Healthy way of life, sport

SPORT IN OUR LIFE

Sport is a world of its own and it can’t mean the same to everybody. Some people do amateur sports and some are professionals. Some people like one game and some like others. There are sports preferred by men and those preferred by women.

We say sport when we mean this physical activity generally and sport/sports when we mean a particular kind of sport. People who go in for sport are sportsmen and sportswomen or athletes. Other people who are important in sport are: a coach, an instructor, a judge or a referee (in games).

Sports are practiced indoors and outdoors. So there are indoor sports such as: boxing, wrestling, chess, basketball, swimming, ice skating. Outdoor sports are: downhill skiing, football, sailing, track and field athletics, tennis and others. Some of sports and games may be more popular than others. The popular games are: basketball, football, hockey, tennis. The popular sports are: boxing, ski jumping, judo. Less popular sports and games are: water polo, diving, archery, handball.

Professional sport is an exciting creative sphere of hard work and competition. Sport provides an opportunity for people to express themselves. It can provide a challenge (вызов) and can break down economic and social barriers. But sport is not just for participants; it’s for spectators too. Millions of people all over the world spend hours every week watching sports events on television, or at stadium. Of course, spectators particularly enjoy watching international matches and contests, and events such as the Olympic Games or the Football World Cup attract more and more spectators.

Many people’s favourite hobby is sport. They spend much of their spare time playing team games like football or baseball or practicing an individual sport like running, parachuting or swimming. People practice a sport for a need to keep fit. Since our life no longer provides enough exercise we should include it deliberately (намеренно) into our everyday routines. A person who takes regular sport or exercise will stay physically fit, retain youthful vigour (сохранит молодую силу) and develop endurance (выносливость).

HEALTHY WAY OF LIFE, SPORT

- Let’s talk about sport and a healthy way of life. What do you do to keep fit?

For anyone who really wants to be healthy, fitness has become an integral part of their lives. A lot of health and fitness clubs, and public leisure centres that were created in many countries indicate the popularity of sports. Families can spend their holidays at huge indoor water parks. In such places everybody will have much fun.

Besides there are many other opportunities for keeping fit. First of all it is necessary to do exercises. People of different ages can design exercises that will fit them. Running, jumping, swimming, bending and stretching are among the most popular exercises. Many people prefer jogging, which is the cheapest and the most accessible sport. Walking is a very popular activity too. For example, popular running competitions are now held everywhere. Lots of people want to see if they can run faster than anyone else. The big city marathons have become sporting events. Television and newspapers report about them in detail. In order to keep fit some people do aerobics or yoga; others prefer some kind of weight training in a gym. People can easily learn more about fitness through popular books and videos that are sold almost everywhere. Even moderate physical activity can protect against heart disease and strokes as well as improve general health and the quality of life. Everyone can benefit from being a little more active. Making small changes like using the stairs instead of the lift or walking or cycling instead of taking the bus can help people live a more active, healthier and enjoyable life.

As for me I try to follow all these recommendations and I have PE classes three times a week. I think it’s quite appropriate for me and helps me to be fit and healthy.

- Do you agree that bad habits, like smoking, can be dangerous? Why (not)?

Of course I agree. Smoking is harmful for all people and especially for children. It’s known from statistics that smoking kills 2,5 million people a year. Many of them die from lung cancer. Some aren’t even smokers. They are people who live or work with heavy smokers. Also smoking may cause heart diseases and spoil your teeth and skin.

So it is better not to begin smoking because in future you will have to make a lot of efforts so as to get rid of this bad habit.

- What questions will you ask a professional sportsman?

First of all I’d like to ask some personal questions:

· Is it a pleasure or hard work to be a sportsman?

· Have you got any time for your personal life?

· What is the best moment in your life?

- What can you advise a person who wants to lose weight?

There are many books about different methods of loosing weight. But sometimes it may take a person a lot of time even to look through all of them. Probably that’s why people like to follow someone’s advice from her or his friends or mates. I would advise for such people to analyze the way of life they have. The second step will be to take measures so as to change the way of life: to have regular exercises and to move as much as possible, to eat more fruit and vegetables and reject junk food, to eat in small portions at regular hours and be positive in your attitude towards your appearance. I think people should love themselves and take care of their souls and bodies.

- What is the best way to promote a healthy way of life among young people? Why is it important to stay healthy?

The best way to promote a healthy way of life among young people is to help them to find motivation so as to be healthy. The best motivation for young people is to look beautiful, to enjoy life and to be free. It is necessary to show them that only being healthy you can enjoy life in its full beauty. As Franklin Adams said, “Health is the thing that makes you feel that now is the best time of the year.”

- Let’s talk about sport and a healthy way of life. What influences a person’s health?

A considerable ingredient of a healthy way of life is sport and exercising. Sports develop force, dexterity (ловкость) and accuracy. Going in for sport helps us not only to preserve good physical health but also to breed up a strong character, to be better organized and better disciplined.

All kinds of sports are useful and healthy but it is not compulsory to go in for sports professionally. Doctors say that twenty minutes’ exercise three times a week is all you need to be fit. Regularly walking the dog around the block, raking leaves, going on short distances on foot, taking the stairs instead of elevators can be considered as exercising. The advantages of being fit are evident. Fitness reduces the risk of different diseases and illnesses, makes you feel healthier, more positive and optimistic, helps you to avoid obesity and gives you strength and energy so that you don’t get tired easily.

But fitness comes not just from some exercises done now and then but from the way you live all the time. Good eating habits, regular sleeping habits, and plenty of fresh air are all important parts of the way to keep fit.

The Department of Health and Human Services indicates that mental health and proper social functioning are essential to your well-being. Maintaining this aspect of a healthy lifestyle includes avoiding or managing stress.

- Is home-made food better than junk food? Why?

It is really better than junk food. But junk food is associated with spending time with your friends and having fun. That’s why it is so popular among teens. But all of us like our Mums’ home-made food. We usually have our favourite dishes and like to spend time with the family enjoying a Sunday dinner.

Obviously, a diet of junk food is not the best thing for your health. In today’s fast moving world, people have less and less time to spend eating, let alone cooking. It’s probably for this reason that junk food has become so popular. Teenagers should know that people who prefer burgers and chips, crisps and hot dogs tend to become overweight. Besides, fast food is high in saturated fat. This type of fat is associated with a greater risk of cancer. Nevertheless, healthy eating habits do not mean giving up all your favourite food; it is all about choosing food wisely and preparing meals in a healthier way. The best advice for those who cannot live without hamburgers and chocolate bars, is to limit the amount of junk food they eat. A little now and then will probably do no harm.

- What questions will you ask a fitness coach?

· Have you got special programs for people who suffer from overweight?

· Do you advise to have special diets?

· How much time is it necessary so as to become fit?

- Why is a balanced diet important for your health?

Everybody knows we are what we eat. It is very important to include various products into your menu, such as diary products, starchy products, fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, eggs to ensure your body gets all the necessary vitamins and minerals. Usually people call it a healthy well balanced diet. You can improve your diet by eating smaller portions.

The Department of Health and Human Services indicates that a healthy diet includes eating whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low-fat or fat-free milk or milk products, lean meats and other protein sources. Per every 1,000 calories, you should consume at least 1 cup of fruit, 1 cup of vegetables, and 1/2 cup of whole grains, while limiting your intake of saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, added sugars and alcohol.