SECTION 2:
On behalf of LP Clubs, I’d like to welcome you all here today. My name’s Sandy Fisher, and I’m one of the fitness managers here. Before we start our tour of the club, I’ll just run through some basic information about the facilities we have here, including recent improvements, and explain the types of membership available.
Our greatest asset is probably our swimming pool which at 25 metres isn’t Olympic-sized, but now we’ve expanded it to eight lanes, it’s much wider. This means there are rarely more than a couple of people at a time in each lane. Unfortunately, there isn’t space for an outdoor pool here, but the glass roof on the swimming pool is partly retractable, which means you can enjoy something of the open-air experience on warmer days.
Our recently refurbished fitness suite has all the latest exercise equipment, including ten new running machines, and a wide range of weight-training machines. Each member is given full training in how to operate the equipment, and there is always a trainer on duty to offer help and advice. Although we do have adult-only times after 6 and at certain times at weekends, children are well catered for. Older children continue to benefit from a wide range of tuition; anything from trampolining to yoga.
One thing all our members appreciate about us is that we take very good care of them. This starts on day one with your personal assessment. You are asked to fill in a questionnaire giving details of any health problems. One of our personal trainers will then go through this with you.
The trainer will take you through the safety rules for using the equipment in the fitness suite. During your next exercise session, a personal trainer will work with you to make sure you understand these. It’s very important to do this because we really do want to avoid having any sports injuries. There’s a lot more to looking after yourself than simply lifting weights!
At the end of the personal assessment, the trainer will draw up a plan, outlining what you should try to achieve within a six-week period. This will then be reviewed at the end of the six weeks.
Now, I’ll just quickly run through the types of membership we have available. All members must pay a joining fee of £90 in addition to the rates for the monthly membership fees. Gold membership entitles you to free entry at all LP Clubs. There are now LP Clubs in all major cities and towns, so if you travel a lot, this will be a great advantage. Individual gold membership costs £50 a month, and joint membership for you and your partner will cost £75.
Premier membership is for professional people whose work commitments make it difficult for them to use the club during the day, and so LP gives booking preferences to Premier members at peak times. This means you will find it easier to book the sessions at times that suit you. Reciprocal arrangements with other LP Clubs are available to Premier members. Premier membership is for individuals only, but you will be sent passes for guests every month. The monthly fee is £65.
You don’t have to have any special clothes or equipment when you visit the club. We provide robes and hairdryers in the changing rooms, but it’s very important to remember your photo card because you won’t be able to get in without it.
For people who aren’t working during the day, then …
VOCABULARY:
1. run through /rʌn θruː/ (v) – To quickly explain or summarize something.
SYN: review, summarize
Example: Before we start the meeting, let me quickly run through the main points.
2. asset /ˈæset/ (n) – Something valuable that a person or organization owns.
SYN: resource, advantage
Example: The company’s greatest asset is its talented team.
3. at a time /æt ə taɪm/ (phr) – Individually, one after the other.
SYN: individually, separately
Example: Please enter the room at a time to avoid crowding.
4. retractable /rɪˈtræktəbl/ (adj) – Capable of being pulled back or hidden.
SYN: foldable, collapsible
Example: The retractable roof allows us to enjoy the open air during summer.
5. refurbished /ˌriːˈfɜːrbɪʃt/ (adj) – Restored or updated to improve condition.
SYN: renovated, upgraded
Example: The gym’s refurbished equipment is now state-of-the-art.
6. fitness suite /ˈfɪtnəs swiːt/ (n) – A dedicated area with exercise equipment for physical training.
SYN: gym, fitness center
Example: The hotel’s fitness suite is open 24/7 for guests.
7. weight-training machines /weɪt ˈtreɪnɪŋ məˈʃiːnz/ (n) – Equipment used for strength training by lifting weights.
SYN: gym machines, exercise equipment
Example: The gym offers a variety of weight-training machines for members.
8. on duty /ɒn ˈduːti/ (phr) – Working or available to perform a task.
SYN: available, present
Example: There is always a trainer on duty to assist gym members.
9. go through /ɡoʊ θruː/ (v) – To examine or explain something in detail.
SYN: review, discuss
Example: The trainer will go through your fitness plan during the session.
10. take S.O. through Sth /teɪk ˈsʌmwʌn θruː ˈsʌmθɪŋ/ (v) – To guide someone through a process or task.
SYN: explain, guide
Example: The instructor will take you through the steps of using the treadmill.
11. draw up a plan /drɔː ʌp ə plæn/ (v) – To create a detailed plan or document.
SYN: design, outline
Example: The coach will draw up a plan to help you reach your fitness goals.
12. pay a joining fee /peɪ ə ˈdʒɔɪnɪŋ fiː/ (phr) – To pay an initial charge for membership.
SYN: membership fee, registration fee
Example: All new members must pay a joining fee upon registration.
13. entitle /ɪnˈtaɪtl/ (v) – To give someone the right to something.
SYN: authorize, allow
Example: Gold membership entitles you to free access to all facilities.
14. free entry /friː ˈɛntri/ (n) – Permission to enter without paying.
SYN: free access, no charge
Example: Gold members are granted free entry to all LP Clubs.
15. work commitments /wɜːrk kəˈmɪtmənts/ (n) – Responsibilities or obligations related to one’s job.
SYN: job obligations, professional duties
Example: Many members with work commitments prefer evening classes.
16. give preference /ɡɪv ˈprefrəns/ (phr) – To prioritize or favor someone or something.
SYN: prioritize, favor
Example: Premier members are given preference during peak hours.
17. reciprocal arrangements /rɪˈsɪprəkl əˈreɪndʒmənts/ (n) – Agreements allowing mutual benefits between parties.
SYN: mutual agreements, shared benefits
Example: Members enjoy reciprocal arrangements with other branches of the club.