“Conversation Starter Lesson Series: Upper-Intermediate” is designed for intermediate-level ESL learners who want to improve their fluency and confidence in speaking English.
Each lesson includes an engaging reading material with audio, vocabulary and expressions, comprehension questions, and discussion questions to be used for one to one class, group class, or self-study for both online and offline classes.
Unit 3: Health and Wellness
Story 01: The Rise and Popularity of CrossFit
Key Lesson Vocabulary & Expressions: Look over and review before proceeding.
- high-intensity
- weightlifting
- gymnastics
- cardio
- effectiveness
- scalability
- camaraderie
- traditional gyms
- elite athletes
- exposure
Read or Listen to the following passage:
CrossFit is a fitness program that has taken the world by storm. It is a high-intensity workout that combines weightlifting, gymnastics, and cardio. CrossFit was founded in 2000 by Greg Glassman, and it has grown rapidly in popularity ever since.
The rise of CrossFit can be attributed to several factors. One of the main reasons is the effectiveness of the workout. CrossFit is designed to be a complete fitness program that can help individuals achieve their fitness goals, whether it is to lose weight, build muscle, or improve their overall health. Additionally, the competitive nature of CrossFit has made it popular among people who enjoy the challenge of pushing themselves to their limits.
Another reason for the popularity of CrossFit is the sense of community it provides. CrossFit gyms, known as “boxes,” are known for their welcoming and supportive environment. Members are encouraged to cheer each other on and push each other to do their best. This creates a sense of camaraderie that is hard to find in traditional gyms.
CrossFit has also gained popularity due to its scalability. The workouts can be adapted to fit the needs and abilities of any individual, regardless of their fitness level. This makes it accessible to a wide range of people, from beginners to elite athletes.
In recent years, CrossFit has gained even more exposure due to the CrossFit Games. The Games is an annual competition that brings together the fittest individuals from around the world to compete in a series of workouts. The Games have become a popular event, and many people follow the competition closely.
In conclusion, the rise and popularity of CrossFit can be attributed to its effectiveness, sense of community, scalability, and exposure through the CrossFit Games. With its challenging workouts and supportive environment, it is no surprise that CrossFit has become a popular fitness program around the world.
Comprehension Questions:
- What is CrossFit?
- Who founded CrossFit?
- What are some reasons for the popularity of CrossFit?
- What is a CrossFit box?
- What is the CrossFit Games?
Conversations Starters:
- Do you think high-intensity workouts like CrossFit are effective for weight loss?
- What benefits do you think weightlifting provides that cardio does not?
- Have you ever tried gymnastics as a form of exercise? How did you find it?
- What are some of your favorite cardio exercises to do to improve your fitness?
- How do you measure the effectiveness of your exercise routine?
- Do you think scalability is important in a fitness program? Why or why not?
- Have you ever been a part of a fitness community that emphasizes camaraderie like CrossFit? What was your experience like?
- What are some advantages of working out in traditional gyms compared to home workouts?
- What sets elite athletes apart from recreational athletes in terms of their training and lifestyle?
- How can exposure to different types of exercise programs and fitness communities benefit your overall health and wellness?
