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Why Gen Z Prefers Strength Training

Gen Z increasingly favors strength training over traditional cardio exercises.
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In recent times, more young people are choosing strength training instead of cardio exercises like running. Antonia Duffin, who runs a women's gym, notices her clients prefer lifting weights for their health benefits. She explains that strength training can help prevent health issues like osteoporosis. This change is also popular because it positively impacts mental health.

Gyms have noticed more people joining, especially from the Gen Z age group. They offer resistance training, which many find more effective in quickly shaping the body compared to cardio. Social media influencers are important in spreading this exercise trend. Young people like the sense of community and enjoy working out together.

Studies show strength training can offer similar benefits to aerobic exercises. It can reduce the risk of heart disease and increase self-esteem. Many young people find group workouts more fun and social than cardio on their own. They like making friends and connections while at the gym.

Original news source: Why Gen Z is swapping cardio for strength training – BBC News (BBC)

🎧 Listen:

📖 Vocabulary:

1. strength
2. gym
3. health
4. benefits
5. prevent
6. exercise
7. effective
8. community
9. research
10. aerobic
11. self-esteem
12. connections

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

1. What types of exercises have you tried before?
2. How does exercising make you feel?
3. Why do people choose to work out?
4. Have you ever worked out with friends?
5. What do you like or dislike about going to the gym?

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What exercise are young people now preferring?

2. Who is Antonia Duffin?

3. What health condition can strength training help prevent?

4. What is a reason for the popularity of strength training?

5. Which age group is mostly joining gyms?

6. How does strength training compare to aerobic exercises?

7. Why do young people find group workouts enjoyable?

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

In recent times, more young people are choosing strength training instead of cardio exercises like running. Antonia Duffin, who runs a women's gym, notices her prefer weights for their health benefits. She that strength training can help prevent health issues like . This change is also popular because it positively impacts health. Gyms have noticed more people joining, especially from the Gen Z age group. They offer resistance , which many find more effective in quickly shaping the body compared to cardio. Social media influencers are important in spreading this exercise trend. Young people like the sense of community and enjoy working out . Studies strength training can offer similar to aerobic exercises. It can reduce the risk of disease and increase self-esteem. Many young people find group workouts more fun and social than on their own. They like making friends and while at the gym.

💬 Discussion Questions:

1. Why do you think strength training is becoming more popular?
2. Do you prefer working out alone or in a group? Why?
3. How important is it to be active for your health?
4. What role do social media influencers play in fitness trends?
5. Do you think gyms are friendly places?
6. What benefits can exercising with others provide?
7. Have you ever tried strength training?
8. How does strength training help with self-esteem?
9. What other activities can improve mental health?
10. Why is community important in workouts?
11. What are some challenges of starting a workout routine?
12. How can you motivate someone to start exercising?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Click a dot next to a word, then click the dot next to its meaning to draw a line connecting them.

Words

1. strength
2. gym
3. health
4. benefits
5. prevent
6. exercise
7. effective
8. community
9. research
10. aerobic
11. self-esteem
12. connections

Meanings

(A) the condition of being well
(B) relationships or links between people
(C) advantages or good things
(D) how one thinks about themselves
(E) the study of a subject to learn new facts
(F) to stop something from happening
(G) the ability to do something physical or mental
(H) successful in producing a result
(I) a group of people living in the same area or having shared interests
(J) exercises that make the heart and lungs stronger
(K) a place to exercise and work out
(L) physical activity to improve fitness

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What type of exercise are young people preferring?
(a) Swimming
(b) Strength training
(c) Dancing
(d) Yoga
2. Who is Antonia Duffin?
(a) A teacher
(b) A doctor
(c) A gym owner
(d) A writer
3. What condition can strength training help prevent?
(a) Flu
(b) Osteoporosis
(c) Allergies
(d) Arthritis
4. Who particularly likes the community aspect of working out?
(a) Old people
(b) Children
(c) Animals
(d) Young people
5. What role do social media influencers play?
(a) Promoting exercise trends
(b) Creating new sports
(c) Selling products
(d) Teaching classes
6. Which generation is joining gyms more?
(a) Gen Z
(b) Baby Boomers
(c) Gen X
(d) Millennials
7. What can reduce the risk of heart disease?
(a) Sleeping
(b) Watching TV
(c) Eating sweets
(d) Strength training
8. Why do young people prefer group workouts to solo cardio?
(a) They are cheap
(b) They are short
(c) They are fun and social
(d) They are outdoor activities

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. Gyms are seeing fewer Gen Z members.
2. Antonia owns a mixed gym.
3. Group workouts are seen as less social.
4. Social media influences exercise trends.
5. Strength training boosts self-esteem.
6. Strength training lowers the risk of heart disease.
7. Many people find group workouts fun.
8. Strength training can cause osteoporosis.

Writing Questions:

1. Why do you think people enjoy working out in groups?
2. How can strength training boost your self-esteem?
3. Describe your ideal workout routine.
4. What would you tell someone who is nervous about joining a gym?
5. How do you think exercise affects mental health?

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