Listening
Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
- multi-disciplinary / ˌmʌl taɪ ˈdɪs ə pləˌnɛr I / (adj.) – involving different areas of knowledge or skills
Example:Our company uses a multi-disciplinary approach, with engineers, designers, and marketers working together to complete the project.
- execute / ˈek sə kjut / (v.) – to do or complete something
Example:The athletes executed their moves perfectly, so they won the competition.
- endurance / ɛnˈdʊər əns / (n.) – the ability to keep doing something difficult for a long time
Example:Running long distances requires endurance because you need to keep going for hours.
- intriguing / ɪnˈtriː ɡɪŋ / (adj.) – very interesting or unusual in a way that makes you want to learn more
Example:The book’s mysterious story was so intriguing that I couldn’t stop reading.
- progressively / prəˈgrɛs ɪv li / (adv.) – in a way that is gradual and slow over time
Example:The weather is getting progressively colder as winter approaches.
Article
Read the text below.
The phrase “hybrid athlete” is gaining popularity on social media, with thousands of followers embracing a multi-disciplinary approach to training and racing.
While it’s considered a positive trend, experts warn that diving into an intense training routine can be risky if not executed properly.
Hyrox is a fitness competition that blends running with functional exercises. It’s rapidly becoming one of the fastest-growing fitness sports globally, with events held in more than 11 countries and 30 cities.
Karla Maganto Parisotto started competing over a year ago. Since then, she’s witnessed its popularity skyrocket. “It just went crazy, I just knew everyone doing it and then in Melbourne as well and now it’s just the new thing,” she says.
Hyrox is a key element of a growing social media trend, called “hybrid training.” A “hybrid athlete” typically refers to someone who combines various types of training, such as endurance and strength.
Though the concept isn’t new to athletes, fitness influencers are popularizing the approach with demanding workout routines, inspiring thousands of followers to give it a try.
“Seeing muscle-bound guys with their shirts off running marathon distances is intriguing, is interesting, is extraordinary and all of these things feed engagement on social media,” says musculoskeletal physiotherapist, Nick Ilic.
Overall, hybrid training is a positive concept, but experts warn that if not done correctly, an unrealistic routine can have harmful consequences.
“Do so slowly and progressively. Make sure you’re fueling appropriately and just making small changes to your training and making sure there’s enough recovery in there,” says Ilic. Done right, it can lead to a positive community.
“I think it’s really good to motivate people to get out there and do stuff as long as they get out there and do things gradually and gradually expose themselves to these big strength loads or big endurance loads,” adds Ilic.
“Different fitness components, different ages, different body types, I saw there was a very big community in it and everyone pushing each other,” adds Maganto Parisotto.
This article was provided by The Associated Press.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
- Many people follow fitness trends because of social media. Do you think social media motivates people to be healthier, or does it create unrealistic expectations? Why? What are some positive ways social media can encourage a healthy lifestyle? Discuss.
- Experts warn that intense training without proper preparation can be dangerous. What do you think are the risks of pushing yourself too hard in fitness? Do you think social media encourages people to push themselves too hard in fitness? Why or why not? Discuss.
Discussion B
- Many people are embracing a multi-disciplinary approach to training and racing. Do you think mixing different types of training is better than focusing on one? Why or why not? What kind of training do you think you would personally enjoy the most, and why? Discuss.
- Karla Maganto Parisotto says hybrid training builds a strong fitness community. How important do you think a sense of community is when working toward a goal? Do you think achieving fitness goals is easier alone or with a support system? Why do you say so? Discuss.
