Fitness Plan 

Exercise is good for you in many different ways. It can help you maintain a healthy weight and boost your overall energy level. Regular exercise lowers stress and anxiety and helps improve your mood.

Exercise can and should be fun. Knowing the health benefits of exercise will help you get started. The worksheets in this section will help you figure out what motivates you (or gets you to exercise), which types of activities you’ll enjoy most, and how to fit them into your life.

A good fitness plan should include a balance of stretching, toning, and

aerobic activities.

• The Stretch It section lists stretching exercises that will keep you flexible,

help you relax, and help prevent injuries such as pulling a muscle from reaching

too far.

• The Tone It section lists strengthening exercises that will help you build strong

muscles and boost your metabolism.

• The Move It section lists aerobic activities that will help keep your heart healthy

and strong.

                                                           Talking about Yoga 

Amanda: No, Mike. You know I really can't stand jogging. I've joined a yoga class at our local fitness center. I hear it's a great way to stay fit. Want to join me?

Mike: No way! Yoga is for girls. I'd rather do some weights or cardio at the gym than contort my body into painful postures.

Amanda: Come on, there's more to yoga than that! It's perfect for physical and spiritual well-being. It also helps your body become more flexible.

Mike: No thanks－I think all of this is just a moneymaking gimmick. I'm telling you Amanda, don't buy into it!

Amanda: Mike, we just learn three new postures every day and do some meditation. My yoga guru is going to teach us about breathing today. Did you know that we don't even breathe properly anymore?

Mike: Count me out! I don't need anyone to tell me how to breathe! Just because celebrities are doing yoga, everyone's jumping on the bandwagon.

Amanda: That's not true! You're always reluctant to try something new. Give it a chance－you might enjoy it.

Mike: Okay, but only if you promise I'll end up with a body like Matthew McConaughey!

to contort (v.) 扭曲；曲解

Peter's face contorted with rage when he found out his sister had broken his laptop computer.

posture (n.) 姿势；姿态

He maintained a good posture even in old age by sitting straight instead of slouching.

flexible (adj.) 可弯曲的；柔韧有弹性的

The dancer is so flexible that she can touch her head with her foot.

guru (n.) 导师；大师

Many people in the U.S. consider Martha Stewart to be a lifestyle guru.

reluctant (adj.) 不情愿的；勉强的

Sharon was reluctant to leave the children alone with the babysitter, but she had no other choice.

spiritual well-being 心灵上的平静；心灵上的喜悦

A: Aren't you glad we decided to take a trip to the Himalayas instead of New York?

B: Yes, the peaceful atmosphere and fresh air have been good for my spiritual well-being.

moneymaking gimmick 赚钱的技俩；赚钱的花招

A: Guess what? The department store is offering a buy-one-get-one-free deal on all clothes and jewelry!

B: Come on, that's just a moneymaking gimmick to attract more customers.

to end up with 最后…；结果…

A: Why are we here so early? The concert doesn't start until an hour later!

B: I wanted to find good seats－I always end up with seats in the back row when I arrive late