Physical activity & the body

Regular physical activity strengthens multiple body systems at once. It makes the heart and lungs (the cardiovascular system) work more efficiently, builds stronger muscles and bones, and triggers the release of mood-boosting hormones like endorphins and serotonin — meaning exercise benefits mental health just as much as physical health.

Key terms

Cardiovascular system:

The heart and blood vessels that circulate blood around the body.

Endorphins:

Mood-boosting hormones released during exercise.

Questions

1. 1. Exercise is good for your:

   • Body only
   • Mind only
   • Both body and mind
   • Neither

2. 2. The heart is part of which body system?

   • Digestive
   • Cardiovascular
   • Skeletal
   • Nervous

3. 3. Regular exercise can help you:

   • Feel less fit
   • Feel more fit and energised
   • Never feel tired
   • Stop growing

4. 4. Walking, running and swimming are all examples of:

   • Physical activity
   • Junk food
   • Video games
   • Sleep

5. 5. Exercise can improve your mood because it releases:

   • Mood-boosting hormones
   • Nothing at all
   • Only sweat
   • Bad chemicals

6. 6. Which of these is a benefit of regular physical activity?

   • Weaker muscles
   • Improved fitness
   • More illness
   • Less energy

7. 7. The cardiovascular system includes the:

   • Heart and blood vessels
   • Stomach and intestines
   • Brain only
   • Skin only

8. 8. Regular exercise strengthens which system, among others?

   • Digestive only
   • Cardiovascular
   • None
   • Immune only

9. 9. Physical activity can improve mental health by:

   • Increasing stress
   • Releasing mood-boosting hormones
   • Having no effect
   • Only affecting sleep

10. 10. The lungs are part of which body system?

    • Digestive
    • Respiratory
    • Skeletal
    • Nervous

11. 11. A benefit of regular physical activity is:

    • Weaker muscles
    • Improved fitness and mood
    • No change to health
    • Increased illness

12. 12. Doing 30 minutes of exercise most days is an example of:

    • A bad habit
    • A healthy habit that supports fitness
    • Something with no benefits
    • Only useful for athletes

13. 13. Exercise strengthens the heart because it:

    • Makes the heart work and adapt over time, becoming more efficient
    • Has no effect on the heart
    • Weakens the heart muscle
    • Only affects the legs

14. 14. Team sports can benefit mental health partly because they also provide:

    • Social connection alongside physical activity
    • No benefit at all
    • Only physical benefits
    • A reason to avoid others

15. 15. Why does regular cardiovascular exercise (like jogging) improve how efficiently your heart works over time?

    • It has no long-term effect
    • The heart adapts to the increased demand, becoming stronger and more efficient
    • Exercise damages the heart permanently
    • It only affects muscles, not the heart

16. 16. A person who exercises regularly is more likely to experience improved mood partly because exercise:

    • Has no effect on brain chemistry
    • Triggers the release of hormones like endorphins that support mental wellbeing
    • Only tires the body with no other effects
    • Always causes stress

17. 17. Which combination best supports long-term physical and mental health?

    • Regular physical activity plus rest and recovery
    • Constant exercise with zero rest
    • No physical activity at all
    • Only mental activity, no movement

18. 18. Why might someone who is inactive for long periods be more likely to experience low mood or fatigue?

    • Physical activity plays a role in regulating mood and energy, so inactivity can reduce these benefits
    • Inactivity always improves mood
    • There is no connection between activity and mood
    • Fatigue is unrelated to movement

19. 19. The cardiovascular benefits of exercise mainly come from:

    • The heart and lungs working harder and adapting over repeated sessions
    • A single workout having permanent effects
    • Avoiding all movement
    • Diet alone, with no role for exercise

20. 20. Which statement best reflects a balanced view of exercise and health?

    • More exercise is always better with no limit
    • Regular, consistent activity combined with rest supports overall health
    • Exercise only affects physical health, never mental health
    • Only professional athletes benefit from exercise

21. 21. Why is variety in physical activity (mixing cardio, strength, flexibility) often recommended?

    • Because it has no real benefit over doing one activity
    • Because different types of activity support different aspects of fitness and reduce overuse injuries
    • Because variety always wastes time
    • Because only one type of exercise exists