Students who can talk about fitness in English feel more confident in health-related chats. Teaching talking about fitness to ESL students means helping them use the right words for health and fitness.
Some students might use formal or unnatural words when talking about fitness, making their conversations seem less genuine.
How can teachers help students speak more naturally about health and fitness?
This post provides 15 practical conversations demonstrating talking about fitness at different English levels. These dialogues help students practice real-life language, improving their fluency and confidence in health-related chats. ESL teachers can use these practice conversations in their ESL classes to boost their students’ fluency and confidence while teaching talking about fitness.
Table of Contents
Asking About Gym Membership (Formal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: A person inquiring about gym membership over the phone
Sarah: Hello, I’d like information about your gym memberships.
Receptionist: Sure, we offer various plans. What are you looking for?
Sarah: Do you have monthly memberships?
Receptionist: Yes, we do. It starts at $50 a month.
Sarah: That sounds good. What facilities do you have?
Receptionist: We have a gym, pool, and fitness classes.
Sarah: Great! Can I try it out before joining?
Receptionist: Of course, we offer a free trial day.
Sarah: Thank you. I’ll think about it and call back.
Receptionist: You’re welcome. Have a nice day!
Talking About Morning Routines (Informal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: Two friends discussing their morning routines
Liam: Morning, how was your workout?
Aria: It was good, but I need breakfast now.
Liam: Me too! What do you usually eat?
Aria: I like oatmeal and fruit. What about you?
Liam: I prefer toast and coffee.
Aria: Sounds nice. Let’s grab breakfast together.
Liam: Sure, that sounds great!
Aria: Meet you in the cafeteria at 8?
Liam: Perfect! See you then.
Asking About Yoga Classes (Formal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: Someone inquiring about yoga classes at a wellness center
Sophia: Hello, do you offer yoga classes here?
Instructor: Yes, we have beginner and advanced classes.
Sophia: I’m a beginner. When are the classes?
Instructor: We have classes every Tuesday and Thursday.
Sophia: What time do they start?
Instructor: The beginner class starts at 6 pm.
Sophia: That works for me. Do I need to bring anything?
Instructor: Just a yoga mat and comfortable clothes.
Sophia: Thank you. I’ll come for the next class.
Instructor: Great! See you on Tuesday.
Discussing Workout Preferences (Informal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: Two friends talking about their workout preferences
Ella: Do you like cardio or weights?
Jake: I prefer weights. What about you?
Ella: I like a mix, but mostly cardio.
Jake: That’s cool. It’s good to mix it up.
Ella: Yeah, keeps things interesting.
Jake: Definitely. Do you have any workout tips?
Ella: Drink water and stretch before.
Jake: Thanks, I’ll try that next time.
Ella: You’re welcome. Happy exercising!
Making an Appointment for a Spa Day (Formal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: Someone booking a spa appointment over the phone
Emma: Hello, I’d like to book a spa appointment.
Spa Receptionist: Sure, when would you like to come in?
Emma: How about this Saturday?
Spa Receptionist: We have a 10 am slot available.
Emma: That works for me. What services do you offer?
Spa Receptionist: We offer massages, facials, and manicures.
Emma: I’d like a massage and facial.
Spa Receptionist: Great choice! It’s $100 for both.
Emma: Sounds good. See you on Saturday.
Spa Receptionist: Thank you. Have a relaxing day!
Comparing Gym Routines (Informal)
Level: High intermediate
Context: Two gym buddies discussing their workout routines
Amanda: Hi Brian, how’s your workout routine going these days?
Brian: It’s good, I’ve been focusing on weightlifting and some cardio.
Amanda: That sounds intense! I’ve been doing more yoga and swimming lately.
Brian: Yoga is great for flexibility. How often do you swim?
Amanda: I try to swim twice a week and do yoga three times a week.
Brian: That’s a balanced routine. Do you have any tips for weightlifting?
Amanda: Start with lighter weights and focus on proper form.
Brian: Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind. We should workout together sometime.
Amanda: Sure, that sounds like a plan! Let’s set a date next week.
Brian: Perfect! Looking forward to it.
Seeking Nutrition Advice (Formal)
Level: High intermediate
Context: A person consulting a nutritionist about healthy eating
Sophie: Hello Dr. Patel, I’m trying to eat healthier. Any advice?
Dr. Patel: Hi Sophie, focus on balanced meals with plenty of vegetables and proteins.
Sophie: What about snacks? I often crave sweets.
Dr. Patel: Opt for fruits or nuts as healthier alternatives to sugary snacks.
Sophie: That makes sense. How about portion sizes?
Dr. Patel: Aim for smaller, frequent meals to maintain energy levels throughout the day.
Sophie: Got it. Should I avoid any specific foods?
Dr. Patel: Limit processed foods and sugary drinks for better overall health.
Sophie: Thank you, Dr. Patel. I’ll start making these changes.
Dr. Patel: You’re welcome, Sophie. Keep me updated on your progress.
Discussing Fitness Apps (Informal)
Level: High intermediate
Context: Two friends talking about fitness apps they use
Carlos: Hey Maria, do you use any fitness apps to track workouts?
Maria: Yes, I use an app that helps me track my runs and calories.
Carlos: That sounds useful. I’ve been looking for something similar.
Maria: You should try it! It also has workout plans and recipes.
Carlos: That sounds comprehensive. Is it easy to use?
Maria: Very! It’s user-friendly and has tutorials to get started.
Carlos: I’ll download it today. Thanks for the recommendation!
Maria: No problem! Let me know how you like it.
Carlos: Will do! Thanks again.
Planning a Group Fitness Class (Formal)
Level: High intermediate
Context: Organizers discussing logistics for a group fitness class
Emily: Hi David, I need your help planning the group fitness class.
David: Of course, Emily. What do we need to organize?
Emily: We need to book the venue and finalize the instructor.
David: I’ll check the availability of the gym and contact potential instructors.
Emily: Great. Also, we need to promote the event. Any ideas?
David: We can create flyers and promote it on social media platforms.
Emily: Good idea. Should we offer any discounts for early registration?
David: Yes, a discount could encourage more people to sign up early.
Emily: Perfect. Let’s set a deadline for early bird registrations.
David: I’ll get everything sorted and update you by tomorrow.
Emily: Thanks, David. Let’s make this event a success!
David: Absolutely, Emily. We’ll make it happen.
Expressing Workout Preferences (Informal)
Level: High intermediate
Context: Two friends discussing their workout preferences and goals
Nina: Hi Jake, I’m thinking of trying a new workout routine.
Jake: That sounds exciting! What are you considering?
Nina: I’m thinking of trying a mix of HIIT and Pilates.
Jake: That’s a good combination for strength and flexibility.
Nina: Yeah, I want to build strength but also stay flexible.
Jake: Have you looked into any classes or trainers?
Nina: Not yet. Do you know any good trainers?
Jake: I can recommend a few. Let me know if you’re interested.
Nina: Thanks, Jake. I’ll check them out and let you know.
Jake: Sounds like a plan. Good luck with your new routine!
Nina: Thanks, Jake! I’ll keep you posted.
Exploring Alternative Fitness Regimens (Formal)
Level: Advanced
Context: A fitness consultant discussing alternative fitness regimens with a client
Benjamin: Good afternoon, Ms. Rodriguez. I understand you’re looking to diversify your fitness routine.
Ms. Rodriguez: Yes, Benjamin. I’ve been doing the same workouts and want to try something new.
Benjamin: That’s a great approach. Have you considered incorporating functional training or high-intensity interval training (HIIT)?
Ms. Rodriguez: I’ve heard of HIIT but not functional training. Can you elaborate?
Benjamin: Functional training focuses on movements that mimic everyday activities, enhancing overall strength and flexibility.
Ms. Rodriguez: Interesting. And HIIT?
Benjamin: HIIT involves short bursts of intense exercise followed by brief rest periods, effectively boosting metabolism and cardiovascular health.
Ms. Rodriguez: Both sound intriguing. Which would you recommend for my goals?
Benjamin: Given your goals, a blend of both could provide balanced results. Would you like to schedule a trial session?
Ms. Rodriguez: Yes, that sounds ideal. Let’s set that up.
Benjamin: Excellent. I’ll arrange it for next week and provide further details.
Ms. Rodriguez: Thank you, Benjamin. I appreciate your expertise.
Benjamin: You’re welcome, Ms. Rodriguez. I look forward to assisting you further.
Sharing Personal Wellness Experiences (Informal)
Level: Advanced
Context: Two friends catching up and discussing their personal wellness journeys
Elena: Hey Marcus, it’s been a while! How have you been?
Marcus: Hey Elena! I’ve been good, focusing on my wellness journey. I’ve started practicing mindfulness and meditation daily.
Elena: That’s wonderful to hear! I’ve been exploring holistic wellness practices, incorporating yoga and aromatherapy.
Marcus: That sounds intriguing. How do you find yoga and aromatherapy complement each other?
Elena: Yoga enhances physical flexibility and strength, while aromatherapy promotes relaxation and mental clarity.
Marcus: It sounds like a harmonious combination. I might give it a try.
Elena: You should! It’s been transformative for me. How about you?
Marcus: Meditation has helped me manage stress and improve focus. It’s been a game-changer.
Elena: That’s fantastic, Marcus. We should share more wellness tips and experiences.
Marcus: Absolutely, Elena. Let’s support each other on this journey.
Elena: Agreed! To wellness and self-care!
Discussing Personal Training Goals (Formal)
Level: Advanced
Context: A personal trainer discussing fitness goals and strategies with a client
Drake: Good morning, Ms. Harper. How are you progressing with your fitness goals?
Ms. Harper: Good morning, Drake. I’ve made some progress but want to focus on building muscle mass and endurance.
Drake: Excellent objectives. We can design a customized program incorporating strength training and cardio intervals to achieve those goals.
Ms. Harper: That sounds comprehensive. How frequently should I train?
Drake: For optimal results, I recommend three sessions per week with a rest day in between for recovery.
Ms. Harper: That sounds manageable. Should I also follow a specific diet?
Drake: A balanced diet rich in protein and complex carbohydrates will support your muscle-building and energy needs.
Ms. Harper: I appreciate the guidance. Let’s proceed with the customized program.
Drake: Wonderful. I’ll finalize the plan and schedule your sessions accordingly.
Ms. Harper: Thank you, Drake. I’m looking forward to achieving my fitness goals with your expertise.
Drake: You’re welcome, Ms. Harper. Together, we’ll make great progress.
Debating Fitness Trends (Informal)
Level: Advanced
Context: Two fitness enthusiasts discussing popular fitness trends and their effectiveness
Lila: Hey Owen, have you tried any of the recent fitness trends like virtual workouts or wearable fitness tech?
Owen: Hey Lila! Yes, I’ve tried virtual workouts, but I’m skeptical about the accuracy of wearable tech.
Lila: That’s fair. Virtual workouts can be convenient, but the human interaction is missing.
Owen: Exactly! And wearable tech seems useful but may not be entirely reliable for tracking all fitness metrics.
Lila: Agreed. It’s essential to approach these trends with a critical mindset and assess their real benefits.
Owen: Definitely. What works for one person may not work for another. Personalization is key.
Lila: Absolutely, Owen. It’s all about finding what aligns with our individual goals and preferences.
Owen: Spot on, Lila. Let’s continue exploring and sharing our experiences.
Lila: Sounds like a plan, Owen. Here’s to staying informed and fit!
Negotiating Wellness Retreat Options (Formal)
Level: Advanced
Context: Two colleagues negotiating wellness retreat options for their company
Mr. Thompson: Good afternoon, Ms. Nguyen. I’ve reviewed the wellness retreat proposals. Have you had a chance to consider them?
Ms. Nguyen: Good afternoon, Mr. Thompson. Yes, I’ve narrowed it down to two options, focusing on holistic well-being and team-building activities.
Mr. Thompson: Those are important aspects. Do the proposals include accommodations and meals?
Ms. Nguyen: Yes, both options offer all-inclusive packages with accommodations, meals, and a variety of wellness workshops.
Mr. Thompson: Excellent. What are the cost differentials, and do they offer any group discounts?
Ms. Nguyen: Option A is slightly more affordable with a 10% group discount for bookings over 20 participants. Option B offers a 5% discount.
Mr. Thompson: Given the benefits, I lean towards Option A. What are your thoughts?
Ms. Nguyen: I agree, Option A aligns better with our objectives and budget. Shall we proceed with the bookings?
Mr. Thompson: Yes, let’s finalize Option A and coordinate the logistics.
Ms. Nguyen: Perfect. I’ll confirm the details and ensure a seamless experience for our team.
Mr. Thompson: Thank you, Ms. Nguyen. Your thoroughness is much appreciated.
Ms. Nguyen: You’re welcome, Mr. Thompson. I’m confident it will be a rewarding experience for all.
Conclusion
Practicing these conversations will help ESL students feel more comfortable and natural when talking about fitness and personal care in English, improving both their fluency and confidence in real-life situations.
