.
It is very important to stay in shape for health and for the physical.
26/08/2018 05:24
Manchester United
315
I'm a fan of the gym.
I like to play football.
It is very important to stay in shape for health and for the physical.
26/08/2018
points
very good lesson
26/08/2018 05:23
Manchester City
641
very good lesson
26/08/2018
points
1. I really am someone who loves the gym.
2. I love playing sports, especially soccer.
3. Exercise is very important for me and keeping me in shape because it is the best lifestyle we can give.
26/08/2018 05:02
Chelsea
640
1. I really am someone who loves the gym.
2. I love playing sports, especially soccer.
3. Exercise is very important for me and keeping me in shape because it is the best lifestyle we can give.
26/08/2018
points
Yes, i like the gym, its the unique exercise that i realize. Stay healthy its important for me, but not is a priority.
26/08/2018 04:41
Chelsea
442
Yes, i like the gym, its the unique exercise that i realize. Stay healthy its important for me, but not is a priority.
26/08/2018
points
Hi, I'm Sofia
I leave my comment
Are you someone who loves the gym?
The truth does not call me much attention I prefer to go jogging as I live next to a polycenter and do exercises at home with a YouTube channel called yimvirtual (I recommend it to Rich)
Are you someone who loves to play sports or are you someone who loves to watch sports from your couch?
I like more to do sports, go for a run or do physical education classes but watching sports bores me
How important is exercise and staying fit in your life?
At one time I had small problems because I felt very fat and started doing aerobics at 4 in the morning although I went to bed very late but then I saw it illogical and I was getting very tired so I went down to the sport and I like to do it but not I do it with discipline
Do you have any questions about the vocabulary on this page?
no, everything has been clear
Bye and greetings to the British Council community
26/08/2018 04:11
Chelsea
778
Hi, I'm Sofia
I leave my comment
Are you someone who loves the gym?
The truth does not call me much attention I prefer to go jogging as I live next to a polycenter and do exercises at home with a YouTube channel called yimvirtual (I recommend it to Rich)
Are you someone who loves to play sports or are you someone who loves to watch sports from your couch?
I like more to do sports, go for a run or do physical education classes but watching sports bores me
How important is exercise and staying fit in your life?
At one time I had small problems because I felt very fat and started doing aerobics at 4 in the morning although I went to bed very late but then I saw it illogical and I was getting very tired so I went down to the sport and I like to do it but not I do it with discipline
Do you have any questions about the vocabulary on this page?
no, everything has been clear
Bye and greetings to the British Council community
26/08/2018
points
I like practice the basketball. I’m currently going to the gym.
I prefer practice sport.
The exercise is very important in my daily routine.
26/08/2018 04:08
Chelsea
180
I like practice the basketball. I’m currently going to the gym.
I prefer practice sport.
The exercise is very important in my daily routine.
26/08/2018
points
I like to practice sport like basketball. I’m currently going to the gym, I like them it leaves me energized.
I prefer to practice them. The Exercise is very important in my daily routine.
26/08/2018 03:55
Chelsea
180
I like to practice sport like basketball. I’m currently going to the gym, I like them it leaves me energized.
I prefer to practice them. The Exercise is very important in my daily routine.
26/08/2018
points
-I like the gym, but not much more than go out to run or ride bycicle.
-Im a fanatic of do both
-This condition keep me healthy, its the most important benefit.
-Any question.
26/08/2018 03:48
Arsenal
595
-I like the gym, but not much more than go out to run or ride bycicle.
-Im a fanatic of do both
-This condition keep me healthy, its the most important benefit.
-Any question.
26/08/2018
points
I am someone that loves playing, for example, tennis or football, is very important the exercise, because if you have a good physical condition, you have more years of life.
26/08/2018 03:04
Manchester United
722
I am someone that loves playing, for example, tennis or football, is very important the exercise, because if you have a good physical condition, you have more years of life.
26/08/2018
points
I do not love the gym but I would like to be more fit; I do not like sports very much, the truth is I'm very bad at them but I like to walk and run.
26/08/2018 02:38
Chelsea
-729
I do not love the gym but I would like to be more fit; I do not like sports very much, the truth is I'm very bad at them but I like to walk and run.
26/08/2018
points
I do not love it, I prefer to play sports than watching it on television, it is very important since my health depends on it, not
26/08/2018 01:50
Crystal Palace
247
I do not love it, I prefer to play sports than watching it on television, it is very important since my health depends on it, not
26/08/2018
points
I love sports and I practice basketball and I like it a lot, it also keeps me more physical and I also like to see matches in my home like those in the major leagues or football
I think it is very important because turning it into a routine helps you to have better health, it gives you more strength, it takes away your stress, I do not think that sport is necessary for everyone and it makes me very happy to do it.
26/08/2018 00:35
Arsenal
754
I love sports and I practice basketball and I like it a lot, it also keeps me more physical and I also like to see matches in my home like those in the major leagues or football
I think it is very important because turning it into a routine helps you to have better health, it gives you more strength, it takes away your stress, I do not think that sport is necessary for everyone and it makes me very happy to do it.
26/08/2018
points
I do not love the gym, I prefer sports and I do not watch them exactly from the sofa, that is why I consider that exercise is very important to stay in shape.
26/08/2018 00:13
Arsenal
822
I do not love the gym, I prefer sports and I do not watch them exactly from the sofa, that is why I consider that exercise is very important to stay in shape.
26/08/2018
points
I love the gym, I go to clear my day and meet a goal.
I love playing football and I am a faithful follower of the premier league, champions league, and the world cup.
Other than looking good physically, it is buno for health, it makes you more efficient, disciplined and more productive.
I have no question about the vocabulary used.
26/08/2018 00:12
Manchester City
664
I love the gym, I go to clear my day and meet a goal.
I love playing football and I am a faithful follower of the premier league, champions league, and the world cup.
Other than looking good physically, it is buno for health, it makes you more efficient, disciplined and more productive.
I have no question about the vocabulary used.
26/08/2018
points
. Are you someone who loves the gym?
I do not only love to eat and exercise from time to time
Are you someone who loves to play sports or are you someone who loves to watch sports from your couch?
I love doing sports, I practice basketball and I want to learn to play soccer, I do not like to be lying on the sofa and watch sports
How important is exercise and staying fit in your life?
It is very important, personal presentation and a good nutrition is everything
Do you have any questions about the vocabulary on this page?
do not
26/08/2018 00:04
Newcastle United
208
. Are you someone who loves the gym?
I do not only love to eat and exercise from time to time
Are you someone who loves to play sports or are you someone who loves to watch sports from your couch?
I love doing sports, I practice basketball and I want to learn to play soccer, I do not like to be lying on the sofa and watch sports
How important is exercise and staying fit in your life?
It is very important, personal presentation and a good nutrition is everything
Do you have any questions about the vocabulary on this page?
do not
25/08/2018
points
I do not love the gym but I do not dislike it either.
I love playing sports, the one I practice is basketball. But I also like watching games on the television.
For me exercise is something more fun than anything else.
25/08/2018 22:27
Manchester United
36
I do not love the gym but I do not dislike it either.
I love playing sports, the one I practice is basketball. But I also like watching games on the television.
For me exercise is something more fun than anything else.
25/08/2018
points
1. I practice basketball and I love going to the gym.
2. I love going out to play and practice sports, I do not like watching them from the TV.
3. Quite important, since I like to keep my physical state well and besides that it helps my health.
4. No.
25/08/2018 22:05
Manchester United
796
1. I practice basketball and I love going to the gym.
2. I love going out to play and practice sports, I do not like watching them from the TV.
3. Quite important, since I like to keep my physical state well and besides that it helps my health.
4. No.
25/08/2018
points
- Yes, I like the gym but I don't go. I love ride the bicycle.
- I'm someone who loves playing sport.
- It's very important for me, because I like stay fit.
- No, I don't have questions.
25/08/2018 22:05
Arsenal
571
- Yes, I like the gym but I don't go. I love ride the bicycle.
- I'm someone who loves playing sport.
- It's very important for me, because I like stay fit.
- No, I don't have questions.
25/08/2018
points
I prefer to go for a walk than to go to the gym I do not love the gym but sometimes I go in my time but it's not very common in mi live.
I prefer to play but not practice them daily.
It is not very important to me.
No, I do not have any questions about the vocabulary.
25/08/2018 20:22
Liverpool
795
I prefer to go for a walk than to go to the gym I do not love the gym but sometimes I go in my time but it's not very common in mi live.
I prefer to play but not practice them daily.
It is not very important to me.
No, I do not have any questions about the vocabulary.
25/08/2018
points
-I think that exercise is an important part of our life. I do not practice any sport every day but I do physical activities like swimming or running
-I like to exercise, I think it's a good way to take advantage of time
25/08/2018 18:16
Manchester United
756
-I think that exercise is an important part of our life. I do not practice any sport every day but I do physical activities like swimming or running
-I like to exercise, I think it's a good way to take advantage of time
25/08/2018
points
I like to go to the gym with a friend to be well and healthy.
Being healthy is very important since you do not feel tired, you are always energized and you feel good about yourself
25/08/2018 16:21
Liverpool
654
I like to go to the gym with a friend to be well and healthy.
Being healthy is very important since you do not feel tired, you are always energized and you feel good about yourself
25/08/2018
points
I don't go to the gym, I don't like it too much, for me is too much better stay at home watching a serie but i think that someday I have to start it because it is really important for our life
25/08/2018 07:07
Manchester United
781
I don't go to the gym, I don't like it too much, for me is too much better stay at home watching a serie but i think that someday I have to start it because it is really important for our life
25/08/2018
points
I am someone who likes the gym, I go daily.
I do not like sports, I only watch football when my team plays
For me it's important I like to be in shape and eat healthy even if I do not always do it
25/08/2018 05:27
Stoke City
741
I am someone who likes the gym, I go daily.
I do not like sports, I only watch football when my team plays
For me it's important I like to be in shape and eat healthy even if I do not always do it
25/08/2018
points
Hello. I like volleyball but I do not practice.
I don´t love the gym.
I enjoy more playing basketball, soccer, tennis, volleyball or anything.
I don´t have problems with my shape or health.
NothinG.
Thanks, byee
25/08/2018 05:13
Chelsea
635
Hello. I like volleyball but I do not practice.
I don´t love the gym.
I enjoy more playing basketball, soccer, tennis, volleyball or anything.
I don´t have problems with my shape or health.
NothinG.
Thanks, byee
25/08/2018
points
At the moment, i go to the gym but not all the days, only a few days per week and i enjoy it.
In my childhood never practices some Sport, but I love see the Football matches in front of TV.
I think that stay fit is very important so I eat healthy food and go to the gym.
I have a question about the phrase: "couch potato". Why it is called potato?
25/08/2018 05:08
Manchester City
759
At the moment, i go to the gym but not all the days, only a few days per week and i enjoy it.
In my childhood never practices some Sport, but I love see the Football matches in front of TV.
I think that stay fit is very important so I eat healthy food and go to the gym.
I have a question about the phrase: "couch potato". Why it is called potato?
25/08/2018
points
My exercise is the gym, I do not consider myself a superfit person but I like to exercise, since it is a very important activity.
I am a combination of both because I like to be a very active person, but I also like the days of laziness.
Exercise is a primordial thing for a person, whether it is little enough help, it is very important because it helps your body to be active, it can eliminate stress and keeps you in shape by collaborating with your health.
25/08/2018 04:00
Manchester United
864
My exercise is the gym, I do not consider myself a superfit person but I like to exercise, since it is a very important activity.
I am a combination of both because I like to be a very active person, but I also like the days of laziness.
Exercise is a primordial thing for a person, whether it is little enough help, it is very important because it helps your body to be active, it can eliminate stress and keeps you in shape by collaborating with your health.
25/08/2018
points
I do not exactly love the gym, but I like to be in shape and exercise for my health and lose a little weight.
I do not like watching sports or practicing them, although previously I practiced one, I got bored and ended up in the gym.
At the beginning it was not much, but now it is very important, when I do not practice it I feel very bad.
25/08/2018 03:51
Manchester United
866
I do not exactly love the gym, but I like to be in shape and exercise for my health and lose a little weight.
I do not like watching sports or practicing them, although previously I practiced one, I got bored and ended up in the gym.
At the beginning it was not much, but now it is very important, when I do not practice it I feel very bad.
25/08/2018
points
I do not love the gym, but I do not hate it either.
I do not play many sports but if I prefer to watch TV, this does not mean that I do not.
Staying in agreement that is important in the lives of people.
The vocabulary in this page is complex but it is understood.
25/08/2018 03:39
Leicester City
627
I do not love the gym, but I do not hate it either.
I do not play many sports but if I prefer to watch TV, this does not mean that I do not.
Staying in agreement that is important in the lives of people.
The vocabulary in this page is complex but it is understood.
25/08/2018
points
No, I don't
I watch sport from sofa.
no very important.
No, I don't
25/08/2018 02:34
Manchester City
881
No, I don't
I watch sport from sofa.
no very important.
No, I don't
25/08/2018
points
I like to go to the gym from time to time, and not as a routine I find it boring and exhausting, in my spare time I practice basketball.
When I'm bored I like to play it, because I get distracted.
Physical exercise is very important because it not only helps us to be physically fit, but we are also healthy.
No, I do not have any questions about the vocabulary of the page.
25/08/2018 02:27
Chelsea
717
I like to go to the gym from time to time, and not as a routine I find it boring and exhausting, in my spare time I practice basketball.
When I'm bored I like to play it, because I get distracted.
Physical exercise is very important because it not only helps us to be physically fit, but we are also healthy.
No, I do not have any questions about the vocabulary of the page.
25/08/2018
points
I am someone who likes to stay in my house watching tv.
25/08/2018 02:19
Liverpool
471
I am someone who likes to stay in my house watching tv.
25/08/2018
points
1. The sport that I practice is basketball, I am not a lover of the gym since I do not go often, but I do like it.
2. I am the type of person who loves to do sports.
3. Yes, since being fit and in good health, it benefits us a lot in our life.
4. I have no question about the vocabulary of this lesson, thank you.
25/08/2018 00:45
Manchester United
709
1. The sport that I practice is basketball, I am not a lover of the gym since I do not go often, but I do like it.
2. I am the type of person who loves to do sports.
3. Yes, since being fit and in good health, it benefits us a lot in our life.
4. I have no question about the vocabulary of this lesson, thank you.
24/08/2018
points
I do not practice any sports, I only do from time to time and the gym, does not catch my attention.
I like to play football from time to time, but not practice it, and sometimes I see it on television.
I consider it quite important, as it helps us stay healthy.
No, I understood everything.
24/08/2018 23:53
Chelsea
761
I do not practice any sports, I only do from time to time and the gym, does not catch my attention.
I like to play football from time to time, but not practice it, and sometimes I see it on television.
I consider it quite important, as it helps us stay healthy.
No, I understood everything.
24/08/2018
points
I do not like the gym very much.
I'm a bit of both.
it is important.
No, I understand well.
24/08/2018 23:45
Liverpool
779
I do not like the gym very much.
I'm a bit of both.
it is important.
No, I understand well.