How long does it take to build a habit?

Answer and give a real example for each one.

1. What sport or physical activity do you do?
2. Did you do sport at school? Did you enjoy it?
3. What is your favourite way to move: walking, dancing, swimming, gym...?
4. What stops you from exercising more?
5. Have you ever started a new sport and given up?
6. Who is the fittest person you know?

For each word or phrase, say one true sentence about you and sport.

Choose the word or phrase that fits.

1. I at the gym before work.
2. I want to for my sister's wedding.
3. She runs every day. She's very .
4. In winter, I lose all my .
5. I started yoga but after a month.
6. It's hard to a new routine.
7. He always has : too tired, too busy, too cold.
8. I used to be a , but now I cycle to work.

Choose the word that goes together, then press Check answers.

1. to keep
   fitfitnessfitting
2. to make an
   excuseexcuses forexcused
3. to push
   yourselfyouself
4. a personal
   bestrecord bestwin
5. to be out of
   breathbreatheair out
6. to warm
   uponin
   before running

Use each phrase to talk about your sport and motivation.

• I've been trying to...Я намагаюся...I've been trying to walk 10,000 steps a day.
• What keeps me going is...Що мене тримає, так це...What keeps me going is music in my headphones.
• I managed to... even though...Мені вдалося..., хоча...I managed to finish the race even though it was raining.
• I used to be able to..., but now...Раніше я міг (могла)..., а тепер...I used to be able to run 10 km, but now I get tired after 3.
• My excuse is usually...Моя відмовка зазвичай...My excuse is usually "I'm too tired".
• The hardest part is...Найважче — це...The hardest part is getting out of the house.
• Once I start, I...Коли вже почну, то...Once I start, I actually enjoy it.
• No pain, no gain.Без труда нема плода.It hurts, but no pain, no gain!

Read the article. Hover over the dotted words for help.

1. Research proves that habits take exactly 21 days.
   TrueFalse
2. On average, a habit took 66 days to become automatic.
   TrueFalse
3. Every person took the same time.
   TrueFalse
4. Simple habits became automatic faster.
   TrueFalse
5. Missing one day destroyed the habit.
   TrueFalse

1. How long did it take you to build a good habit?
2. Which habit would you like to build in the next 66 days?
3. Do you give up after missing one day?
4. What habit could you link to your morning coffee?

Careful: for one specific success, don't use could: ✗ Yesterday I could run 10 km for the first time → I managed to run / I was able to run. managed to suggests it was difficult. Future: will be able to.

1. When I was a child, I
   couldmanaged to
   swim very well.
2. After months of training, I
   managed tocould
   run a marathon last Sunday.
3. It was raining, but we
   were able tocould
   finish the hike.
4. I
   couldn'tdidn't can
   lift the heavy box.
5. After two months, you
   will be able towill can
   run 5 km.
6. She
   didn't manage todidn't managed to
   finish the race.
7. My grandfather
   couldmanaged
   play football really well when he was young.
8. Did you
   manage tomanaged to
   get to the gym this week?

Each sentence has one mistake. Type the correct words.

1. Last week I could run 10 km for the first time. →
2. I didn't managed to finish. →
3. I will can swim next year. →
4. She was able finish the race. →
5. We managed finishing on time. →
6. Did you could find the gym? →

Answer in detail. Use could, was able to and managed to.

1. What could you do as a child that you can't do now (or the opposite)?
2. Tell about a time you managed to do something difficult in sport or life.
3. What did you try but couldn't manage to do?
4. What will you be able to do if you keep training for a year?
5. Describe your best personal achievement in sport.
6. Tell about a time you kept going when you wanted to give up.

For each excuse, give honest advice. Which excuse do you use most? What would help you?

Present your plan to your teacher. Promise to report back in a few weeks!

1. Choose one small, realistic habit (sport or health).
2. When and where exactly will you do it? What existing habit will you link it to?
3. What will you do on the days you miss it?
4. What will you be able to do after 66 days?

1. What sport did you love as a child?
2. Have you ever watched a big sports event live?
3. Do you prefer team sports or individual sports?
4. Have you ever had a sports injury?
5. Do you use any apps or gadgets for sport?
6. What is your best excuse for not exercising?
7. Would you rather exercise alone or with others?
8. What sport would you like to try?

1. Who is the most inspiring athlete you know of?
2. Should PE (physical education) be more important at school?
3. Do men and women have different attitudes to sport?
4. Why do so many adults stop doing sport?
5. Is it better to exercise in the morning or the evening?
6. Should companies pay for employees' gym memberships?

1. Is professional sport good for health?
2. Are sports stars paid too much?
3. Do people exercise for health or to look good?
4. Is willpower overrated?
5. Should unhealthy food be taxed to pay for sports facilities?
6. Can e-sports be called sport?

"Willpower is the key to a healthy lifestyle."

Round 1: give your real opinion for 1–2 minutes. Round 2: defend the opposite side for 1 minute. Use: I managed to... because... · In my experience... · Research shows that... · What really keeps people going is...