Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- When is the best time to exercise, and why?
- What are some places or environments that would make exercising more enjoyable?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- overall /OH-ver-awl/
- muscle /MUHS-uhl/
- strengthen /STRENGK-thuhn/
- appealing /uh-PEE-ling/
- surrounding /suh-ROUN-ding/
[adjective] – general; including everything or everyone
The overall design of the new building received high praise.
[noun] – tissue in the body that produces movement by contracting
Regular exercise helps strengthen the muscles in your arms and legs.
[verb] – to make something stronger or more effective
Vitamin D is essential to strengthen bones by improving calcium absorption.
[adjective] – attractive or interesting
She finds minimalist designs appealing for her home decor.
[noun] – the area or environment around a place or person
The peaceful surroundings of the park make it a perfect place to relax.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Walking clubs are becoming a popular way to improve health and well-being because they are easy to join and beneficial for people of all ages. One example is the Louisville Zoo Walking Club in Kentucky, which has been active since 1987 and now has over 15,000 members. Members walk a 1.4-mile loop before the zoo opens, enjoying fresh air and views of animals. Experts say walking is great for heart health, mental well-being, and preventing chronic illnesses like heart disease, high blood pressure, and depression. Research shows walking at least 150 minutes per week, as recommended by the U.S. Surgeon General, can improve both physical and mental fitness.
While walking is a fantastic low-impact exercise, experts suggest combining it with other activities for better overall health. Resistance training and yoga, for example, help build muscle and strengthen bones, especially for older adults. Walking clubs like the one at the Louisville Zoo make regular exercise more appealing with enjoyable surroundings. To make walking a daily habit, try breaking it into small sessions, such as three 10-minute walks. For bad weather, consider indoor options like mall walking or treadmills. Groups like City Girls Who Walk, started in 2022, show how walking can be a simple, enjoyable way to stay healthy while fostering community connections.
While walking is a fantastic low-impact exercise, experts suggest combining it with other activities for better overall health. Resistance training and yoga, for example, help build muscle and strengthen bones, especially for older adults. Walking clubs like the one at the Louisville Zoo make regular exercise more appealing with enjoyable surroundings. To make walking a daily habit, try breaking it into small sessions, such as three 10-minute walks. For bad weather, consider indoor options like mall walking or treadmills. Groups like City Girls Who Walk, started in 2022, show how walking can be a simple, enjoyable way to stay healthy while fostering community connections.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- Why are walking clubs becoming popular?
- Where is the Louisville Zoo Walking Club located?
- How long is the walking loop at the Louisville Zoo Walking Club?
- How many minutes of walking per week does the U.S. Surgeon General recommend?
- What makes walking clubs like the one at the Louisville Zoo more appealing?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever joined a walking club or group activity to stay healthy? If so, what did you like about it? If not, would you like to try it? Why or why not?
- Do you walk for exercise or relaxation? If so, where is your favorite place to walk? If not, what activity do you enjoy for staying active?
- Do you agree that combining walking with activities like yoga makes exercise better?
- Why do you think walking clubs are becoming popular for people of all ages?
- What are some challenges people might face when trying to walk regularly?