LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Identify quick exercise routines that are useful for maintaining health; describe the physical and mental health benefits of exercise

HEALTH ED STANDARDS

NHES 7: Analyze the role of exercise in maintaining health

CASEL COMPETENCY: Self-management; responsible decision-making

KEY VOCAB

endorphins, pedometer

Lesson Plan: Get Fit by the Minute

Work in your workout by doing a combination of these easy-to-adopt routines throughout the day—or use them as inspiration to create your own!

ESSENTIAL QUESTION

How can I incorporate exercise into my routine to improve well-being?

 CLOSE-READING QUESTIONS

  1. Exercise has benefits for brain function. List three of these benefits. Exercise improves mental function by helping with faster reactions; it can help sharpen your memory; it can promote quicker learning.
  2. How can exercise help your mood? Exercise can help to boost and improve your mood by releasing endorphins in the body, which can help lower levels of depression and anxiety.
  3. How did Ariel help her community stay active after the coronavirus hit? As a way to help everyone stay fit during the pandemic, Ariel decided to challenge people in her community to commit to logging at least 100 miles of walking a month.

 CRITICAL-THINKING QUESTIONS

  1. Do you have any go-to exercises that make you feel great? Describe at least one physical activity you enjoy and explain why you enjoy it. Answers will vary.
  2. Have you personally experienced any noticeable physical or mental benefits of exercise? Explain. Possible answers: better mood, better sleep, improved cognition, better grades, more discipline, more energy, more strength, etc.
  3. The article mentions that there are many teens who don’t get enough exercise. Why do you think some teens might struggle with this? Possible answers: The school day is too long; they have too much homework; having jobs outside of school makes it hard to get exercise.

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES

RESEARCH AND DISCUSS

NHES 7

CASEL Competency: Self-management; responsible decision-making

Young people are likely to stay active if they choose activities they enjoy. In this VLOG-SOURCE YOUR FITNESS skill sheet, have students identify their favorite exercises and then pose a question to a fitness influencer and see if they get a response! (Click here to see all your Skill Builders.)

EXTENSION ACTIVITY

NHES 7

CASEL Competency: Self-management; responsible decision-making

Being physically fit can pay off in the classroom. In the activity STUDENTS ON EXERCISE, have students deepen their understanding of the mental health benefits of exercise by describing its influence on areas like focus, memory, sleep, and relationships. (Click here to see all your Skill Builders.)

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