Form Correction and Safety
Someone using a machine asks a staff member to check their form or technique to ensure they are using it safely and effectively, or to prevent injury.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
form
In exercise, 'form' means the correct posture or way of doing a movement to avoid injury and get better results.
reps
Short for 'repetitions,' it means the number of times you repeat an exercise movement in a set.
strain
To put too much pressure or stress on a muscle or body part, which can cause pain or injury.
extend
To straighten out a body part, like your legs, fully during an exercise.
lock
In fitness, to 'lock' your knees means to straighten them completely, which can be unsafe for joints.
arch
To curve your back inward or outward away from a flat position, often a mistake in exercises that can hurt your spine.
pad
A soft cushion or support on gym equipment where you rest your body, like your back, for comfort and safety.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, Sarah. Do you mind taking a quick look at my form on this leg press machine?
This polite request uses 'Do you mind + verb-ing' to ask for help without being demanding. It's useful when seeking assistance in public places like a gym to check your technique.
Just go ahead and do a few reps as you normally would.
This encourages someone to continue naturally. 'Go ahead' means 'start or proceed,' and 'as you normally would' shows how to perform without changing habits. Great for giving instructions in coaching situations.
I just want to make sure I'm doing it right and not putting strain on my lower back.
This expresses concern for safety using 'make sure' clause for confirmation. It's practical for explaining why you need help, focusing on health like avoiding back pain.
When you fully extend, try not to lock your knees. Keep a slight bend to protect your joints.
This gives advice with 'when' for conditions and 'try not to' for suggestions. It teaches safety tips in exercises, using imperative 'keep' to instruct on posture for joint protection.
Make sure your back is pressed firmly against the pad throughout the movement.
An instruction using 'make sure' + clause for emphasis on continuous action ('throughout'). Useful in fitness for reminding about proper body position during the whole exercise.
You're very welcome! Keep practicing, and don't hesitate to ask if you have more questions.
A friendly response to thanks, with 'don't hesitate to' meaning 'feel free to.' It encourages ongoing learning and openness, common in helpful service dialogues like at a gym.