Benefits of Running

Type: Vocabulary
Originally published on June 27, 2019 and last updated on May 28, 2023

The topic of the benefits of running serves as an excellent conversation topic for English learners, providing them with an opportunity to enhance their language skills while exploring a healthy and popular activity. Discussing this subject allows learners to expand their vocabulary related to fitness, exercise, and health, as well as practice expressing personal experiences, opinions, and preferences.

Exploring the benefits of running encourages learners to share their own fitness routines, exchange tips, and discuss the positive impact of physical activity on overall well-being. Such conversations promote language fluency, cultural exchange, and a healthy lifestyle.

Instructions:
Go through the vocabulary below with your students and ask them to try and use this vocabaulry where possible when discussing the different conversation questions.

About the Benefits of Running

Running is a very popular sport and a way of keeping fit for many people. Whether it be a short jog or a 10 km run people have been running for years to stay fit and healthy.

Very few questions are asked about the negative effects of running as it is widely assumed that there are none, but if we look into the different distances, frequency and intensity people choose to run there may well be some negative effects.

Useful Vocabulary

Try and use the following vocabulary when answering the question. Click to look up the definition in the dictionary

  • go for a run (phrase)
  • frequency (noun)
  • intensity (noun)
  • distance (noun)
  • healthy (adjective)
  • keep fit (idiom)

Conversation Questions

My Image
  • What are some physical benefits of running? How does it improve overall fitness?
  • Have you ever tried running? If so, what benefits did you experience?
  • How does running contribute to mental well-being and stress reduction?
  • What are some social benefits of running, such as participating in group runs or races?
  • Can you think of any long-term health benefits associated with regular running?
  • Are there any challenges or obstacles people may face when starting a running routine?
  • How can running contribute to weight management and healthy body composition?
  • What are some safety precautions or tips for running outdoors?
  • In what circumstances would running not be good for people?
  • What are the negative effects of running extremely long distances on a regular basis?
  • Should employers encourage or provide facilities for employees to engage in running or other physical activities during work hours?
  • Do you think running is the most effective form of exercise for overall fitness and health? Why or why not?
Gregory
This conversation topic was prepared by Gregory

Gregory is a qualified TEFL teacher who has been teaching English as a Foreign Language (ESL) for over a decade. He has taught in-person classes in Spain and to English learners around the world online.