GCSE PE Revision - Benefits of Exercise

We all know that exercise is good for you, but why? What effect does exercise have on you and your body?

Physical benefits

Improved body shape - including muscle tone and posture
Strengthens bones and muscles
Reduces the chance of illness so increasing life expectancy
Improves endurance, flexibility and overall fitness

Mental benefits:

Helps you to deal with stress and tension
Improves self-confidence
Increases motivation
Gives you something to aim for - a challenge

Social Benefits:

Helps you meet new people and make friends
Improves your teamwork and cooperation

The amount of exercise you do will vary depending on your physical fitness and your long-term goals. For example, if you have not exercised for a while or ever before, have been ill or are reaching middle age or older you need to start slowly. If your aim is to run a marathon you will need to do more training than someone who is aiming to walk down the road without getting out of breath.

Exercise Guidelines

Start gently and gradually increase the time and intensity of your exercise as it gets easier
Exercise often - 20 minutes three times a week is better than 60 minutes once a week
Don't overdo it - exercise shouldn't be painful or make you ill or overly tired afterwards.

Running feet