People who have not been very active in the past should begin slowly. Do not try to exercise too much at once. If you are normally active, you may want to try some new exercises.

There are many factors to look at when selecting a new physical activity. The most important is choosing something you enjoy and will want to do often.

Everyone needs activities that help them keep or improve their strength , aerobic fitness, and flexibility . You may want to select an activity from an area in which you think you need to become better. For example, if you are flexible and able to run long distances but are not very strong, you could choose some activities that increase strength. If you are strong but need more aerobic fitness, try walking, jogging, biking, or dancing.

Different activities require different skills . Your school years are an excellent time to develop athletic skills. Some skills will improve with practice, while others may always be difficult for you. Some people are better at certain activities than others, but do not let that put you off. If you enjoy an activity, feel free to do it.

You may need to try several activities before you find the ones that are right for you. For example, you may find you enjoy activities you can do alone, like running or biking. Or you may prefer to participate in team activities. Some people like competition , while others prefer activities in which there are no winners or losers. Whatever activities you choose, becoming physically fit will make you healthier for life.



Dance class
Image: ToddCombs, CC BY-SA 4.0,
via Wikimedia Commons

cycling

Cycling
Image: Pro Movec by Jacob Newman, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons



Words

  • aerobic = kind of activity or exercise that uses up oxygen and makes your lungs and heart stronger
  • competition = an event in which people play against each other
  • develop = grow, make better
  • distance = the space between two places
  • enjoy = like
  • exercise = to do sports so that you stay healthy
  • flexibility = when you can bend the parts of your body easily
  • improve = to make better
  • factors = things
  • participate = take part in
  • physical = about the body
  • practice = training
  • prefer = rather do
  • put you off = don't let it stop you
  • select = choose
  • several = a few, some
  • skill = the ability to do something well because you have learned it
  • strength = power; how strong something is
  • whatever = any, it doesn't matter which