Discuss how physical activity helps the heart. Discuss ways that physical activity helps make hearts strong. The heart is a muscle just like the muscles in our arms and legs. When we work our muscles, they get stronger. When we exercise, our heart muscle becomes stronger, because it has to pump harder and faster 4.
Students demonstrate how physical activity affects the heart.
Have students walk briskly around the room for two minutes. Then have students jog in place for two minutes. When they have stopped, have them place their hands on their chest again to feel the heart beating. Students identify favorite activities. Pass out construction paper and crayons.