1. What sports do you do?
Transcript item
Elsie: My favourite sport is football. I love football because I've been playing for seven years, and although I can't get past doing ten keepie-uppies, I think it's a great way to learn how to work in a team and bring people together and make new friendships. As well as that, I think, personally, for me, it's a great way to get away from all the stress and anxiety caused by studies or work and just have an excuse to get out of the house and do some exercise.
Donnie: I'm working out and I must tell you that this is just, like, a recent activity that I've started and it makes a world of a difference to me. It's all about a lifestyle change, and I really enjoy coming to the gym every day and working out, because it gives me a lot of energy, I feel less stressed, my mental health is so much better. You should try it!
Sri: Hi, everyone. For me, the best sport is hiking. There's nothing quite like packing a bag and heading out into the nature. Why do I love it? Honestly, it's the perfect mix of a great physical work out and a mental reset. Reaching the summit after a tough climb gives you this amazing sense of achievement and freedom. It's the ultimate escape. The icing on the cake is having Sybil with me so that I can see the world in a bird's eye view.
Jenny: Something I like to do a couple of times a week to try and stay fit and healthy is Pilates. I do it twice a week, for an hour, with an online teacher, in a class. And I like it because it's a very relaxing and gentle way to kind of strengthen your body, trying to keep everything supple and flexible. Also helps to, kind of, strengthen your, your core and to correct your posture. And, yeah, and we just get to lay down on the floor for two hours a week, and, yeah, like I said, it's very relaxing, but also you really feel the benefits of doing it. So, yeah, it's a good, gentle exercise.
Felix: So, I enjoy playing racket sports, so sports like ping-pong, badminton, squash, but tennis is my main sport. I've been playing tennis since I was six years old, and I've played competitions in tennis. And more recently, at university, I've picked up pickleball and squash as well. I love racket sports because since I started with tennis, I, with those skills, could transfer them to the other racket sports, and it made it easier for me to pick them up, such as badminton and ping-pong were pretty easy for me. And that's what I love about it. And I also love the social side of it. All my friends play tennis and all the other racket sports, so we all come together and play them.
Noha: I love to step outside for my morning walk rather than remain confined to a gym. By stepping outside you catch the morning sunlight and get some fresh air. It helps you sleep better at night. For today's walk I thought I'd try rucking, which is a form of weighted walking. You add an extra bit of weight. As you can see, I've chosen a rucksack. Rucking is said to help burn two to three times more calories than regular walking, strengthen your legs and improve overall posture, so you get more bang for your buck.
Paul: My favourite sport is cycling, as you can probably guess. There's lots of reasons why I like cycling. First one is that you don't really need – apart from a bike and a decent helmet – you don't need a lot of special equipment to do it. You don't need to be incredibly fit, you don't need to be kind of sporty to do cycling. Anyone can get on a bike and go out, and you can ride for as long as you want or as short as you want, so it's perfect for that. It's also a low-impact sport, so if you're older, like me, with problems with your knees, then it's a really good sport for that. It doesn't really put any pressure on your joints or on your knees, on your hips or your ankles or anything like that, so it's really good for that. Another reason is it's a social sport, it's really sociable. You can either go out on your own, but you can go out with other people. I often go out with a group of friends or my wife. We sometimes go out for a bike ride, and you can kind of cycle along and talk and chat, so it's really sociable as a sport. And the third and final reason is what you can see behind me, is that it gets you out in nature, and you can choose a route that takes you through forests, through hills, through flat fields, if you want to do that, and you get to spend time outdoors, and that for me is what I really love – it's just the freedom of being out and not having to think about anything, just focusing on what's around you, and cycling and really enjoying the experience.
In this video, you can listen to some of our friends, family and colleagues talking about the type of sport or exercise they do, and why they like it.
- As you listen, count how many sports you hear. Then click here for the answer!
Eleven different types of sport and exercise were mentioned in the video! Did you get them all? They were: football, working out at the gym, rucking (walking with weight on your back), ping-pong, badminton, squash, tennis, pickleball, hiking, Pilates and cycling.
Here are some useful phrases from the video. You may like to use some of them to help you write a comment below.
I've been playing football for seven years.
It's a great way to learn how to work in a team.
I really enjoy coming to the gym every day and working out.
I feel less stressed – my mental health is so much better.
It burns two to three times more calories than regular walking.
I've picked up pickleball and squash.
For me, the best sport is hiking.
It's very relaxing, but also you really feel the benefits of doing it.
You don't need a lot of special equipment.
You don't need to be sporty to do cycling.
Now it's your turn!
- What sport and exercise do you do?
- Why do you like it?
- If you don't do any sports, which ones would you like to try?
Write or record a comment and let us know.
If you want to practise speaking, you can record your response using SpeakPipe voice recorder and post a link to the recording in your comment.
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Hi,I’m Maysa.I like playing badminton. I don’t play very often because I’m usually busy with my studies and other activities. I usually play badminton about two or three times a month when I have free time. I like badminton because it is fun and helps me stay healthy. It is also a good way to relax after studying. I enjoy playing with my friends because we can exercise, talk, and have fun together. Even though I don’t play very often, I always enjoy it when I have the chance to play.
Hi Guys, I am Ayo from Germany.
Few years ago I wanted to start with football. I was at some trainings but unfortunately I could not keeping it so know I am doing Kung Fu for 4 months. At first I found it kinda strange but know I am enjoying it. It improves my mood. I also do workouts at home and I like to ride a bike. But football is still my favourite sport
https://www.speakpipe.com/voice-recorder/msg/i89zug97papia1dn
If something was missing in my record I did Olympic Gymnastic, rhythm gymnastic, ping pong, tennis, swimming lessons and I'm black belt in taekwondo.
I'm practicing running, hiking and go to the gym every night for three or four days. I like because is a therapy for my mine, I am more motived and relaxed, my mental health is much better and can breathe better too. In my life I need to do exercises, when I don´t do it I´m fell suck, tired, with strong. Is very important to me to do exercises frequently.
Hi, I'm Angel, from Mexico. I used to do work out and boxing when I was in highschool, but now I'm no longer a student my routine has changed a lot. Nowadays I just walk as part of my job and sometimes in the afternoon when I catch a little of time. Next year I would like to start making some time to go to the gym again, but meanwhile I'm focused on my professional career and making the habit of eating healthier
https://www.speakpipe.com/voice-recorder/msg/anxt368cqiocp2mz
Hello, I'm Ara from Indonesia. I do weight training 3 times a week. I've been doing this for 2 years now. I started weight training 2 years ago because I need to gain mass and I read about the benefits of weight training for woman in their 30+ to prevent sarcopenia. I also want to try swimming because it seems relaxing.
that's good choice ara because swim not only relxing its sports that move your whole body and you not effort to do that
Hi, my name is Stefania. I like doing sport. I do swimming twice a week. I've been swimming since I was eleven and I worked as swimming teacher. I think it is relaxing because you can feel light and nimble once in the water.
Hi my name is Dania. I AM from Colombia in this moment, i am practicing Boxing once per week on mondays. I like watchings some sports on the t.v. as soccer and ciclyng.
Hello, my name is Patricia.
For me, the best sport is pole sport. In my opinion, it has a perfect mixture of strength, flexibility, endurance, and elegance.
Also, I love working in the gym, running and dancing... I like sports in general. Before, when I was younger I used to go rollerblading, but now I prefer to focus my attention on strength, flexibility and movement.
Hi Patricia,
This is an interesting kind of sport and the picture looks great!
Annette
I love swimming and walking too black_rose2022 ❤
Where do you like to go walking? Somewhere local?
I try and walk every day ... I live by the sea front so tend to walk along the promenade twice a day, once before work and once after work. Even if it's raining!
I'd like to swim in the sea but find the sea too cold in the UK. Where do you go swimming?
~ Tina ツ
LearnEnglish team
Hi everybody I’m Monica from Mantua. This is my experience about being sporty and sports. I regularly practice hiking and nordic walking. I really enjoy doing nordic walking in nature, in a wood, or in a natural park. It relaxes me a lot and helps me get rid of stress and anxiety. Its very useful and healthy for your posture, it allows you to move not only your legs but also your arms using specific sticks. I also practice cycling at weekends because where I live there are a lot of cycling paths along the rivers and lakes. It’s a good way to keep you fit and at the same time to admire the landscape. During winter time I usually go snowshoeing in the Alps and in the summer time during my holiday I usually go to the pool or to the seaside for swimming. It’s really funny.
I envy you!
I really enjoy walking. In paticular, I love doing nordic walking in nature, in a wood, or in a natural park. It relaxes me a lot and helps me get rid of stress and anxiety. Its very useful and healthy for your posture, it allows you to move not only your legs but also your arms using specific sticks. I also practice cycling at weekends because where I live there are a lot of cycling paths along the rivers and lakes. It’s a good way to keep you fit and at the same time to admire the landscape. During winter time I usually go snowshoeing in the Alps and in the summer time during my holiday I usually go to the pool or to the seaside for swimming. It’s really funny.
Hello everyone! I'm Nicolas and I'm from Colombia.
Here in Colombia, we love football and as you can imagine we're more excited than ever because our national team is playing in the World Cup. I watch at least half of the World Cup matches, and I'm sure that many people in my country are doing the same. But when it comes to playing football, well we can say that I'm not the best with a ball, so I only enjoy watching it, and honestly, I think I'm a sedentary man. I'd like to try Yoga, as some of the comments say, I think it's helpful for me and can help me improve my posture (I spend almost every day in front of the computer).
Hi Nicolasito23
Welcome to the Learning hub! My husband has been watching the World Cup but it doesn't interest me much. He even stayed up to watch the England match last night which I think started around 2am UK time!!! What do you think of the matches so far? Which team do you think will win?
I'd also like to take up yoga as I sit in front of a screen for work! Would you join a class or try and follow some YouTube videos to do it?
Let us know if you give it a whirl!
~ Tina ツ
LearnEnglish team
Hi everyone. I'm Patricia and my favorite sport is walking. I try to walk fifteen kilometers every day. I like doing it because I like feeling the fresh air and to see everything around me.
When I was young I would have liked to play tennis but I couldn't.
Hi Patricia!
I love that you do 15km daily! Do you tend to do the same route and how long does it take you? I try to do about 5 miles a day, if I can, which is around 8km. Sometimes at the weekend it's a little more. If I'm doing it on my own I have a quicker pace but if I walk with my husband I'm slower ... I guess because we are walking and talking!
Even though you don't play tennis, do you like watching it at all?
~ Tina ツ
LearnEnglish team
Hi, I'm Anas i'm from Morocco. When it comes to sports, I’m a big fan of football and I also enjoy swimming to stay fit. In my experience, sports are full of colorful idioms; for example, when a game is close, we say it’s "neck and neck," and I always try to "go the extra mile" in my training. Here in Morocco, football is by far the most popular sport, and you'll see kids playing in the streets and adults passionately following the national team. My favorite sportsperson is Achraf Hakimi; I admire his speed, skill, and how he represents Morocco on the world stage. Reflecting on sport and fitness, I believe it's not just about winning or building muscle, but about building discipline and mental strength. For me, staying active helps clear my mind and gives me the energy to tackle daily challenges with a positive attitude.
Hi,
My name is Brice. Now I don't have any favorite sport, but sometimes i do fitness, runnig or walking. I think it is very good to practise sport.
Hey there!
I am Ssam. I have enjoyed playing basketball since my childhood. It was (and still is) one of my best pastimes ever. I could play for hours with my classmates as well as local friends. I used to get home a bit late because of it, which irritated my parents! I think it is the best sport ever because it not only strengthens your whole body, burns calories, and improves your stamina, but it also creates a healthy bond with your friends that usually lasts.
I also go jogging once in a while. I quite like it because the more I jog, the more I can measure my strength and stamina. Through jogging, I get to discover new places. While movement is limited to a court in basketball, jogging gives you total freedom.
Hello,
My name´s Analia and I´m from Argentina. I don´t do any sports actually. However, I like working out in the gym. It´s a great way to relax after a hard day. I feel less stressful - my mental health is so much better after the gym. I used to play volleyball when I was studying, but now, I´ve got a job and I don´t have time enough for the trainig .
However, I enjoy a lot watching football on TV with my husband. We´re fan of Argentina team, of course. Now, the world cup is running and we don´t miss any match,
Hi,
I am Zoobi. I don't play sports, but I try to do exercise to keep my body fit and slim. I also try to eat healthy and use herbal supplements for their long term benefits in my body.
Hi, everyone
May name is aissam i'm from algeria I like tow types of sports first one is football ⚽ i enjoy wen i play it and watching matchs it's verry pupuler game in my contry,there is a lotof legends personne in this game and i think the best one is Missi,about second sport is Hiking it's good for felling makes you beter one you was in mountains and wilderness.
Hi all,
My name is Devatha. My favourite exercise is Yoga. I have been practising Yoga for the past 2 years. Although I want to do practise everyday, somedays I skip because of work and children around. However, I can feel my stamina and flexibility have improved because of Yoga. It helped me during my pregnancy, delivery and recovery.
The back pain during pregnancy suddenly disappeared when I started to practise certain specific poses like the cow pose, butterfly pose and cat-camel pose. Also, while delivering the baby, some breathing techniques helped me to bear the labour pain and push without much struggle. So, I am a huge lover of doing Yoga which helps me feel strong and energetic even during my difficult days.
Hi everyone!
My name is Luna from Indonesia. I don't actually enjoy doing or watching sports. But, I love swimming and I learnt it for the first time when I was 5 years old. I usually swim once a week, either on Sunday morning or Friday afternoon, depending on what I feel like. It keeps my body healthy and fit.
Hi all,
My name is Iulia and for the moment I am not practising any sport, but I do love running, walking, swimming. They relaxes me and create a discipline and a specific mindset, thank you!
Hi! my name is Belén. I am from Andalucía, Spain. We have great weather, so I love doing outdoor sport, such as hiking or roller skating. However, it's not possible for me practice them during the week because of work. I usually do sport on the weeknds but during the rest of the week, I spend a lot of time sitting at home.
Last month I started going to the gym. Although I don't like it very much, it allows me to exercise throughout the week . Since I started going to the gym and working out every day, I feel much better and have more stamina when I go hking or do other outdoor sport.
Now i am a bit of a sport junkie and I am all about staying active and trying to eat healthy.
Hey up there, my name is Abdou Koudouss Badamon from Benin Republic.
My favourite sport is football, I like playing football a lot but these dys I only play just twice a month. I've been playing football since I was I little boy.
I like playing football because it helps me keep fit and de-stress. I also like because it's pretty much the most famous sport in my country so everyone likes it.
Basically I don't play any sport or do exercises.but iam ready thinking of joining in yoga class. I feel yoga really helps to strengthen our muscles and decrease the stress in our body, Totally keeping us fit .I hope I will join in joga soon
Hi Sirisha,
Yoga sounds like a great idea ... would you like to go every week? I find that if the exercise class is near to where I live then I am more likely to go to it, but if I have to travel then I put off going! Let us know if you give it a try and how you get on!
~ Tina ツ
LearnEnglish team
I usually don’t like to do exercise because I have fainted by doing exercise once . So I’ve been searching for a relaxing exercise for me and I found that yoga is really suitable for me. It’s very relaxing . The best thing about yoga is that it helps you relax your stressful mind and body and also help you to discover your inner self and peace. I have improved my mental health by doing yoga. It is very relaxing exercise .So I recommend you to do yoga when you’re struggling with your mind and thoughts . It really good for your mind and body health.
Hi, for last three months I just walking on treadmill or in the office area. My weight loss from 83kg to 72kg. Yeah, I need my exercise to make my body more fresh and slimer of course ;)
Well done diita!
That's fantastic! And a huge weight loss! Did you also try and cut down on what you were eating or change your eating habits? I love to go walking and do try and go every morning before work and every evening after work as a bit of a de-stress but also because it makes me feel good. But I don't seem to be shifting any of the weight I'd like to get rid of ... so please ... tell me your secret!
~ Tina ツ
LearnEnglish team
Hi Tina,
Yeah, i did deficit calories of course. I cut the sugar, flour and oil. I ate more protein and fiber, so I felt full to longer..
I change sugar aren latte coffee to americano, no fastfood anymore, keep my sleeping time more than 7hours and no more stay up late.
Stay on healthy, Tina, thats more important than anything 😉
Hello
I am Samuel from Nigeria. My best sport is football. I have been playing football from year 7 on the street.
Football keeps me health and fit
Hi Samuel!
Welcome to the Learning hub ツ
Do you also like watching football? Are you supporting anyone in the World Cup at the moment? My children love to play football and I often go and support them at the weekends.
~ Tina
LearnEnglish team
https://www.speakpipe.com/voice-recorder/msg/6ccoqmwzi60frkx4
Hi Berry500,
Thank you for your voice message ... it was lovely and clear to listen to. I've never tried jogging but maybe I should give it a go! How many kilometres do you tend to do and do you go every day?
~ Tinaツ
LearnEnglish team
Hi everyone! I don’t usually watch sports, I prefer to do them. In my case, I love swimming and hiking, but I’m not a sports fan in terms of watching and following them on TV. In my country, Spain, the most popular sport is soccer, so here it's almost a religion heheh. These days, the World Cup is taking place, so there is a lot of enthusiasm for the Spanish team.
https://www.speakpipe.com/voice-recorder/msg/vm5jpvoe4om37sgh
my answer here: https://www.speakpipe.com/voice-recorder/msg/ilisuadbbk4yfnc5
Hi,
I've been playing football since i was seven years old and i play football anywhere. I like football because it's a sport collectif and i love playing with my teammates.
My favorite sports are swimming and hiking. I love swimming for so many reasons. First, I adore being in the water, it's incredibly relaxing and makes me feel light and refreshed. Swimming also gives me a boost of energy and does wonders for my physical and mental health. It’s like therapy to me! Finally, since I love nature, I also enjoy going hiking from time to time. It’s a great way to get some exercise while enjoying the mountains.
https://www.speakpipe.com/voice-recorder/msg/4gjyu2woqjjl5siz
Hi 4zwiah,
Well done for going to the gym for a couple of years. I started going last year and do really enjoy it but have found that a couple of times I've had some sort of injury so can't go and then I get out of the habit of it. I really need to start again. How many times a week do you like to go?
~ Tina ツ
LearnEnglish team
Hi every, I'm pk, I used to play some exercises such as playing football, volleyball when I was young. But now I sometimes play Football and do some home work out exercises, walking for daily because they make me more comfortable and less stressed.