Talking about exercise routines and running plans

What does “stay in shape” mean in English?

In shape means fit and healthy. So to stay in shape means to exercise so your body stays that way — your body keeps its good “shape.” The phrase has a small family: you get in shape (become fit) and you can be out of shape (not fit). “What do you do to stay in shape?” is one of the most common conversation questions in English.

The answer in the clip is a nice verb lesson too: “I go running,” “I do aerobics,” “I play tennis or golf.” English splits sports across these three verbs — go + -ing activities, do + exercise types, play + games with a ball. Answer the shape question with the right verb and you sound natural twice over.