Why Exercise Matters

Your Amazing Body#

Your body is the most incredible machine in the world! It can run and jump, think and feel, breathe without you even thinking about it, and heal itself when it is hurt. To keep your amazing body working its best, you need to take care of it — and one of the best ways to do that is with exercise!

Your Muscles#

You have over 600 muscles in your body! Muscles are the soft tissue that makes your body move. Every time you wave your hand, blink your eyes, or breathe, muscles are working.

What happens when you exercise your muscles?

• They get stronger
• They get bigger
• They can work longer without getting tired
• They become more flexible

If you do not use your muscles regularly, they become weaker and smaller. That is why PE class and active play are so important!

Your Bones#

Inside your body is a strong framework of 206 bones — that is your skeleton! Bones support your body and protect your organs.

Exercise helps bones too! When you run, jump, and put weight on your bones, they actually grow stronger and denser. This is especially important when you are young — building strong bones now helps protect you from injuries and bone problems later in life.

Your Heart#

Your heart is a very special muscle. It never rests — it beats 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, pumping blood to every part of your body. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients that every cell in your body needs to survive.

At rest: Your heart beats about 70-90 times per minute. During exercise: Your heart beats much faster — maybe 120-170 times per minute for a first grader running!

Exercise makes your heart stronger. A stronger heart pumps blood more efficiently, meaning your whole body works better.

Your Lungs#

When you breathe, your lungs take in oxygen from the air and send carbon dioxide out. During exercise, your muscles need more oxygen, so you breathe faster and deeper.

Regular exercise makes your lungs more efficient — they can deliver more oxygen with less effort.