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)
π§ Listen:
π 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.
π€ Comprehension Questions:
Because the start of the year is seen as a fresh start and a time for new beginnings.
To improve physical health, weight loss, and changing eating habits.
Studies have found that many people give up on their resolutions after just a month, and most have given up after six months.
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.
Gyms and workout spaces are typically much busier in January compared to December due to new year's resolutions.
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.
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.
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.
π§βοΈ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:
Many wait until to start their 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 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 or later in 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 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 . 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, resources, and classes to structure workouts and receive guidance from . 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 period of time. Setting smaller, achievable goals and focusing on progress rather than 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 . Starting in December allows for a gradual transition and the to establish healthy habits before the new year begins. It also provides a less crowded and more comfortable environment for beginners. By setting goals and seeking support, can increase their chances of long-term success in their fitness endeavors.
π¬ Discussion Questions:
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
ππ Vocabulary Meanings:
Click a dot next to a word, then click the dot next to its meaning to draw a line connecting them.
Words
Meanings
π‘ Multiple Choice Questions:
π΅οΈ True or False Questions:
π Write a Summary:
Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
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