A Healthy and Active Lifestyle People take part in physical activity for a number of reasons. Health is a state of complete mental, physical and social well-being. SO a Healthy and Active Lifestyle is a regime that includes physical activity, which contributes positively to mental, physical and social well-being. Healthy, active lifestyles (GCSE PE: Unit 1.1.1)

The Benefits of Physical Activity A healthy, active lifestyle can help a person’s mental, physical and social well-being. Physical well-being relates to changes that happen to the body due to activity. Mental well-being relates to how your approach and attitude towards things changes due to activity. Social well-being is to do with how well you relate and interact with others. Healthy, active lifestyles (GCSE PE: Unit 1.1.1)

The PHYSICAL Benefits of Exercise Physical well-being relates to changes that happen to the body due to activity. Some physical benefits are: Increased muscular strength BY using weights Increased muscular endurance BY using muscles repeatedly Increased cardiovascular fitness BY taking part in aerobic activities and increasing the number of red blood cells Increased flexibility BY doing stretches Creating a physical challenge BY attempting activities outside of your comfort zone Stronger bones and reduced chance of osteoporosis BY doing weight-bearing exercise Reduced chance of coronary heart disease/stroke BY reducing cholesterol and blood pressure and BY burning calories, lowering chance of obesity Healthy, active lifestyles (GCSE PE: Unit 1.1.1)

The MENTAL Benefits of Exercise Mental well-being relates to how your approach and attitude towards things changes due to activity. Some mental benefits are: Helps to relieve stress SO you can forget about other life problems or issues Creates a sense of competition BY achieving goals or beating opponents Creates aesthetic appreciation BY recognising the quality or skill of movement Creates a feel good factor BY the release of serotonin Helps relieve aggression BY playing a controlled contact sport (rugby) Increases self-confidence and self-esteem: WHEN you are performing better BY practicing more WHEN you feel part of something BY playing in a team WHEN you think you look better BY losing weight or toning muscle Healthy, active lifestyles (GCSE PE: Unit 1.1.1)

The SOCIAL Benefits of Exercise Social well-being is to do with how well you relate and interact with others. Some social benefits are: Meeting new people SO that you develop social skills Making new friends SO that you do not get lonely Meeting people with similar interests SO you can talk about things you like Getting together with existing friends SO that you do not become antisocial Develops teamwork SO you can improve co-operation Healthy, active lifestyles (GCSE PE: Unit 1.1.1)

Physical Activity can relieve Stress & Tension Exercise helps release serotonin. This release can help improve a person’s energy and mood. The release of extra endorphins can help relieve pain and can help provide a positive mood. Regular activity can help reduce the risk of anxiety and stress-related illnesses. Exercise allows the body to detoxify by returning to homeostasis (a balanced environment) faster. Healthy, active lifestyles (GCSE PE: Unit 1.1.1)