Chapter 12

Physical Activity and Fitness

Lesson 1

Benefits of Physical Activity

Physical Activity and Your Health What would you do to improve your health? Most important step to take is living a

physically active life Physical Activity-any form of movement that

causes your body to use energy. Benefits every system in your body and

mental/emotional and social health.

Physical Benefits

Being active on a regular basis improves physical fitness- ability to carry out daily tasks easily and have enough reserve energy to respond to unexpected demands.

Muscles and bones can be strengthened depending on activity along with boosting energy level, improving posture.

Exercise- purposeful physical activity that is planned, structured, and repetitive and that improves or maintains physical fitness.

All physical activity will improve health Helps maintain healthy weight and reduce risk of disease

Mental and Emotional Benefits Physical activity has a positive effect on

mental and emotional health Stress Relief Mood Enhancement Better Sleep Improved Self-Esteem

Social Benefits

Physical activity is a great way to make friends (sports, activities, etc.)

Being active as part of group may motivate you to stick with your fitness program.

Helps in improving skills such as team work and sportsmanship.

Increased self-esteem aids in self-confidence when meeting new people and dealing with situations.

Helps manage stress since it’s not building up and will not have a negative impact on relationships.

Risks of Being Inactive

Sedentary- involving little physical activity May spend time watching TV, playing video games, computer Teens should aim for 60 min. of activity daily Being sedentary all the time poses risks for :

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

Making Time for Physical Activity May be hard to find 60 min a day for physical

activity. Can have same benefits from shorter periods

of activity spread throughout the course of a day

Journal

For the next week, keep a daily log of both physical activity and sedentary activity and the amount of time spent on both. Assess your entries and discuss how you can replace sedentary activity with physical activity.

Homework

What might influence some teens to choose a sedentary lifestyle? Suggest ways to encourage these teens to become more physically active. Hand in next class.