Today’s Wonder of the Day was inspired by Ethan. Ethan Wonders, “What is the worlds best exercise routine?” Thanks for WONDERing with us, Ethan!

How often do you think about your health? When you feel good, it’s easy to take it for granted. But when you get sick, you quickly remember how much you prefer being well!

Staying healthy is not always easy. You have to make good decisions every day. Do you wash your hands regularly? Eat nutritious foods? These are daily choices you make that affect your health.

One of the other important daily choices you have involves exercise. Did you realize that being active is just as important for staying well as eating right and avoiding germs?

It’s true! A well-rounded, healthy life should include regular, daily physical activity. Exercise has many benefits. It builds strength and helps your bones and muscles work the way they should. It can even reduce the risk of many illnesses, like heart disease.

There are other benefits to exercise, too. If you get plenty of activity each day, you’ll sleep better at night. You’ll also notice lower feelings of stress.

Though exercise is important, most children do not get enough of it. Many spend too much time watching television, playing video games, or engaging in other sedentary (nonactive) activities.

Too little exercise can make a person become obese. This can cause health problems in the future. That includes heart disease, diabetes, asthma, and certain types of cancer.

Studies by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommend 30 to 60 minutes of daily activity. The type of exercise isn’t as important as staying active on a regular basis.

So, what is your favorite way to exercise? Do you enjoy a brisk walk around your neighborhood? Or is running more your style? Is kickball up your alley? Or maybe jumping jacks and push-ups are more your speed? You’ll know you’re getting good exercise when your heart starts beating a bit faster and your lungs start breathing faster as well.

Exercise is often one of those things that’s easy to put off. It sometimes takes a back seat to other deadlines and activities. Doctors will tell you, though, that you should make good habits when you’re young.

The habits you create as a child will usually carry over into your adult life. So, get active now! It'll be easier to keep it up in the future.

Standards: CCRA.L.3, CCRA.L.6, CCRA.R.1, CCRA.R.2, CCRA.R.4, CCRA.R.10, CCRA.SL.1, CCRA.W.2, CCRA.L.1, CCRA.L.2

Wonder What's Next?

Tomorrow’s Wonder of the Day may tie your fingers in knots!