Il tapis roulant è libero?

Is the treadmill free?

Pronunciation

'Tapis roulant' is borrowed from French. Italians say 'ta-PI roo-LAN'. 'Libero' = LEE-be-ro.

When to use it

Ask this when approaching a treadmill that appears unoccupied but may have a water bottle or towel on it indicating someone is using it.

What it means

'Libero' in this context means 'free/available', not 'free of charge'. The same word applies to other equipment: 'La cyclette è libera?' (Is the exercise bike free?). Note the gender agreement: 'il tapis roulant è libero' (masculine), 'la macchina è libera' (feminine).

Variations

Posso usare questo tapis roulant?

Can I use this treadmill?

Direct request.

Stai usando questo?

Are you using this?

Very casual, informal.

C'è un tapis roulant libero?

Is there a free treadmill?

When all appear occupied.

Mini Dialogue

— Scusa, il tapis roulant è libero? — Sì, ho appena finito. — Grazie! Sai come si imposta la velocità? — Usa i tasti più e meno sul pannello davanti.

— Excuse me, is the treadmill free? — Yes, I just finished. — Thanks! Do you know how to set the speed? — Use the plus and minus buttons on the panel in front.

Cultural Note

In Italian gyms, leaving a water bottle or towel on a machine to 'reserve' it while doing other exercises is common but sometimes frowned upon. A polite note ('Torno subito' — 'Back in a moment') is sometimes left, but this varies by gym culture.

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Devo fare riscaldamento prima di allenarmi.

Faccio stretching alla fine.

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