Difficulty: Explorer (Level 1)
Sports are one of the best ways to have fun, make friends and keep your body healthy. They’re not just about winning or keeping score. They also help you learn teamwork, perseverance and how to set goals. Whether you’re dribbling a ball, sprinting across a field or simply playing tag in the park, every movement strengthens your muscles and sharpens your mind.
When you’re active, your heart beats faster. You might feel your pulse pounding in your wrist or neck. That’s because your muscles need more oxygen to keep moving, and your heart works harder to deliver it through your blood. These changes are proof that your body is adapting to the challenge and getting stronger.
This week’s activities will get you moving, help you track your progress and even show how your heartbeat changes as you rise to the challenge!
Heart rate detective
Materials
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stopwatch or phone timer
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sheet of paper
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pencil or pen
Instructions
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Sit down somewhere comfortable. Find your pulse by placing your index and middle fingers on your wrist or neck to feel your heartbeat.
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Count the number of beats for 30 seconds. Multiply by two to get your beats per minute (bpm), and write it down. This is your resting heart rate.
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According to the Cleveland Clinic, kids aged five to 12 years old usually have a resting heart rate of 75 to 118 bpm. Teens aged 13 to 17 typically have a resting heart rate of 60 to 100 bpm. Where does your resting heart rate fall?
Heart rate challenge
Instructions
First, figure out your resting heart rate with the “Heart Rate Detective” activity. Next, check out the activities below. Try to predict whether your heart rate will rise or fall when you do them. Then, do the activity and record your heart rate. What patterns do you notice?
Activities
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Listen to soft, slow music for one minute
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Listen to fast, loud music for one minute
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Take deep breaths for one minute
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Walk for one minute
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Run uphill or up the stairs for one minute
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Choose your own activity
