Sports can help contribute to a healthy body and get you close to nature. However, whether you are on the mountains, in the waves, or on the grassland, you should be aware that your sport of choice might have great impact on the environment.

【小题1】 Golf, as you may know, eats up not only large areas of countryside, but also tons of water. Besides, all sorts of chemicals and huge amounts of energy are used to keep its courses(球场) in good condition. 【小题2】 For example, in the dry regions of Portugal and Spain, golf is often held, responsible for serious water shortage in some local areas.

There are many environment-friendly sports. 【小题3】 You don’t need any special equipment except a good pair of shoes; and you don’t have to worry about resources and your purse. Simple and free, it can also keep you fit. 【小题4】 Experts say that 20 minutes daily can make you feel less anxious, sleep well and have better weight control.

Whatever sport you take up, you can make it greener by using environment-friendly equipment and buying products made from recycled materials. But the final goal should be “green gyms”. They are better replacements for traditional health clubs and modern sports centers. Members of green gyms play sports outdoors, in the countryside or other open spaces. 【小题5】 And best of all, it’s free.

It’s a long-term question for teachers: how do you get children who hate physical activity to take part in PE lessons? A Northampton primary school believes it has the answer. Designed to make the least active pupils take an interest in their fitness, a program has been introduced at Lings Primary School. And not only have the pupils developed an interest in activities ranging from football to ballroom dancing, according to the school, but their school work has also improved significantly.

The students also turn up on time—Lings now has the best attendance record in the county at 98 percent—and results have improved:86 percent of pupils now achieve the required standard in English and maths tests for 11-year-olds, compared with only 44 percent four years ago.

The turnaround has been achieved by simply making PE fun. Instead of climbing wall bars and running on the spot, the pupils practice exercises such as moving like animals. One routine involves crawling around the floor like a bear and moving around like gorillas. In another the children try to maintain their balance on the boards made of rubber, all of which stretch their muscles and improve their fitness.

Baroness Campbell, who chairs the Youth Sport Trust, which designed the program, said, “We want to show young people that physical activity is fun and a great way to learn skills which will stay with them for life.”

Group exercise is one of the most helpful ways to improve physical fitness and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Group exercise is challenging, yet fun and empowering! Of course, everyone knows that exercise is good for the body. However, studies have shown that when exercise is performed in groups, it’s not only great for improving physical health but also for psychological health. It’s an opportunity to be social, release endorphins (内啡肽), and improve your strength. Additionally, group exercise creates a community feel and the shared common goal motivates participants to work hard. The instrumental support of taking on a fitness journey with others proves more fruitful than going to the gym alone.

Another benefit of group exercise is the informational support participants receive from the instructor. Many people fear the gym because they feel lost and don’t want to embarrass themselves. If you feel you can relate, then group training is an even better choice for you. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about fitness through the clear instruction and supervision (监管) of a fitness instructor. If you’re tired of wandering around the gym wasting time and becoming bored, you can attend an upbeat group fitness class that’ll keep your workout on track. Don’t let fitness frighten you!

If you’re serious about wanting to live a healthy lifestyle, it’s extremely important to surround yourself with people who’ll provide you with the proper emotional support. I wouldn’t scold ( 训 斥 ) anyone for deciding to party on weekends and in turn I wouldn’t expect anyone to give offence to me for focusing on my health. Surround yourself with people who uplift, encourage and understand you! Make fitness even more fun by trying something new or any group fitness class, with a friend. Plan to go for a jog together. Then try a fun healthy restaurant or fresh juice bar! Fitness can be both fun and social!

Surrounding yourself with people who’ll provide you with respect and support can do a lot of good while working towards reaching health and fitness goals. First, decide to do it for yourself and work towards staying positive. Then make sure the people you surround yourself with are supportive. Don’t let negativity ruin your motivation.