Ready to Race? Answer TRUE or FALSE to each statement. For each answer you get right, you'll clear a hurdle on your way to the finish line. If you're wrong, you'll have a little trouble clearing the hurdle, but stay on track — you can still finish the race!
Hurdle 1 I heard that wearing heavy clothes while being physically active will make me sweat more, so I lose weight faster.
Hurdle 2 I heard that drinking water before and during physical activity will give me sideaches.
Hurdle 3 I heard that "No pain, no gain" is a good physical activity motto to have.
Hurdle 4 I heard that being physically active can cheer me up.
Hurdle 5 I heard that warming up and stretching are two totally different things.
Hurdle 6 I heard that I'll see a change in my body after being active for only a few weeks.
Hurdle 7 I heard that if I stop being active, the muscles I've built will turn to fat.
Hurdle 8 I heard that physical activity that zaps my energy will leave me too tired to do anything afterward.
Hurdle 9 I heard that I should always cool down after I do a physical activity.
Hurdle 10 I heard that if I can't sing along with my favorite tunes during a workout without huffing and puffing, I'm working too hard.
Hurdle 11 I heard that PE class is too short to have any healthy benefits.
Hurdle 12 I heard that physical activity is only worthwhile if I'm really good at it, or if I do it for a long time.
Hurdle 13 I heard that I can get athlete's foot by walking barefoot in the locker room.
Hurdle 14 I heard that people with asthma shouldn't do physical activity.
Hurdle 15 I heard that getting regular activity can stunt my growth.
Hurdle 16 I heard that exercising outside when it's really hot can be dangerous.
Hurdle 17 I heard that some types of physical activity are better for my bones than others.
Good Job!
You made it over the finish line! But practice makes perfect — do you feel a speed streak coming on?
Keep going — you're still in the race.
Wearing lots of clothes will definitely make you sweat more, but it could also make you dehydrated! And the weight you are losing is all water, not fat. As soon as you drink water, you'll regain the weight.
Way to go — you cleared that hurdle!
Wearing lots of clothes will definitely make you sweat more, but it could also make you dehydrated! And the weight you are losing is all water, not fat. As soon as you drink water, you'll regain the weight.
Keep going — you're still in the race.
Actually, you should drink plenty of water before, during, and after you are physically active to allow your body to work better. You will be less likely to cramp up if you keep replenishing the water you lose during the activity.
Way to go — you cleared that hurdle!
Actually, you should drink plenty of water before, during, and after you are physically active to allow your body to work better. You will be less likely to cramp up if you keep replenishing the water you lose during the activity.
Keep going — you're still in the race.
In the past, people used to think that in order for physical activity to be good, it had to hurt. Now, we know that this just isn't true. A little soreness may be normal, but if you have pain from an activity that doesn't go away within 2-3 days, you should see a doctor.
Way to go — you cleared that hurdle!
In the past, people used to think that in order for physical activity to be good, it had to hurt. Now, we know that this just isn't true. A little soreness may be normal, but if you have pain from an activity that doesn't go away within 2-3 days, you should see a doctor.
Way to go — you cleared that hurdle!
That's absolutely true! Endorphins [en-dor-finz] are chemicals released by the brain when you exercise. They may help you feel happy and relaxed, and lower your stress level.
Keep going — you're still in the race.
That's absolutely true! Endorphins [en-dor-finz] are chemicals released by the brain when you exercise. They may help you feel happy and relaxed, and lower your stress level.
Keep going — you're still in the race.
To do a warm-up means literally to warm up your muscles, which means doing a slower, gentler version of your activity. You can make stretching part of your warm-up. Stretching loosens your muscles, preparing them for the movement in your activity. A good warm-up, including stretching, is important before you start.
Way to go — you cleared that hurdle!
To do a warm-up means literally to warm up your muscles, which means doing a slower, gentler version of your activity. You can make stretching part of your warm-up. Stretching loosens your muscles, preparing them for the movement in your activity. A good warm-up, including stretching, is important before you start.
Keep going — you're still in the race.
For most people, seeing a visible change in your body from being active happens over time. It could take several months or more. However, other benefits may happen immediately, like having more energy, better concentration, and a good night's sleep.
Way to go — you cleared that hurdle!
For most people, seeing a visible change in your body from being active happens over time. It could take several months or more. However, other benefits may happen immediately, like having more energy, better concentration, and a good night's sleep.
Keep going — you're still in the race.
Being active uses your body's energy, but you'll feel like it does just the opposite. Physical activity makes you feel like you can tackle anything! Don't forget that to keep it up, you'll need to refuel with healthy eats.
Way to go — you cleared that hurdle!
Being active uses your body's energy, but you'll feel like it does just the opposite. Physical activity makes you feel like you can tackle anything! Don't forget that to keep it up, you'll need to refuel with healthy eats.
Way to go — you cleared that hurdle!
Cooling down allows your pulse and breathing rate to return to normal and helps keep your muscles from cramping. This should be part of every workout.
Keep going — you're still in the race.
Cooling down allows your pulse and breathing rate to return to normal and helps keep your muscles from cramping. This should be part of every workout.
Way to go — you cleared that hurdle!
Most of the time, you should be able to chat with a buddy, or sing along with some tunes without having to gasp for breath. If you can't - you may need to slow down so you don't burn out.
Keep going — you're still in the race.
Most of the time, you should be able to chat with a buddy, or sing along with some tunes without having to gasp for breath. If you can't - you may need to slow down so you don't burn out.
Keep going — you're still in the race.
Although you may hate changing into that uniform, or showering at school, PE class allows you to be more active, learn basic fitness and activity skills, develop your muscles, and even gain a better body image.
Way to go — you cleared that hurdle!
Although you may hate changing into that uniform, or showering at school, PE class allows you to be more active, learn basic fitness and activity skills, develop your muscles, and even gain a better body image.
Keep going — you're still in the race.
Getting a little physical activity each day, even if it's taking a 30-minute walk around the neighborhood or mowing the lawn, can help you build strong bones and muscles, reduce body fat, and feel great.
Way to go — you cleared that hurdle!
Getting a little physical activity each day, even if it's taking a 30-minute walk around the neighborhood or mowing the lawn, can help you build strong bones and muscles, reduce body fat, and feel great.
Way to go — you cleared that hurdle!
One way to get athlete's foot, a fungus that causes your feet to get red and itchy, is by walking barefoot on a wet or damp locker room floor where fungi may be lurking.
Keep going — you're still in the race.
One way to get athlete's foot, a fungus that causes your feet to get red and itchy, is by walking barefoot on a wet or damp locker room floor where fungi may be lurking.
Keep going — you're still in the race.
It is good for people with asthma to be active, especially in asthma-friendly activities like swimming, bicycling, golf, inline skating, and weightlifting.
Way to go — you cleared that hurdle!
It is good for people with asthma to be active, especially in asthma-friendly activities like swimming, bicycling, golf, inline skating, and weightlifting.
Keep going — you're still in the race.
A regular routine of physical activity will do lots of things - make your heart and lungs strong, build your strength and endurance, and help you maintain a healthy weight. But it most definitely won't stunt your growth.
Way to go — you cleared that hurdle!
A regular routine of physical activity will do lots of things - make your heart and lungs strong, build your strength and endurance, and help you maintain a healthy weight. But it most definitely won't stunt your growth.
Way to go — you cleared that hurdle!
It's best to plan your activities in the cooler part of the day, like in the morning, but to stay safe in hot weather make sure you drink even more water than usual. Otherwise, you may get dehydrated, and feel sick.
Keep going — you're still in the race.
It's best to plan your activities in the cooler part of the day, like in the morning, but to stay safe in hot weather make sure you drink even more water than usual. Otherwise, you may get dehydrated, and feel sick.
Way to go — you cleared that hurdle!
Great bone-healthy activities include anything that is weight-bearing, like jogging, soccer, basketball, dancing, hopscotch, jumping rope, and karate and other martial arts.
Keep going — you're still in the race.
Great bone-healthy activities include anything that is weight-bearing, like jogging, soccer, basketball, dancing, hopscotch, jumping rope, and karate and other martial arts.
Division of Population Health/School Health Branch
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
4770 Buford Highway, Northeast, Mailstop K-27
Atlanta, GA 30341