1 . Scientists are now digging into precisely why exercise holds so many benefits for our mental health and memory. The answer, studies say, lies in our brain chemistry.
Each time you work up a sweat, your body releases feel-good happy hormones (荷尔蒙), including endorphins, dopamine and endocannabinoids, the latter being responsible for the so-called runner’s high. Now researchers are also pointing to myokines (肌肉因子) as an important contributor to the mental health benefits of exercise. When our muscles contract, myokines are released into the bloodstream, helping your muscles and organs communicate. They think this communication increases resilience to stress, reduces symptoms of mental suffering and anxiety and has a direct effect on depression.
A 2021 scientific report published in Neuropharmacology showed evidence that myokines boost brain function, like improving memory and mood. “Myokines reduce systemic inflammation (炎症), which is especially beneficial for people with drug-resistant depression whose low mood is linked to high inflammation,” explains Dr Jennifer Heisz, an expert in brain health and associate professor in the department of kinesiology at McMaster University in Canada.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine showed that treatment for depression can be much more effective when physical activity is added to the usual care. Participants found benefits after 12 weeks of exercising for 30 to 60 minutes a day. “While exercise is not a replacement for professional mental health treatment, physical activity can complement and enhance the effects of the treatment,” says lead researcher Ben Singh, a research fellow at the University of South Australia.
“It is amazing to consider how moving our bodies can heal our minds,” says Heisz. Whether you’re cycling, walking around your neighbourhood or doing yoga, getting sweaty is good for your body and mind. To get the biggest overall health boost, the key is to zero in on sports and activities you enjoy, so you’ll keep going back to them.
1. How do myokines boost our mental health?A.By bonding muscles with organs. |
B.By slowing down our bloodstream. |
C.By contracting muscles through the body. |
D.By releasing happy hormones in our brain. |
A.Doubtful. | B.Negative. |
C.Uncertain | D.Approving. |
A.Adapt to. | B.Give up. |
C.Focus on. | D.Put off. |
A.By making comparisons. |
B.By presenting research findings. |
C.By offering suggestions. |
D.By conducting some experiments. |
2 . Common Mistakes New Runners Make
Running is a great way to get in shape and just about everyone can do it. However, many make a number of common mistakes, which can interfere (妨碍) with training or lead to injury.
·Doing too much too soon
One of the biggest mistakes new runners make is doing too much too soon. Slowly easing into a training program will help reduce the risk of injury, so you can continue on with your new running routine
·
Beginners might think they need to run every day (or nearly every day) to meet their fitness or weight-loss goals, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Running is a high-impact activity which can be really hard on your body. So it’s important to give your body a rest between workouts.
·Not wearing the right equipment
•Running through pain
A.Not taking rest days |
B.If you’re just starting out |
C.Comparing yourself to others |
D.Running can be uncomfortable at times |
E.It’s important not to use the same muscles |
F.While it may be true that you don’t need expensive equipment to take up running |
G.Experts suggest increasing your running distance by no more than 10% each week |
1. What should the club members wear?
A.Golf shoes. | B.Golf pants. | C.Club sweaters. |
A.$20. | B.$40. | C.$80. |
A.It has a swimming pool. |
B.Teachers often give group lessons. |
C.Club members can invite guests to play there. |
4 . Reasons to Put on Your Rollerblades and Hit the Pavement
Rollerblading (旱冰) is great for building balance, strengthening muscles, and improving mental health. It’s also a cheap, fun, and eco-friendly way to get your daily exercise in.
It’s fun
We all know that we should be exercising several times a week, and picking a workout that is fun naturally motivates us to get up and get going.
It’s cheap
Rollerblading is also a great exercise choice because it costs very little.
It’s eco-friendly
Skater and climate activist, Gerhard Ladstatte explains why he started Friday Night Skating, a free street skating event. “We want to move without burning fuel.” People looking for an oil-free way to get to a workplace that isn’t too far from home, while combining daily exercise into their routine, can consider rollerblading to work.
It’s good for your mental health
Like any form of aerobic exercise, skating is associated with a number of wellness benefits.
A.In other words, rollerblading has it all. |
B.Exercise and fresh air can reduce stress. |
C.Not only is skating cheap, it also benefits nature. |
D.All you need is a pair of skates and some safety equipment. |
E.Rollerblading is an exciting way to get in fresh air and exercise. |
F.It’s easy to see why so many people are discovering the joys of skating. |
G.Unlike a bicycle, you don’t need to find a place to store your skates while you work. |
1. Where does the man live?
A.In the city. | B.Near the club. | C.In the countryside. |
A.Prizes. | B.Games. | C.Festivals. |
A.Club members. | B.Experienced persons. | C.Running beginners. |
A.Practise step by step. | B.Train with old players. | C.Run as much as possible. |
6 . Nowadays, Tai Chi has already spread throughout the world and is practiced by millions of people. It’s a major division of Chinese martial art.
▲It’s easy on the body.
Tai chi is suitable for all ages and levels of fitness. It is low-impact, meaning there is minimal risk of damage to your joints.
▲Falls could be prevented.
A 2019 review of studies suggested that Tai Chi might reduce the risk of falls in older people.
▲
Tai Chi may boost brain power. Studies have found that regular Tai Chi can improve cognitive functioning in older people with dementia(痴呆)and without. Given that it’s considered safe and suitable for the elderly, this is a definite win. It also has the feel-good factor. A reduction in stress and anxiety, and increased confidence, are other mental health benefits of Tai Chi, according to research, though further research is needed.
▲You can do it at home.
Classes are useful not just for teaching the movements but also for meeting like-minded people.
A.It has mental benefits. |
B.You can go at your own pace. |
C.It does good to both body and mind. |
D.But there are videos available online too. |
E.Meanwhile, it relaxed muscles and there is no stretching or straining. |
F.Tai Chi is so slow and smooth, but it can improve both upper-body and lower-body strength. |
G.The emphasis is on balance, with movements helping strengthen muscles required for stability. |
7 . Working out during the height of a heatwave is one way to make your heart rate rise. But does it really burn more calories? Here’s everything you need to know about working out in extreme heat.
Is it safe to exercise in hot weather?
Do you burn more calories in a heatwave?
Working out in hot weather not only pushes your body to work harder to cool down, it also burns more calories in the process.
But while working out in a heatwave does in fact burn calories, chances are the heat will also cut your gym session short.
What is the best form of exercise during a heatwave?
Although boxing has been considered as the best calorie -burning exercise around, it’s more efficient to choose an outdoor sport during a period of hot weather.
A.Make sure you exercise safely in the sunshine. |
B.Ideally, warm is the best temperature for burning calories. |
C.Generally speaking, it is totally safe to exercise in hot weather. |
D.After all, in normal conditions rowing is said to burn 740 calories per hour. |
E.An early morning workout is therefore always a better option in the hot weather. |
F.If you start feeling dizzy or find your heartbeat rapidly increasing, it’s time to stop. |
G.The hotter your body gets, the more blood your heart needs to pump (输送) to force out heat. |
8 . Surf’s Up
Riding the wave can be the thrill of a lifetime. But what does it take to become a surfer?
Surfing—it’s addictive
Surfing is the most exciting watersport there is. Serious surfers must be very brave, love adventure and have lots of energy. Once they’ve experienced the excitement of a ride on top of the waves, they never want to stop.
Finding the waves
Many surfers travel around the world searching for the perfect wave, moving from one surf festival to another and checking weather forecasts to see where the really exciting waves are expected next. A surfer’s greatest disappointment would be missing the opportunity to surf in the best weather conditions.
The international sports
Hawaii is where the sports began—the place which most surfers see as their “true home”. They love nature and the excitement they get from the deep waters. Enormous waves crash along mile after mile of beautiful sand, and every surfer dreams of experiencing surfing in Maui or Oahu. Other greatest locations include Australia, the west coast of the US, the Caribbean, Brazil, South Africa, The Canary Islands, and Cornwall.
Two essentials: strength and fearlessness
It takes time for a beginner to learn the technique, but during a long hot summer, who minds practising? The professionals are in the sea every day, and then come back onto the beach to do some exercise. They need to be strong swimmers with good balance and plenty of courage to be expert surfers.
Never easy—but always enjoyable
It can take a few weeks or a whole summer for you to learn to catch a wave at the right moment, stand up on your board and stay there. It’s an amazing feeling when you look down and see your feet on the board and realize you are finally standing up on the sea, even if you aren’t very steady.
1. What is the special concern of the surfers participating in a succession of festivals?A.The local weather information. |
B.Personal experiences and qualities. |
C.The training process and technique. |
D.Geographical situation and equipment. |
A.Australia. | B.South Africa. |
C.The west coast of the US. | D.Maui or Oahu in Hawaii. |
A.An advice leaflet. | B.A sports textbook. |
C.A science magazine. | D.A travel and fitness guide. |
1. How did the man find the sailing trip?
A.It was expensive. | B.It was exciting. | C.It was boring. |
A.She practiced basketball. | B.She played tennis. | C.She went fishing |
A.Andy. | B.Jenny. | C.Joe. |
A.To the seaside. | B.To the park. | C.To the theater. |