【推荐1】When the word exercise is seen or heard most people think of the physical labor it involves, but there is so much more to it. Exercise is more than just a twenty-minute run. Exercising is one of the most important things someone can do to take care of themselves and their bodies. The benefits of exercise include more than just physical, but also emotional and health benefits.

Exercise has positive effects on the brain’s functions. Exercise decreases anxiety, which is the body’s natural response to stress. Norepinephrine (去甲肾上腺素), which involves levels of stress, can be moderated with exercise because exercise increases the amounts of it.

Exercise enhances brain health. The brain is the center of control for the body’s entire sense of functioning, and without it all that would be left is muscles and bones. The mental health is linked to exercise. Mental health can be strengthened by physical activity whether it is a casual walk in the park, or intense weight lifting training. Exercise promotes positive body images when increasing self-esteem, and helps increase the overall self image. The emotional and mental benefits from exercise are vital and only growing, as more is being discovered about the brain’s functions.

Exercise is complex, and constantly changing. The physical benefits of flexibility, muscular strength and muscular endurance are all vital to creating a healthy body. The health benefits from exercise range from heart to immune system, and more are being discovered every day to help increase one’s life. Exercise is not limited to just the gym, but an entire existence. The combination of benefits is what makes exercise so cardinal. Exercise is one of the most important activities someone can introduce into their lives. A walk around a neighbourhood, or training for a team, any effort towards getting your heart rate going makes a difference. Exercise is universal and beneficial to everyone.

【推荐3】When 36-year-old J Andy Duran decided to return to his favorite high school hobby—skateboarding, the only trouble he expected to have was his own ability to get back on the skateboard after such a long time. However, the 340-pound skateboarder soon realized that was the least of his problems.

Duran's problems began before he even stepped on a skateboard. He couldn't find anything for fat skaters. What Duran did find was a belief that plus-size people should not be skating. Determined to do something to change the image(形象) of plus-size people in sports, Duran set up Chub Rollz—a skating and skateboarding community for overweight skaters. He knew that not only did he need to get back into it to prove people wrong, but he needed to create a safe space where others can have representation as well.

To encourage plus-size people to take part in the fun sport, Duran created a list of recommended products for fat skaters. He also hosted roller skating and skateboarding classes to teach beginners.

After an article about his thoughts in the San Francisco Chronicle, Duran received lots of messages from strangers thanking him for giving them the courage to take up skateboarding. He has also been contacted by some skateboarding brands offering to create larger clothing sizes and been offered free equipment by skating organizations like "Skate Like a Giri ".

Though encouraged, Duran believes a lot more needs to be done to remove body image stereotypes(刻板印象).“I want to see more changes in communities. Maybe skate shops create a more welcoming environment for all types of skaters. Or boards are made in a variety of strengths and sizes—everyone is making thinner, lighter products, but sometimes we need those heavy-duty choices to stay available," he explains.

For those hesitant of taking up their desired activity due to their body size, Duran has this to say:“Be kind to yourself. Just because you don't see it doesn't mean you can't be it.”