Thursday, May 24, 2007 — If you live in Millsberry, you know that physical activity is good for you. It might win you a trophy, for example. But do you know why exercise is so great for your body? Did you know that exercise not only makes your body stronger, but may also give you more energy and may make you feel happy? Check out our Gazette special report on the benefits of increasing your weekly workout time.

When you get active, your heart, lungs, and muscles get stronger and healthier, and you also burn off energy in the form of calories. Your heart pumps faster, and you breathe harder. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but the more you exercise, the more endurance you will build. Endurance means you'll be able to run, skate, or bike for longer periods of time.

Exercising regularly means that your muscles (including your heart) stay strong, and so do your bones. Exercise may reduce stress too. You'll be strong and have the energy to accomplish everyday tasks, and maybe you'll feel better about yourself because you're doing something great for your body.

Aerobic exercise gets your heart beating faster which makes the heart muscle stronger. Your heart is then better able to pump blood through your whole body. Blood delivers oxygen to your cells, which helps your cells breathe. Examples of aerobic activity include jogging, biking, swimming, basketball, soccer, and ice-skating.

When you exercise, your body releases a natural chemical called "endorphins." Endorphins lift your mood, and make some people feel happy and relaxed. Doing something aerobic for 20 minutes or so may be enough to stimulate these and help your mind feel as good as your body.

Even though some exercises don't increase your heart rate or cause your body to release endorphins, they are still helpful. For example, yoga can help increase your flexibility, tone your muscles, and may even help you stand up straighter.

The benefits of physical activity go on and on. Regular exercise can help you climb a flight of stairs without feeling too winded. You'll have more energy to do things like hang out with friends, make music in the Recording Studio, and shop. There are many upsides to exercise!

So remember, it's never too late to start making exercise a regular part of your life. Every little bit helps. It doesn't have to be super strenuous to be healthy, either. Just start slowly and build gradually. Even shoveling snow, cleaning the garage, or raking leaves is a way to be active. Soon you'll start to notice the difference for both your body and your mind.

Next week, we'll tell you tons more ways to get active. For now, check out the new sports gear at Tricks, Toys & Games and make a promise to yourself to try exercising more often. We'll catch you on the half-pipe!

Millsberry Academy students have the day off on Monday, May 28, for Memorial Day. But what is Memorial Day all about? It's actually quite a somber holiday. We observe Memorial Day to honor all the American men and women who gave their lives in military service to their country. You might see flags at half-mast around town. So take a moment on your day off from school to think about the significance of the day, and enjoy the time to rest and relax.