The Benefits of Physical Activity

1
The Benefits of Physical Activity

• In this lesson, you will Learn About
• The various benefits of regular physical
  activity.
• The different ways physical activity can improve
  your health.
• The importance of aerobic exercise.

2
The Benefits of Physical Activity

• The Vocabulary terms for this lesson are
• Physical activity
• Strength
• Endurance
• Aerobic exercise
• Anaerobic exercise
• Flexibility
• Physical fitness
• Exercise

3
Physical Activity and Your Health

• Physical activity, vigorous or moderate, can help
  keep you healthy.

• Physical Benefits
• Strengthen your heart and lungs
• Build strong bones
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Resist disease

• Mental/Emotional Benefits
• Feel more energetic
• Get tired less easily
• Sleep better
• Reduce stress
• Feel proud of your accomplishments

• Social Benefits
• Have fun
• Meet new people
• Gain support and encouragement from friends

4
Strength, Endurance, and Flexibility
Different kinds of physical activity benefit your
health in different ways. To
build muscle strength, you need to push or pull
against a force such as gravity.
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Strength, Endurance, and Flexibility (contd.)

• Activities that build strength may also increase
  your endurance.
• There are two kinds of endurance
• Muscular endurance is how well your muscles can
  perform a task without tiring.
• Heart and lung endurance is how well your heart
  and lungs can provide your body with oxygen.

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Strength, Endurance, and Flexibility (contd.)
Aerobic exercises helps build endurance. Anaerobi
c exercise is another type of physical activity
that should be included in an exercise
plan. Physical activity can also promote
flexibility.
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Strength, Endurance, and Flexibility (contd.)

• Vigorous Activities
• (Do at least 20 minutes three times a week.)
• Aerobic dancing
• Cycling
• Cross-country skiing
• Ice hockey
• In-line skating
• Running
• Skateboarding
• Swimming

• Moderately Vigorous Activities
• (Do at least 30 minutes three times a week.)
• Basketball
• Calisthenics
• Field hockey
• Handball
• Tennis
• Walking

• Occasionally Vigorous Activities
• (These activities will build muscle strength and
  flexibility.)
• Baseball
• Downhill skiing
• Football
• Snowboarding
• Softball
• Volleyball

8
Other Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity can loosen up your muscles and
help you relax. Vigorous activity can reduce
stress. You may be able to sleep better after an
active day. Physical activity burns calories,
thereby helping you maintain a healthy weight.
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Calories Burned During Various Activities
10
What Is Fitness?

• Staying physically active keeps you physically
  fit.
• Physical fitness gives you enough energy to carry
  you through the day.
• Exercise can help you improve or maintain your
  physical fitness.

11
What Is Fitness? (contd.)

• Types of physical activity include
• Lifestyle activities every day
• Aerobic activities 3 to 5 times a week
• Strength and flexibility activities 2 to 3
  times a week
• Staying active is fun!

12
Reviewing Terms and Facts

1. Define the term strength.

Strength is the ability of your muscles to exert
a force.
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Reviewing Terms and Facts
Endurance

1. __________ means how long you can engage in
   physical activity without becoming overly tired.

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Thinking Critically

1. Which type of physical activity should you
   perform more often lifestyle activities such as
   household tasks or recreational activities such
   as soccer? Explain why.

Lifestyle activities should be performed more
often as they are a good way to keep your body
moving as much as possible.