• What factors affect our
• fitness levels
• Dietary requirements
• Basic anatomy and
• physiology and the effects
• of exercise on them


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Tim’s answer
The factors that affect our fitness levels are:

<< Diet
<< Exercise
<< Rest
<< Stress
<< Substance abuse
<< Age

Click on each of the words in the list to find out more about what affects our fitness levels.

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Eating a balanced diet is very important in the making of a healthy body. We should be aware of what we eat, when we eat it and the quantities we consume (whether they are adequate or too much). The food we eat gives us the energy we need to exercise.

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The more exercise you do the fitter and healthier you become. Figures show that having a sedentary lifestyle could create 100,000 deaths per year in the UK.

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To carry out physical exercise, you must have enough rest otherwise you could do damage to your body or sustain injuries. Rest helps the body to recover when exercise has been done. A good night’s sleep is the best form of rest. An adult should have eight hours’ sleep a night.

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This can occur in body and mind, affecting both your health and fitness. Physical activities are a recognised method of reducing stress. If you are under stress, you might find it hard to exercise, but it is worth the effort.

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Fitness can be greatly affected by the use of legal substances (tobacco and alcohol) and illegal substances (drugs). Some drugs can be used to improve performance in athletes, but most substances, legal and illegal, will have an adverse effect on your health.

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Physical fitness does decline each year once you reach your mid-thirties. The rate of decline is about 2% per year, mainly due to wear and tear on your body and being less active. Regular exercise can reduce the ageing process on your body. If you exercise regularly from childhood/adolescence, your body will be healthier and fitness levels will remain higher throughout your life. However, regardless of your age, it is never too late to start doing exercise.

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Factors affecting our fitness

Tim: Before we start our exercise regime, there are a few more things we need to know. Click here to see what they are >>

Let’s start by looking at the factors that affect our fitness levels. Can you think of anything that could affect our fitness?

Type your ideas in the box below:

Now click here to see Tim’s answer >>