A2 · Elementary · Health · 100 words · ~2 min read
🏋️ Signing Up for a Gym Membership
Language focus: Present Simple & be going to · plans
It is January, and Bilal wants to get fit. He goes to a local gym to sign up for a membership, and a trainer welcomes him at the desk.
“What are your goals?” the trainer asks. “I am going to lose some weight and build muscle,” Bilal says. “I plan to work out three times a week.”
The trainer shows him the machines, the pool and the changing rooms. “I’d also like to take up swimming,” Bilal adds with a smile.
He chooses a monthly membership. “Start slowly and stay consistent,” the trainer advises. Bilal leaves feeling motivated and ready.
Key vocabulary (8 words)
- gymnoun
- A place with equipment for exercise.
- membershipnoun
- The right to use a club, usually for a fee.
- trainernoun
- A person who teaches you how to exercise.
- goalnoun
- Something you are trying to achieve.
- musclenoun
- The body tissue that you use to move and lift.
- equipmentnoun
- The machines and tools used for an activity.
- consistentadjective
- Doing something regularly in the same way.
- motivatedadjective
- Feeling eager and ready to do something.
Phrasal verbs in this story
- sign up — To sign up means to join or register for something.
- work out — To work out means to do physical exercise.
- take up — To take up means to start a new hobby or activity.
Comprehension quiz
-
Which month is it?
- January
- June
- December
Show answer
January
-
Why is Bilal at the gym?
- To get fit
- To eat lunch
- To sleep
Show answer
To get fit
-
How often will he work out?
- Once a month
- Three times a week
- Every hour
Show answer
Three times a week
-
He would also like to ___ swimming.
- take up
- give up
- put off
Show answer
take up
-
Which membership does he choose?
- A daily one
- A monthly one
- A yearly one
Show answer
A monthly one
-
“Sign up” means to…
- join or register
- pay a fine
- leave a club
Show answer
join or register
All 20 A2 stories
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- 🚲 Renting a Bicycle in Amsterdam
- 🩺 At the London Doctor’s Surgery
- 🍽️ A Misunderstanding at the Dinner Party
- ✈️ Rearranging a Flight Departure
- 💻 Negotiating a Remote-Work Schedule
- 🛍️ Returning a Damaged Product
- 🩼 An Injury at the Physiotherapist
- 🌱 Volunteering at the Community Garden
- 🏰 A Tour of the Historic Castle
- 🚙 Planning a Budget Road Trip
- 🚀 Interview with a Startup Founder
- 🏦 Opening a Bank Account
- 🏢 A Flat Viewing with an Estate Agent
- 🏋️ Signing Up for a Gym Membership (this story)
- 🧳 A Lost-Luggage Claim
- 🔊 Complaining About a Noisy Neighbour
- 🚗 A Car Breakdown on the Motorway
- 🎓 A Parent–Teacher Meeting
- 👨🍳 A Weekend Cookery Class
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