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What is physical activity?

Children playing rugby in the playground

Physical activity describes any movement that uses up your body's energy.

There are lots of ways to be physically active including:

  • walking
  • cycling
  • dancing
  • playing sports
Children playing rugby in the playground
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Benefits of physical activity

Taking part in regular physical activity has lots of benefits.

Muscle and bone strength

Our muscles make our bones move during physical activity. When a muscle tightens it pulls the bones attached to it into a new position.

When we do more physical activity, our muscles become stronger and they can work harder. Our bones grow stronger too because physical activity puts pressure on them.

Close up of a child balancing on one foot
Image caption,
Our muscles make our bones move during physical activity. When a muscle tightens it pulls the bones attached to it into a new position.(Robert Niezna艅ski / Alamy Stock Photo)

Fitness and heart health

Our muscles need oxygen to work during physical activity.

As we are more active, we get fitter. Our lungs get better at taking in oxygen from the air. Our hearts get stronger and better at pumping oxygen to our muscles through our blood.

Have you ever noticed you get breathless when you exercise?

When you are active and your muscles are working hard, your body needs more oxygen so your breathing rate has to increase.

Illustration of skeleton highlighting lungs and heart
Image caption,
Our bodies need oxygen when we exercise. We take in oxygen through our lungs. Our hearts pumps blood all around the body, which carries oxygen to where it is needed. (Science History Images / Alamy Stock Photo)

Mental health

Physical activity is one way we can look after our mental health. When we exercise, our bodies release chemicals which make us feel good. These chemicals are called endorphins.

Two girls on swings in a play park
Image caption,
Physical activity releases endorphins in our body that makes us feel good. (Rachel Husband / Alamy Stock Photo)

Concentration

Regular physical activity is great for your brain as well as your body.

Physical activity makes your body release more of the chemicals which make it easier to focus. Exercise also causes more blood to flow to your brain helping it to work better.

Pupils working in classroom
Image caption,
Physical activity makes your body release more of the chemicals which make it easier to focus. This can be helpful when you need to concentrate in class! (Compassionate Eye Foundation/Robert Daly/OJO Images)

Sleep

Moderate to vigorous physical activity makes us breathe harder and our heart beat faster. After this type of physical activity, we find it easier to fall asleep at night.

Image caption,
Physical activity can make it easier to fall asleep at night. (FG Trade / Getty)
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Test your knowledge

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There's more to learn...

In this article, we learned about the benefits of physical activity on our minds and bodies.

Learn more about the human body and how we can fuel it for activity.

How does a human skeleton work? video

Learn how bones and the human skeleton help us move, hold our bodies up and protect our organs.

How does a human skeleton work?

What does the heart do? video

Find out about how blood delivers oxygen and nutrients to every cell in the human body.

What does the heart do?

Food as fuel. video

All the energy we need comes from our food and drink. Find out more.

Food as fuel
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