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Being Physically Fit

Being Physically Fit
Reading Level
     edHelper's suggested reading level:   grades 6 to 8
     Flesch-Kincaid grade level:   9.31

Vocabulary
     challenging words:    cardio, endorphins, individual-oriented, team-oriented, respiratory, social, socialize, aerobic, better, calories, physical, maintain, gymnastics, coordination, diabetes, downright

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Being Physically Fit
By Jennifer Kenny 		  
1     Are you physically fit? What exactly is physical fitness? Physical fitness is the body's ability to complete day-to-day activities without becoming too sore, without becoming too tired, and without getting out of breath. Exercise is physical activity that can maintain or lead to physical fitness. Exercise can be simple like playing outside or more formal like working out at a gym. Unfortunately, many people today are not physically fit. Some modern conveniences like the television remote and escalators make some people downright lazy.
 
2     Not exercising can cause people to develop certain chronic diseases. Chronic diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and Type 2 diabetes often develop slowly and continue over a long time.
 
3     On the other hand, being active has many health benefits. When a person exercises, his heart and lungs get stronger. Very often blood cholesterol levels are healthy. Metabolic rate improves. More calories are burned and the person's muscle to fat ratio is good. There are mental benefits as well. Exercise reduces stress. Exercise causes your body to release endorphins, or body chemicals that make you feel well. There are social benefits to exercise, too. If you are fit, you feel better about yourself and are more likely to socialize. Certain physical activities like sports increase your social skills as you work together and interact with others.

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