Did you know that everytime you go out to the playground you are getting exercise? Running around, jumping rope, and even swinging on the swings exercises your body. This is really important because getting enough exercise will help keep your body healthy and strong. There are many other reasons why it is important to get enough exercise. Read below for some more cool exercise facts!
Fact #1: Exercise is good for your heart.
Your heart is an important muscle that pumps blood and oxygen throughout your body. If you do exercise that makes you breath faster, then you are doing aerobic exercise. Aerobic means “with air.” This type of exercise often makes you sweat more and makes your heart beat faster.
This is good because aerobic exercise makes your heart stronger and better at doing its job! If you want to try some aerobic exercise, then try jumping robe, running outside, playing basketball, or even just skipping around.
Fact #2: Exercise strengthens your muscles.
Certain types of exercise can also make your muscles stronger. When you use your muscles to do powerful things, like swing on the monkey bars or do push-ups, you are building their strength. Older teens and adults also use these types of exercises to make their muscles bigger.
Try doing these strength-building exercises: pull-ups, push-ups, running, tug-of-war, and rowing.
Fact #3: Exercise helps you maintain a healthy weight.
Everytime you eat some food, you are eating fuel in the form of calories. A calorie is a unit of energy. Your body uses this energy to run, jump, and play. Your body only needs a certain number of calories every day. If you eat too many calories without using the energy, they are stored on your body as fat. Exercise can help burn up those extra calories and keep your body at a healthy weight.
Fact #4: Exercise can make you more flexible.
Have you ever seen a gymnast or a cheerleader do a split? They are very flexible so they can move their arms and legs freely without feeling tightness or pain. Kids are usually pretty flexible too! Sometimes it feels good to reach down and touch your toes. It’s like a big stretch after a nap. Exercise can help keep your muscles flexible so you are less likely to hurt yourself.
Fact #5: Exercise makes you feel good!
It is fun to run fast, jump high, and play games with your friends. Did you know that your brain releases chemicals called endorphins while you play? These chemicals make you happy. See? Exercise IS pretty cool!
Use the facts above to answer these review questions:
- What is the type of exercise that means “with air?”
- Give an example of a strength exercise.
- What is another name for a unit of energy?
- Why is it so easy for gymnasts and cheerleaders to do splits?
- What are the chemicals called that your brain releases to make you feel happy?
