Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses
Gym partners discuss what types of exercises they excel at and where they struggle, leading to a conversation about modifying or tailoring their fitness plans.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
tweak
To make small changes or adjustments to something, like improving a plan slightly. Use it when you want to fine-tune without big overhauls, e.g., 'I need to tweak my diet.'
crushing it
An informal idiom meaning doing something very well or excelling at it. Common in casual conversations about achievements, like sports or work.
cardio
Short for cardiovascular exercise, activities that raise your heart rate like running or cycling. Useful in fitness talks to describe endurance training.
struggle
To have difficulty with something or find it hard. Often used in discussions about challenges, e.g., 'I struggle with math.'
arch-nemesis
A main enemy or biggest challenge, often used humorously for something you hate or can't do well, like a tough exercise.
tailor
To customize or adjust something to fit specific needs. In fitness, it means adapting a plan to your strengths and weaknesses.
isolation exercises
Exercises that target one specific muscle group, unlike compound moves. Useful for building strength in weak areas, like bicep curls.
accountable
Responsible to someone for your actions or goals. In group settings, it means keeping each other motivated, e.g., 'We'll hold each other accountable.'
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Hey Sarah, how's your new fitness plan coming along? Trying to tweak mine a bit.
This is a casual greeting and question about progress, using 'coming along' to mean 'progressing.' Useful for starting conversations about ongoing projects; 'tweak' shows making small changes. Practice for friendly check-ins.
I'm crushing it with cardio, especially spin classes.
An idiomatic expression of success; 'crushing it' is slang for excelling. 'With cardio' uses preposition for specifying area of strength. Great for sharing positives in fitness talks.
I feel like I could run all day, but when it comes to lifting, especially upper body, I really struggle.
Contrasts strengths and weaknesses with 'but'; 'when it comes to' means 'regarding.' 'Really struggle' emphasizes difficulty. Useful pattern for discussing personal challenges.
Planks and push-ups are my arch-nemesis.
Uses metaphor 'arch-nemesis' for biggest weakness. Simple subject-verb structure. Helpful for humorously admitting struggles in conversations.
Any tips for getting stronger in those?
Polite request for advice using 'any tips for' + gerund. Common in seeking help; shows openness to suggestions in group discussions.
I definitely need to tailor my plan to focus more on those.
Uses 'tailor...to' for customizing; 'definitely' adds emphasis. Infinitive 'to focus' explains purpose. Practical for talking about personal adjustments.
We should keep each other accountable on these new adjustments!
Suggestion with 'should' for advice; 'keep each other accountable' is reciprocal phrase for mutual responsibility. Exclamatory for enthusiasm; ideal for team motivation.
Let's check in next week and see how it's going.
Imperative 'let's' for proposals; 'check in' means follow up casually. 'See how it's going' inquires about progress. Useful for planning future talks.