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      The benefits of an active lifestyle

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain why physical activity is important for my health now, and for the future.

      Key learning points

      1. Physical activity improves cardiovascular health and strengthens muscles.
      2. Regular exercise can enhance mental wellbeing by reducing stress and anxiety.
      3. Physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.
      4. Exercise promotes better sleep and increases energy levels.
      5. Incorporating physical activity into daily routines can lead to long-term health benefits.

      Keywords

      • Mental wellbeing - a state of feeling good emotionally

      • Energy levels - the amount of energy a person has

      • Cardiovascular health - the health of the heart and blood vessels

      • Chronic disease - a health condition that lasts a long time, often for life, and can affect how your body or mind works, for example, diabetes or asthma

      • Routine - a set of actions or tasks you do regularly

      Common misconception

      Physical activity solely benefits physical health.

      There are mental, emotional, and social benefits of physical activity.

      Teacher tip

      Give contextual examples of when students could add in exercise to their day in school.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Activity that causes a significant increase in heart rate is described as __________ activity.

      moderate
      Correct answer: vigorous

      Q2.
      Cardiovascular health can be improved by physical exercise and a balanced ...

      Correct Answer: diet

      Q3.
      If someone wanted to bring more vigorous activity into their exercise, they could try...

      yoga
      Correct answer: running
      water aerobics
      brisk walking

      Q4.
      Children with no significant medical conditions should aim for minutes of physical activity every day to maintain good health.

      Correct Answer: 60, sixty

      Q5.
      Which of the following activities are described as vigorous activity?

      Correct answer: gymnastics
      Correct answer: trampolining
      water aerobics
      Correct answer: riding a bike up a hill
      rollerblading

      Q6.
      True or false? A sedentary lifestyle is when you mostly sit down or lack movement in your daily life.

      Correct Answer: True, true

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      The immediate benefits of physical activity include:

      Correct answer: improved mood and mental wellbeing
      Correct answer: increased energy levels and improved focus
      Correct answer: better sleep
      Correct answer: enhanced blood circulation
      increased muscle strength

      Q2.
      Complete the statement: Exercise releases ‘feel good’ hormones called ...

      Correct Answer: endorphins, endorphin, endorphines, endorphine

      Q3.
      True or false? Physical activity benefits our cardiovascular health.

      Correct Answer: True, Correct, Yes, T

      Q4.
      What are the four main categories of exercise?

      Correct answer: aerobic
      Correct answer: flexibility
      Correct answer: strength training
      Correct answer: balance
      games

      Q5.
      Complete the sentence: Local leisure centres often offer or subsidised classes for young people.

      Correct Answer: free, cheap, reduced

      Q6.
      Match the terms to the correct definitions.

      Correct Answer:mental wellbeing,a state of feeling good emotionally
      Correct Answer:energy levels,the amount of energy a person has
      Correct Answer:chronic disease,a health condition that lasts a long time, often for life
      Correct Answer:routine,a set of actions or tasks you do regularly

      To help you plan your 8 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: The benefits of an active lifestyle, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...