Lifestyle

Question 1

What is an active lifestyle?

Answer 1

An active lifestyle involves regular physical activity and exercise, such as walking, cycling, or participating in sports. It aligns with current NHS guidelines that recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week.

Question 2

What is a sedentary lifestyle?

Answer 2

A sedentary lifestyle refers to a lack of physical activity, where individuals spend most of their time sitting or lying down, engaging in minimal movement or exercise.

Question 3

What is the recommended level of physical activity for adults according to NHS guidelines?

Answer 3

The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week for adults, alongside strength exercises on two or more days a week.

Question 4

What are the key nutrients essential for health and fitness?

Answer 4

Carbohydrate, protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, fibre, water.

Question 5

How does a balanced diet relate to health and fitness?

Answer 5

A balanced diet provides the necessary nutrients in the correct proportions to support physical activity and overall health. According to the NHS Eatwell Guide, the diet should include a variety of food from the following groups: fruits and vegetables, carbohydrates, proteins, dairy, and healthy fats. It also suggests limiting the intake of sugar, salt, and fat.

Question 6

What is the importance of hydration in fitness?

Answer 6

Hydration is crucial for maintaining body temperature, nutrient transport, and muscle function during exercise.

Question 7

What are the effects of dehydration on the body?

Answer 7

Dehydration can lead to fatigue, muscle cramps, reduced performance, impaired cognitive function and concentration, and heat stroke in extreme conditions.

Question 8

What is the role of rest and recovery in health and fitness?

Answer 8

Rest and recovery are vital for muscle repair, energy replenishment, and preventing injury.

Question 9

What are the key components of recovery?

Answer 9

Sleep, cool-downs, diet, stretching, hydration, rest, massage.

Question 10

Why is sleep important for health and fitness?

Answer 10

Sleep is important because it allows the body to recover, repair muscle tissue, and restore energy levels. Lack of sleep can impair performance, increase the risk of injury, and hinder the body’s ability to recover properly from physical activity.

Question 11

How do performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) affect health and fitness?

Answer 11

Harmful effects such as: joint pain, dehydration, muscle weakness/cramps, vision problems, high or low blood pressure.

Question 12

What are the risks of smoking for health and fitness?

Answer 12

Smoking negatively impacts health and fitness by causing breathlessness and reducing the efficiency of the lungs, narrowing of arteries leading to reduced blood flow and increased risk of CV disease.

Question 13

How does alcohol affect fitness performance?

Answer 13

Alcohol can impair fitness performance by decreasing coordination and reaction time, impairing balance and increasing dehydration.

Question 14

What is the relationship between energy expenditure and calorie intake in health and fitness?

Answer 14

Energy expenditure refers to the number of calories burned during physical activity, while calorie intake is the amount of calories consumed through food. Maintaining a balance between the two is essential for managing weight and overall health. Consuming more calories than the body burns leads to weight gain, while burning more calories than consumed results in weight loss.

Question 15

What is a moderate activity?

Answer 15

These are activities that increase your heart rate and make you breathe faster but still allow you to talk comfortably. Examples include brisk walking, cycling, and dancing.

Question 16

What is a vigorous activity?

Answer 16

These are more intense and significantly increase your heart rate and breathing. Examples include running, swimming, or playing sports like football or basketball. The NHS guidelines classify activities as moderate or vigorous based on how hard the body is working during exercise.

Question 17

What is the role of carbohydrates in fitness?

Answer 17

Carbohydrates are the body’s primary source of energy, especially during physical activities. They are stored as glycogen in muscles and the liver and are used for energy during both moderate and intense exercise. Consuming an adequate amount of carbohydrates helps improve endurance and performance in fitness activities.

Question 18

Why is protein important for individuals who engage in fitness activities?

Answer 18

Protein plays a crucial role in repairing and building muscle tissue. After exercise, particularly strength training, protein helps the body recover and grow muscles. It’s essential for maintaining lean muscle mass and supporting overall strength and performance.

Question 19

What is the significance of the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for nutrients?

Answer 19

The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) specifies the average daily intake of essential nutrients needed to maintain good health. Following the RDA helps ensure that individuals get the right amounts of vitamins, minerals, protein, and other nutrients required for optimal health, performance, and recovery.

Question 20

What is the role of Vitamin A in health and fitness?

Answer 20

Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy vision, immune function, and skin. It also supports the growth and maintenance of muscle tissue, which is particularly important for those engaging in regular physical activity. It helps repair damaged cells after exercise and promotes healthy skin.

Question 21

How does Vitamin C contribute to fitness and recovery?

Answer 21

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by exercise-induced oxidative stress. It also plays a role in collagen formation, which is crucial for maintaining healthy tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. Additionally, it supports immune function, which helps prevent illness during intense training periods.

Question 22

Why is Vitamin D important for bone health and physical performance?

Answer 22

Vitamin D is critical for calcium absorption, which helps maintain strong bones and teeth. It also supports muscle function by improving muscle strength and reducing the risk of injury. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to weakened bones and muscles, which can negatively impact performance and recovery.

Question 23

What is the function of calcium in physical activity and fitness?

Answer 23

Calcium is vital for strong bones and teeth, and it plays a key role in muscle contraction. It helps muscles contract and relax properly, making it essential for muscle function during exercise. Calcium also helps prevent conditions like osteoporosis by maintaining bone density, which is important for athletes and active individuals.

Question 24

Why is iron important for exercise performance?

Answer 24

Iron is necessary for the production of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to muscles. Adequate iron levels are essential for endurance, as iron deficiency can lead to anemia, which causes fatigue, reduced stamina, and poor exercise performance.

Question 25

How does magnesium support muscle function during exercise?

Answer 25

Magnesium is crucial for muscle contraction and relaxation. It helps regulate the balance of electrolytes in the body, reducing the risk of muscle cramps during physical activity. Magnesium also supports energy production by helping convert food into energy, which is important for sustaining performance during exercise.