Exercise and Movement
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What you will learn
- 1Explain why exercise is important for the body
- 2Describe at least three things that happen to the body during exercise
- 3Name several types of physical activity that keep you healthy
Mini Lesson
Your body was built to move. You need at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day to keep your heart, lungs, muscles, and bones strong and healthy.
Why exercise matters
- Exercise makes your heart stronger — a strong heart pumps blood more efficiently around the body.
- It builds strong muscles and bones — the more you use them, the stronger they become.
- Exercise boosts your mood — it releases chemicals in the brain that make you feel happy.
- Regular activity helps you sleep better and gives you more energy during the day.
- Example: Running, swimming, skipping, dancing, and riding a bike are all great exercise.
What happens to your body during exercise
- Heart beats faster — to pump more blood to working muscles.
- Breathing speeds up — to bring in more oxygen and remove carbon dioxide.
- Body gets warmer — muscles produce heat as they work.
- You sweat — the body cools itself by releasing water through the skin.
- Muscles may ache after — a sign they have been working hard and getting stronger.
Types of exercise
- Cardio (heart and lungs): running, swimming, cycling, skipping.
- Strength (muscles and bones): climbing, gymnastics, push-ups.
- Flexibility (stretching): yoga, stretching, dancing.
Words to know
Exercise
Moving your body to make it stronger
e.g. Running is good exercise.
Heart
The muscle in your chest that pumps blood
e.g. My heart beats faster when I run.
Muscles
Body parts that help you move and lift things
e.g. Climbing builds strong muscles.
Oxygen
A gas in the air your body needs to keep going
e.g. I breathe in oxygen when I exercise.
Sweat
Water that comes out of your skin to cool you down
e.g. I sweat after a long run.
Ask yourself: "Have I moved my body for 60 minutes today? What activity made my heart beat faster?"
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