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Initial Goal Setting Discussion

Two gym buddies meet and discuss their general fitness goals, such as losing weight, gaining muscle, or improving endurance, and how to start planning their workouts.

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

1
Sarah (Female)
Hey Michael! Good to see you. How's your fitness journey going?
2
Michael (Male)
Hey Sarah! It's going okay, but I feel like I need to set some clearer goals. I'm kinda just winging it right now. What about you?
3
Sarah (Female)
Totally relate! I'm in the same boat. I've been thinking about what I really want to achieve. For me, I'm leaning towards improving my endurance and maybe dropping a few pounds.
4
Michael (Male)
Endurance, huh? That's a good one. I've been focusing a bit more on strength training, trying to gain some muscle. But I also want to make sure I'm not neglecting my cardio.
5
Sarah (Female)
Right, balance is key. So, how are you thinking of structuring your workouts to hit those goals? Are you going for a specific split or mixing it up?
6
Michael (Male)
I'm thinking of doing a push-pull-legs split for strength, maybe three times a week, and then adding in two longer cardio sessions. What about you for endurance?
7
Sarah (Female)
That sounds solid! For me, I'm planning on three to four runs a week, gradually increasing distance, and then maybe two full-body strength days to support my running. Are you tracking anything specifically?
8
Michael (Male)
Yeah, I'm trying to track my personal bests for lifts and also my body weight. It helps keep me accountable. We should definitely check in again soon and see how we're doing.
9
Sarah (Female)
Absolutely! Good idea. It'll be motivating to have someone to share progress with. Good luck with those gains!
10
Michael (Male)
You too, Sarah! Crush those runs!

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

endurance

The ability to keep going for a long time without getting tired, often used in fitness to talk about activities like running or cycling.

cardio

Short for cardiovascular exercise, like running or swimming, that improves heart health and burns fat.

strength training

Exercises that build muscle power, such as lifting weights, to get stronger.

split

In workouts, a plan that divides training days by body parts, like push-pull-legs, to focus on different muscles each time.

tracking

Keeping a record of your progress, like noting weights lifted or distances run, to stay motivated.

accountable

Being responsible to yourself or others for your goals, which helps you stick to your fitness plan.

gains

Slang for muscle growth or progress in fitness, often used excitedly among gym friends.

crush

To do something very successfully or intensely, like 'crush a workout' meaning to perform it with great effort.

Key Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

How's your fitness journey going?

This is a casual way to ask about someone's progress in fitness. Use it to start conversations with friends at the gym. 'Journey' makes it sound like an ongoing adventure.

I'm kinda just winging it right now.

Means doing something without a plan, improvising. 'Kinda' is informal for 'kind of.' Useful for admitting you're not organized yet in goal discussions.

I'm leaning towards improving my endurance.

Expresses a preference or tendency, like 'I'm thinking of' or 'I prefer.' Good for sharing fitness goals politely. 'Leaning towards' is a common idiom for inclination.

Balance is key.

Means maintaining equilibrium is most important. Use this short phrase to emphasize the need for variety in workouts, like mixing strength and cardio. It's a common proverb-like expression.

How are you thinking of structuring your workouts?

Asks about planning routines. 'Structuring' refers to organizing. This sentence shows how to inquire about someone's method in a natural, supportive way during fitness talks.

That sounds solid!

Means the plan seems strong and reliable. Use it to give positive feedback on ideas. 'Solid' is slang for dependable, common in casual English.

We should definitely check in again soon.

Suggests meeting or updating each other shortly. 'Check in' means to connect and share updates. 'Definitely' adds emphasis. Great for building accountability in group goals.

Good luck with those gains!

A friendly wish for success in building muscle. Use it to encourage friends' fitness aims. It's motivational slang, ending conversations on a positive note.