Physical Exercise Vocabulary
Talking about exercise or how you keep fit is a topic that has appeared several times in recent years. There are also topics which match very closely – for example talking about health.
Read the following speaking-style questions, paying close attention to words you don’t know and the words in bold. There are definitions for the words in bold at the end of the page.
Before you read the conversation, you might like to download this free PDF quiz and have a go at completing the blanks.
Part 1 IELTS Speaking Sample
Examiner: Do you exercise regularly?
Candidate: Yes – I practice judo and belong to a local dojo. Practising judo helps to keep my body supple and flexible.
Examiner: Have you ever run a long-distance?
Not really – I prefer indoor sports. I did some cross-country running while I was at school – but I always tried to find a shortcut. I remember almost getting caught by a farmer and hiding behind a viaduct.
Examiner: Do you like to watch sport on TV?
Candidate: I watch judo every time there is an Olympics or a World Championships. I also like to watch my local football team. However, it isn’t easy to navigate the ever-changing pay-per-view options.
Part 2
Describe some physical exercise that is popular where you live.
You should say:
- what it is
- when people do it
- where they do it
and explain why they choose to do this form of exercise.
Candidate:
Cycling is by far the most visible form of exercise where I live. I guess it’s popular because it’s a low-impact form of exercise that gives you an excellent muscle workout.
It is easy to fit into your daily routine, so people tend to cycle in the morning or evening as part of their commute.
They don’t cycle on the road anymore but on the pavement. Everywhere you turn, there seems to be a cyclist coming in the opposite direction.
My town has a large area of open grass called the stray and lots of narrow paths which snake across it. These paths are very popular with cyclists, especially in the early morning and evening.
Cycling is relatively easy and is good for strength and stamina building. It can be as intense as you want and it is a fun way to get fit.
Part 3 IELTS Speaking Sample
Examiner: Do you think health is important? Why?[Evaluate]
Candidate: Absolutely – good health is central to human happiness and well-being. Mental health is also as important as physical health when it comes to living a full and active lifestyle.
Examiner: What types of activities do you think help people stay healthy? [Identify]
Candidate: Eating is a kind of activity, and what you eat is closely linked to your health. Regular exercise is also essential – even if it’s just a stroll to the shops.
Examiner: What is the difference between physical health and mental health? [Compare]
Candidate: Physical health is more closely connected with our body and mental health to our emotions. Having said that, mental and physical health are fundamentally linked. There are multiple associations between mental health and chronic physical conditions.
Definitions for IELTS Physical Exercise Vocabulary
Part 1
judo — a type of martial art in which you use your body weight and balance to throw your opponent
a dojo — a room or hall in which judo or another martial art is practised
supple — bending and moving easily and gracefully
cross-country — going across the countryside without using tracks or roads
viaduct — a long bridge on high posts – often providing a way for a train to cross a valley
pay-per-view — a system where you to pay to watch a particular television programme
Part 2
low-impact — relating to exercises designed to put less stress on the body
muscle — a piece of flesh that connects one bone to another and is used for moving a particular part of your body
a pavement — the place next to the road where people walk
to snake — to move in or have a series of long curves
stamina — the ability to keep going without getting tired
Part 3
well-being — the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy
active — relating to someone who does a lot of different activities
stroll — to walk in a relaxed way
fundamentally — in a very important or basic way
chronic — a long-term condition
Practice Your IELTS Achievement/Goal Vocabulary
Record yourself answering this question and send it to us for professional feedback.
Our feedback is based on the official IELTS Speaking Descriptors and will give you precise information on how to improve.
We will publish the details of this service and its prices soon. In the meantime, you can contact us here if you would like to be one of the first.
Return from IELTS Speaking Sample (Physical Exercise) to Home Page