Requesting to Work In
When a machine is in use but the user is taking long breaks between sets, a member asks if they can 'work in' (share the machine) between the other person's sets.
Dialogue8
Excuse me, I hope I'm not bothering you. Are you using this machine for a few more sets?
Oh, hey there. Yeah, I've still got a couple more sets to go. Just taking a breather.
No worries at all! Would you mind if I worked in with you between your sets? I saw you taking a bit of a break.
Sure, no problem! That works for me. What weight are you planning to use?
Thanks a lot! I'll probably stay around here. I'll just adjust it quickly each time. Let me know when you're done with your next set.
Will do. I'll probably take about a minute or so between sets. Sound good?
Perfect! That gives me plenty of time. Thanks again, I appreciate it!
No worries, glad to share. Let's get this workout done!
Vocabulary6
- bothering
To bother someone means to annoy or disturb them. Use this word when you want to politely check if you're interrupting, like in social situations at the gym.
- sets
In fitness, a set is a group of repeated exercises, like lifting weights 10 times. It's common gym talk to ask about how many sets someone has left.
- breather
A breather is a short break to rest and catch your breath. It's informal and used in casual settings like after exercise.
- worked in
To work in means to share equipment by taking turns, especially between someone's sets at the gym. It's a polite way to ask to join in.
- adjust
To adjust means to change something slightly to fit your needs, like setting the weight on a machine. Useful for describing quick changes in shared spaces.
- workout
A workout is a session of physical exercise, like going to the gym. It's a general term to talk about fitness routines.
Key Sentences6
- 1
Excuse me, I hope I'm not bothering you. Are you using this machine for a few more sets?
This is a polite way to start a conversation and ask about equipment use. Use it when approaching someone at the gym to avoid seeming rude. The structure uses 'Excuse me' for interruption and a question about 'sets' for gym context.
- 2
Would you mind if I worked in with you between your sets?
This sentence politely asks to share a machine during breaks. It's useful for gym etiquette. 'Would you mind if...' is a conditional structure for requests, making it indirect and courteous.
- 3
Sure, no problem! That works for me.
This is a friendly agreement to a request. Use it to show you're okay with sharing. 'No problem' is casual slang for 'it's fine,' and 'that works for me' means it suits your situation.
- 4
Thanks a lot! I'll just adjust it quickly each time.
This expresses gratitude and explains your plan. Useful after someone agrees to help. 'Thanks a lot' is emphatic thanks, and 'I'll just' softens the action to sound non-intrusive.
- 5
No worries, glad to share.
This reassures someone not to feel bad and shows willingness. 'No worries' means 'don't worry about it,' a common informal response in English. Use it to end positively.
- 6
Let's get this workout done!
This motivates to continue exercising together. It's encouraging and team-oriented. Use it to build rapport in group activities like gym sharing. Simple future imperative for action.