Asking Staff for Advice
A gym member approaches a trainer or staff member to ask for advice on exercises, form, or general fitness questions.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
workout routine
A plan or schedule of exercises you do regularly to stay fit. Use this when talking about your exercise habits at the gym.
upper body strength
The power in the muscles of your chest, shoulders, arms, and back. Important for describing fitness goals involving the top half of your body.
bench press
A weightlifting exercise where you lie on a bench and push weights up from your chest. Common in gym conversations about building chest muscles.
overhead press
An exercise where you lift weights from shoulder height up over your head. Helps target shoulder muscles and is useful for strength training discussions.
form
The correct way or posture to perform an exercise to avoid injury and get better results. Often discussed when seeking gym advice.
accessory exercises
Additional smaller exercises that support your main lifts by targeting specific muscles. Use this term when asking for ways to improve a workout plan.
complement
To add something that completes or improves another thing. In fitness, it means exercises that work well with your main ones for better results.
injury prevention
Actions or exercises that help avoid getting hurt during workouts. Essential in gym talks to emphasize safe training practices.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, do you have a moment?
This is a polite way to interrupt someone and ask if they have time to talk. Use it when approaching a busy person like gym staff. The question form with 'do you have' makes it indirect and courteous.
I'm happy to help. What's on your mind?
A friendly response offering assistance and inviting the question. Useful for service roles like trainers. 'What's on your mind?' is an idiomatic way to ask about someone's concern without being too direct.
I've been trying to improve my upper body strength.
This uses present perfect continuous ('I've been trying') to describe ongoing efforts. Great for sharing fitness goals; it shows persistence and invites advice.
Could you show me your typical form for the bench press?
A polite request using 'could you' for demonstration. 'Typical form' means usual way of doing it. Use this when seeking feedback on technique in instructional settings.
I was wondering if there are any specific accessory exercises you'd recommend.
'I was wondering if' is a soft way to ask for suggestions, making it less direct. Useful for gym advice; 'you'd recommend' uses contraction for natural speech.
That sounds great! Thanks so much for your help.
Expresses positive agreement and gratitude. 'That sounds great' is enthusiastic; 'thanks so much' emphasizes appreciation. Perfect for ending helpful conversations politely.
You're welcome. That's what I'm here for.
A standard reply to thanks, meaning 'no problem.' 'That's what I'm here for' explains the purpose of the role. Use in service situations to show willingness to help.