Physical exercise

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"articipant in a triathlon at #atoctin $ountain in %&&'.
Physical exercise is any bodily activity that enhances or maintains physical fitness and overall
health and (ellness. )t is performed for various reasons. *hese include strengthening muscles
and the cardiovascular system, honing athletic skills, (eight loss or maintenance and for
en+oyment. Fre,uent and regular physical e!ercise boosts the immune system, and helps prevent
the "diseases of affluence" such as heart disease, cardiovascular disease, *ype % diabetes and
obesity.
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)t also improves mental health, helps prevent depression, helps to promote or
maintain positive self0esteem, and can even augment an individual1s se! appeal or body image,
(hich again is also linked (ith higher levels of self0esteem.
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#hildhood obesity is a gro(ing
global concern
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and physical e!ercise may help decrease the effects of childhood obesity in
developed countries.
Rewards and Benefits
!perts recommend that teens get 4& minutes or more of moderate to vigorous physical activity
each day. 5ere are some of the reasons:
Exercise benefits every part of the body, including the mind. Exercising causes the
body to produce endorphins, chemicals that can help a person to feel more peaceful and
happy. Exercise can help some people sleep better. It can also help some people who
have mild depression and low self-esteem. Plus, exercise can give people a real sense
of accomplishment and pride at having achieved a certain goal like beating an old
time in the !!-meter dash.
Exercising can help you look better. People who exercise burn more calories and look
more toned than those who don"t. In fact, exercise is one of the most important parts of
keeping your body at a healthy weight.
Exercise helps people lose weight and lower the risk of some diseases. Exercising
to maintain a healthy weight decreases a person"s risk of developing certain diseases,
including type # diabetes and high blood pressure. $hese diseases, which used to be
found mostly in adults, are becoming more common in teens.
Exercise can help a person age well. $his may not seem important now, but your body
will thank you later. %omen are especially prone to a condition called osteoporosis &a
weakening of the bones' as they get older. (tudies have found that weight-bearing
exercise, like )umping, running or brisk walking, can help girls &and guys*' keep their
bones strong.
*he three components to a (ell0balanced e!ercise routine are: aerobic e!ercise, strength training,
and fle!ibility training.
http+,,kidshealth.org,teen,your-body,take-care,exercise-wise.html