French at the Gym: Vocabulary and Phrases for Beginners
Vocalyra teaching team · Last updated:
Going to a gym in a French-speaking city is a very practical first conversation. A coach greets you, asks what you want to do and gives you a short plan. This guide teaches the exact lines from the Vocalyra Français episode #013, À la salle de sport, plus the basic words around them.
Gym Words You Need First
Most French speakers say la salle de sport, or just la salle once the context is clear. In the episode the coach asks: C'est votre premier jour à la salle ?
- la salle de sport (the gym)
- le tapis de course (the treadmill)
- le vélo (the exercise bike)
- les haltères (the dumbbells)
- les étirements (stretches, stretching)
- le coach (the trainer)
Saying What You Want to Do
To say what you want, use je veux plus an infinitive. It is direct and normal at A1 level. Je voudrais is a softer, more polite option.
- Je veux utiliser le tapis de course. (I want to use the treadmill.)
- Je voudrais faire du vélo. (I would like to use the bike.)
- Qu'est-ce que vous voulez faire aujourd'hui ? (What do you want to do today?)
Understanding the Coach's Instructions
The coach uses the imperative with vous: commencez (start) and faites (do). Both end in -ez, the polite vous form you will hear from staff everywhere.
- Commencez par dix minutes. (Start with ten minutes.)
- Faites quelques étirements légers. (Do some light stretches.)
- Et après ? (And after that?)
Commencer par means to start with. Commencez par dix minutes tells Emma her first step is ten minutes, not the whole workout.
The Full Dialogue
| French | English |
|---|---|
| Bonjour Emma, c'est votre premier jour à la salle ? | Hello Emma, is it your first day at the gym? |
| Oui. | Yes. |
| Qu'est-ce que vous voulez faire aujourd'hui ? | What do you want to do today? |
| Je veux utiliser le tapis de course. | I want to use the treadmill. |
| D'accord, commencez par dix minutes. | OK, start with ten minutes. |
| Et après ? | And after that? |
| Faites quelques étirements légers. | Do some light stretches. |
| Très bien. | Very good. |
Listen to episode #013 on the Vocalyra podcast page and answer the three questions under the player. Then say out loud: C'est mon premier jour. Je veux utiliser le tapis de course.
Quick self-check
Is it Emma's first day?
Show answer
Oui. C'est son premier jour.
Which machine does she want?
Show answer
Le tapis de course.
How long does she start with?
Show answer
Dix minutes.
Source: Vocalyra Français podcast episode #013, the beginner gym conversation this guide is based on. Listen to episode #013
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