Many people wait until January to start their fitness journey because the start of the year is seen as a fresh start and a time for new beginnings. Research shows that the most common new year’s resolution is to improve physical health, with weight loss and changing eating habits also being popular goals. However, studies have found that many people give up on their resolutions after just a month, and most have given up after six months.

One reason why it might be better to start in December is because the winter months naturally slow down our activity levels. Starting exercise earlier in winter or later in autumn aligns with our natural inclination to slow down during this time of year. It can be a positive and empowering decision to go against the tendency to be less active during the darker and colder months. By starting earlier, we can establish a routine and healthy habits before the new year begins.

Gyms and workout spaces are typically much busier in January compared to December due to new year’s resolutions. This can be intimidating for new starters or those who are less experienced. However, during the Christmas period, gyms are usually quieter, providing a more comfortable environment for beginners to learn and build confidence. It is also a good time to take advantage of gym inductions, online resources, and classes to structure workouts and receive guidance from instructors.

It is important to approach fitness goals with a realistic mindset and avoid putting too much pressure on oneself to achieve massive changes in a short period of time. Setting smaller, achievable goals and focusing on progress rather than perfection can help maintain motivation and prevent feelings of guilt or failure. Bringing a friend to workouts can also increase confidence and provide support.

In conclusion, waiting until January to start a fitness journey is a common practice, but it may not always be the most effective approach. Starting in December allows for a gradual transition and the opportunity to establish healthy habits before the new year begins. It also provides a less crowded and more comfortable environment for beginners. By setting realistic goals and seeking support, individuals can increase their chances of long-term success in their fitness endeavors.

Original news source: Why do people always wait until January to get fit? (BBC)

🎧 Listen:

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Fast

📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– Charades

Instructions: Divide the class into two teams. Each team will take turns acting out fitness-related activities or exercises without speaking, while the other team guesses what they are acting out. The team with the most correct guesses wins.

– News Summary

Instructions: Ask students to read the article and write a short summary of the main points. Then, have them pair up and share their summaries with each other. Finally, ask a few pairs to share their summaries with the whole class.

– Opinion Poll

Instructions: Divide the class into small groups and give each group a list of statements related to the article (e.g. “Starting in December is a better time to begin a fitness journey”). Ask students to discuss each statement and indicate whether they agree or disagree. After the discussion, have each group present their opinions to the class.

– Vocabulary Pictionary

Instructions: Write a list of fitness-related vocabulary words from the article on the board. Divide the class into pairs and give each pair a whiteboard or a piece of paper. One student will choose a word from the list and draw a picture representing that word, while the other student tries to guess the word. After a certain amount of time, switch roles.

– Future Predictions

Instructions: Ask students to discuss in pairs or small groups what they think will happen in terms of fitness trends and resolutions in the future. Encourage them to use the information from the article as well as their own ideas. After the discussion, ask a few groups to share their predictions with the whole class.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. Why do many people wait until January to start their fitness journey?
2. What are the most common new year’s resolutions related to physical health?
3. How long do most people stick to their resolutions before giving up?
4. Why might it be better to start exercising in December?
5. How does the busyness of gyms in January compare to December?
6. Why is the Christmas period a good time for beginners to start going to the gym?
7. How can setting smaller, achievable goals help with maintaining motivation?
8. What are some ways to increase confidence and support when starting a fitness journey?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Many (1)______ wait until (2)______ to start their (3)______ journey because the start of the year is seen as a fresh start and a time for new beginnings. Research shows that the most common new year’s resolution is to improve physical health, with weight loss and changing eating habits also being (4)______ goals. However, studies have found that many people give up on their resolutions after just a month, and most have given up after six months.

One reason why it might be better to start in December is because the winter months naturally slow down our activity levels. Starting exercise earlier in (5)______ or later in (6)______ aligns with our natural inclination to slow down during this time of year. It can be a positive and empowering decision to go against the tendency to be less active during the (7)______ and colder months. By starting earlier, we can establish a routine and healthy habits before the new year begins.

Gyms and workout spaces are typically much busier in January compared to December due to new year’s resolutions. This can be intimidating for new starters or those who are less (8)______. However, during the Christmas period, gyms are usually quieter, providing a more comfortable environment for beginners to learn and build confidence. It is also a good time to take advantage of gym inductions, (9)______ resources, and classes to structure workouts and receive guidance from (10)______.

It is important to approach fitness goals with a realistic mindset and avoid putting too much pressure on oneself to achieve massive changes in a (11)______ period of time. Setting smaller, achievable goals and focusing on progress rather than (12)______ can help maintain motivation and prevent feelings of guilt or failure. Bringing a friend to workouts can also increase confidence and provide support.

In conclusion, waiting until January to start a fitness journey is a common practice, but it may not always be the most effective (13)______. Starting in December allows for a gradual transition and the (14)______ to establish healthy habits before the new year begins. It also provides a less crowded and more comfortable environment for beginners. By setting (15)______ goals and seeking support, (16)______ can increase their chances of long-term success in their fitness endeavors.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is your opinion on waiting until January to start a fitness journey? Why or why not?
2. How would you feel if you saw a gym or workout space crowded with people in January? Why?
3. Do you think it is easier or harder to start a fitness journey during the winter months? Why?
4. What are some advantages of starting a fitness journey in December rather than January? Why?
5. How do you think the winter months affect our activity levels? Why?
6. What are some challenges that beginners might face when starting a fitness journey in January? Why?
7. Do you think it is important to set realistic goals when it comes to fitness? Why or why not?
8. How do you think setting smaller, achievable goals can help maintain motivation? Why?
9. What are some ways that bringing a friend to workouts can be beneficial? Why?
10. How do you think the Christmas period affects the atmosphere in gyms? Why?
11. What are some resources or classes that beginners can take advantage of during the Christmas period? Why?
12. How do you think establishing healthy habits before the new year begins can contribute to long-term success in fitness endeavors? Why?
13. Do you think it is important to seek support when starting a fitness journey? Why or why not?
14. How would you feel if you saw someone giving up on their fitness resolutions after just a month? Why?
15. What are some strategies you would recommend to someone starting a fitness journey in December? Why?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. journey
2. resolution
3. inclination
4. empowering
5. tendency
6. routine
7. inductions
8. resources
9. guidance
10. realistic
11. pressure
12. achievable
13. motivation
14. transition
15. endeavors

Meanings:
(A) Formal introductions to a new job, situation, or environment
(B) The application of force upon something by something else in direct contact with it
(C) Help or advice that is given, especially by someone who is knowledgeable about a particular subject
(D) Giving someone the authority or power to do something
(E) Serious attempts or tries for a particular purpose or result
(F) The process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another
(G) A natural or instinctive tendency towards a certain condition or character or effect
(H) A sequence of actions regularly followed
(I) A natural or prevailing disposition to move or act in a particular direction
(J) Capable of being achieved with effort; possible
(K) A firm decision to do or not to do something
(L) A stock or supply of materials or assets that can be drawn on
(M) Having or showing a sensible and practical idea of what can be achieved or expected
(N) A long and often difficult process of personal change and development
(O) The reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. According to the article, when do many people typically start their fitness journey?
(a) December
(b) February
(c) March
(d) January

2. What is the most common new year’s resolution?
(a) Learn a new skill
(b) Travel more
(c) Improve physical health
(d) Save money

3. Why might it be better to start exercising in December?
(a) Gyms are usually quieter during the Christmas period
(b) It allows for a gradual transition and the opportunity to establish healthy habits before the new year begins
(c) All of the above
(d) It aligns with our natural inclination to slow down during the winter months

4. Why are gyms typically busier in January compared to December?
(a) Christmas period
(b) Winter months
(c) New year’s resolutions
(d) Online resources

5. What is a benefit of starting a fitness journey in December?
(a) Gyms are usually quieter, providing a more comfortable environment for beginners
(b) It allows for a gradual transition and the opportunity to establish healthy habits before the new year begins
(c) It can increase confidence and provide support
(d) All of the above

6. How long do many people typically stick to their new year’s resolutions?
(a) One month
(b) Six months
(c) One year
(d) Two years

7. What is an important mindset to have when approaching fitness goals?
(a) Perfection mindset
(b) Realistic mindset
(c) Massive changes mindset
(d) None of the above

8. What can help maintain motivation and prevent feelings of guilt or failure?
(a) Bringing a friend to workouts
(b) Setting smaller, achievable goals and focusing on progress
(c) Seeking support
(d) All of the above

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. Setting massive, unattainable goals and emphasizing perfection rather than progress can help maintain motivation.
2. During the Christmas period, gyms are usually busier, providing a more uncomfortable environment for beginners.
3. Research shows that improving physical health is the most common new year’s resolution.
4. Starting in December allows for a gradual transition and the opportunity to establish healthy habits before the new year begins.
5. Starting exercise later in winter aligns with our natural inclination to speed up during this time of year.
6. Many people give up on their new year’s resolutions after just a month.
7. Gyms and workout spaces are typically much busier in January compared to December.
8. Leaving a friend behind during workouts can increase confidence and provide support.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. What is the most common new year’s resolution?
2. Why do many people give up on their resolutions after just a month?
3. Why might it be better to start a fitness journey in December instead of January?
4. How can starting in December provide a more comfortable environment for beginners?
5. What strategies can help maintain motivation and prevent feelings of guilt or failure in fitness goals?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. Why do many people wait until January to start their fitness journey?
– Because the start of the year is seen as a fresh start and a time for new beginnings.

2. What are the most common new year’s resolutions related to physical health?
– To improve physical health, weight loss, and changing eating habits.

3. How long do most people stick to their resolutions before giving up?
– Studies have found that many people give up on their resolutions after just a month, and most have given up after six months.

4. Why might it be better to start exercising in December?
– The winter months naturally slow down our activity levels, so starting exercise earlier in winter or later in autumn aligns with our natural inclination to slow down during this time of year.

5. How does the busyness of gyms in January compare to December?
– Gyms and workout spaces are typically much busier in January compared to December due to new year’s resolutions.

6. Why is the Christmas period a good time for beginners to start going to the gym?
– Gyms are usually quieter during the Christmas period, providing a more comfortable environment for beginners to learn and build confidence. It is also a good time to take advantage of gym inductions, online resources, and classes for guidance.

7. How can setting smaller, achievable goals help with maintaining motivation?
– Setting smaller, achievable goals allows for progress to be made and prevents feelings of guilt or failure. It helps maintain motivation by focusing on achievable milestones rather than overwhelming oneself with massive changes in a short period of time.

8. What are some ways to increase confidence and support when starting a fitness journey?
– Bringing a friend to workouts can increase confidence and provide support. Seeking guidance from instructors, utilizing online resources, and taking advantage of gym inductions can also help with confidence and support.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) people
(2) January
(3) fitness
(4) popular
(5) winter
(6) autumn
(7) darker
(8) experienced
(9) online
(10) instructors
(11) short
(12) perfection
(13) approach
(14) opportunity
(15) realistic
(16) individuals
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. journey
Answer: (N) A long and often difficult process of personal change and development

2. resolution
Answer: (K) A firm decision to do or not to do something

3. inclination
Answer: (G) A natural or instinctive tendency towards a certain condition or character or effect

4. empowering
Answer: (D) Giving someone the authority or power to do something

5. tendency
Answer: (I) A natural or prevailing disposition to move or act in a particular direction

6. routine
Answer: (H) A sequence of actions regularly followed

7. inductions
Answer: (A) Formal introductions to a new job, situation, or environment

8. resources
Answer: (L) A stock or supply of materials or assets that can be drawn on

9. guidance
Answer: (C) Help or advice that is given, especially by someone who is knowledgeable about a particular subject

10. realistic
Answer: (M) Having or showing a sensible and practical idea of what can be achieved or expected

11. pressure
Answer: (B) The application of force upon something by something else in direct contact with it

12. achievable
Answer: (J) Capable of being achieved with effort; possible

13. motivation
Answer: (O) The reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way

14. transition
Answer: (F) The process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another

15. endeavors
Answer: (E) Serious attempts or tries for a particular purpose or result
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. According to the article, when do many people typically start their fitness journey?
Answer: (d) January

2. What is the most common new year’s resolution?
Answer: (c) Improve physical health

3. Why might it be better to start exercising in December?
Answer: (d) It aligns with our natural inclination to slow down during the winter months

4. Why are gyms typically busier in January compared to December?
Answer: (c) New year’s resolutions

5. What is a benefit of starting a fitness journey in December?
Answer: (a) Gyms are usually quieter, providing a more comfortable environment for beginners

6. How long do many people typically stick to their new year’s resolutions?
Answer: (a) One month

7. What is an important mindset to have when approaching fitness goals?
Answer: (b) Realistic mindset

8. What can help maintain motivation and prevent feelings of guilt or failure?
Answer: (b) Setting smaller, achievable goals and focusing on progress
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. Setting massive, unattainable goals and emphasizing perfection rather than progress can help maintain motivation. (Answer: False)
2. During the Christmas period, gyms are usually busier, providing a more uncomfortable environment for beginners. (Answer: False)
3. Research shows that improving physical health is the most common new year’s resolution. (Answer: True)
4. Starting in December allows for a gradual transition and the opportunity to establish healthy habits before the new year begins. (Answer: True)
5. Starting exercise later in winter aligns with our natural inclination to speed up during this time of year. (Answer: False)
6. Many people give up on their new year’s resolutions after just a month. (Answer: True)
7. Gyms and workout spaces are typically much busier in January compared to December. (Answer: True)
8. Leaving a friend behind during workouts can increase confidence and provide support. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧