Being physically active benefits your total health in a variety of ways.

physical activity

physical fitness

exercise

sedentary

Physical Activity and Your Health

Physical activity benefits all aspects of your health.

Teens should try for at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day.

Physical Activity and Your Health

Physical activity includes all kinds of activities that you do every day.

Physical activityany form of movement that causes your body to use energy

Physical Benefits

Being active on a regular basis improves your physical fitness.

Physical fitnessThe ability to carry out daily tasks easily and have enough reserve energy to respond to unexpected demands

Physical Benefits

All kinds of physical activity—not just exercise—will improve your health.

ExercisePurposeful physical activity that is planned, structured, and repetitive, and that improves or maintains physical fitness

Physical Benefits

Strengthens your muscles and bones

Boosts your energy level

Improves your posture

Helps you maintain a healthy weight

Reduces your risk of many serious diseases

Physical Benefits

Mental and Emotional Benefits

Mental and Emotional Benefits

Stress Relief Mood

Enhancement

ImprovedSelf-Esteem

Better Sleep

Social Benefits

Spend time with friends

Make new friends

Develop skills to improve your relationships

Increase self-esteem

Give you confidence

Manage stress

Social Benefits

Taking part in sports can teach teamwork and sportsmanship.

Risks of Being Inactive

An inactive lifestyle puts you at risk for a variety of health problems.

Examples of sedentary activities include watching TV, surfing the Internet, and playing video games.

Risks of Being Inactive

Being sedentary all the time puts you at risk for a variety of health problems.

SedentaryInvolving little physical activity

Risks of Being Inactive

Health Problems that May Result from Being Sedentary

Unhealthful weight gain and obesity Cardiovascular disease Type 2 diabetes Certain types of cancer Asthma and other breathing problems Osteoporosis Osteoarthritis Psychological problems Premature death

Making Time for Physical Activity

There are several ways to fit physical activity into your daily life.

Engaging in 10 minutes of physical activity six times a day provides the same benefits as an hour-long workout.

Making Time for Physical Activity

Playing basketball, soccer, or tennis Playing video or computer games

Washing the car by hand Taking the car through a car wash

Carrying your groceries to the car Using a shopping cart

Walking, skating, or riding your bike Getting a ride to a friend’s house

Shoveling snow Using a snowblower

Taking the stairs Taking the elevator

Instead of this... Try This…

Making Time for Physical Activity

By turning off the TV and getting out of the house for a little exercise, you can reduce your risk of health problems.

After You ReadReviewing Facts and Vocabulary

Exercise is a purposeful kind of physical activity that is planned and physical activity is any form of movement that causes the body to use energy.

1. What is the difference between physical activity and exercise?

After You ReadReviewing Facts and Vocabulary

2. Name three body systems that benefit from regular physical activity.

Cardiovascular system, respiratory system, musculoskeletal system

After You ReadReviewing Facts and Vocabulary

3. Identify two types of disease associated with a sedentary lifestyle.

Sample answer: cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes