Ask Pedal
I'm Pedal and I love doing all kinds of fun fitness activities. Is there something you would like to know about keeping fit? Then please ask me about it! I'll answer as many questions as I can on this page.
Why do we need to do exercise?
from Rami
Exercise helps your body work properly. It strengthens our muscles and bones. One important muscle it strengthens is our heart, which pumps blood constantly throughout our body. Children who exercise regularly are also likely to sleep better, have more energy, and stay a healthy weight. Besides all that, it’s fun. Eating the right food is important too. Your body needs food for energy. Eating food with lots of goodness in it helps make your bones and muscles healthy. Even when you are asleep, your body is using the good things in the food you eat to keep your heart beating, your lungs breathing and your brain working.
How much physical activity should I do in a day?
from Rikhil
Regular exercise is good for us, so we should try to be active every day. Children should aim for 60 minutes a day. This could be playing a game of football, swimming, cycling, walking to school or a game of tag. You don't have to do 60 minutes all at once, you can spread it out over the day. Have fun!
What is the best sport to play when you want to use all your muscles?
from Ruth
The answer is most likely swimming. It is a great all-round sport that uses lots of different muscles, especially if you learn how to do all of the strokes. Do you know how to swim? If not, perhaps your family could find out where you could learn. If you are a swimmer already, maybe you could join a swimming club so that you become even better at it. Of course, not everyone enjoys the same activities so try out a new sport whenever you get the chance.
What should I eat before running a race?
from Lauren
Well, first of all, it is important to make sure you are always eating a healthy diet so that you are getting all of the nutrients you need. Nutrients will give your body the energy it needs for exercise. Different foods give our bodies different kinds and amounts of nutrients. Foods like bread, pasta and rice have carbohydrates in them that give our bodies lots of energy. So these foods are a good choice if you are going to be running a race. Choose whole wheat versions if you can because they are healthiest. Remember that you shouldn’t eat anything just before a race, because your body needs time to digest food. Good luck!
When you play soccer, which muscle does it help?
from Siobhan
What a good question. It's a hard one to answer too because soccer can help so many different parts of your body. When you play soccer you are running a lot, which is good cardiovascular exercise. This means you are helping your heart stay healthy. You are also using your leg muscles for a lot of the moves – particularly the muscles in your thighs. These are your quadriceps. So soccer helps these parts of your body too. I think it's best to say that soccer helps your general fitness. Remember to always warm up before a game and stretch before and afterwards so that you don't pull a muscle. Have fun playing!