Science · Classes 9-10 · Chapter 1 · 1.8

Physical Exercise and Rest for Health.

Sleep, food and rest all day: does that finish building the body? The book says no. The body keeps a hidden treasure, and it has one key: regular exercise. Rest has its own rules too, and they are not only about sleep.

1. Why exercise

The book calls the body the most important tool in the struggle of life. Regular exercise is essential for a healthy body, and physical fitness grows out of exercise. Sleep, food and rest are needed for life, but they do not develop the hidden treasure of the body. That is possible only through regular exercise.

The nervous system controls the muscles, so regular muscle exercise keeps the nervous system fresh and active. Exercise also activates the physiological and metabolic systems of the body, and the capacity for daily work grows.

Even a little time helps: exercise for a few minutes supports proper digestion, blood circulation, good breathing and the control of body heat.

2. How much, and what kind

The habit of exercise should be built with age, body structure and general health in mind. Every sport is recreation on one side and exercise on the other. Boys and girls now take part equally in running, swimming, walking, cycling, karate, football, tennis, hockey and cricket.

The book gives one measure too: a person who walks 8000 to 10000 steps every day can hope for a healthy, disease-free and longer life. Drag the handle and see where that band lies.

3. Rest and sleep

After hard labour the muscles become inactive. Keeping the body without work then is called rest, and sleep is the best rest.

Six hours of sleep a day is essential to keep body and mind fresh and healthy. Boys and girls need 8/9 hours and children need 10/12. People who work at night must rest in the daytime. Tap any cell of the grid.

4. Rest by changing work

Body and mind also rest when attention moves from one work to another. This is called rest by change of work. After hard mental labour, doing a different kind of work is a way to rest.

The book's examples: many famous writers rest by cleaning their fountain pens for hours. Some people rest by gardening, some by rearing pets, some through recreation. Now tell sleep, change of work and exercise apart.

5. Check yourself

Three questions. The first is about what exercise does.

For the second, recall what the book says.

In the last, match the numbers.

The whole note on seven cards.

Source: Science, Classes 9-10 (NCTB), Chapter 1 “Healthy Life, Better Living”, section 1.8.