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.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
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 Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.