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We all know keeping active is good for us! But what’s so great about exercise, and how do you know if you’re getting enough?

Whether it’s joining a netball team, doing street-dance or just running around the park, there are more benefits to exercise than you might think –

So it’s all good – for body and mind!

As with most things in life, everybody’s different – but luckily there are loads of ways to get healthy.

Some people are very ‘sporty’ and love to train doing one activity (or maybe lots!) like football or gymnastics; and others love the thrill of competing and winning.

There are sports clubs, teams and competitions available in and out of school – and they can be a great way to try something new.

You might even train because you want to become a sportsperson!

But if that’s not for you, there are lots of other ways to get active – many of which don’t involve any training, kit or special clothing.

Walking the dog, dancing to your favourite music, playing outside or even doing the housework (OK, that’s not always the most fun one!) all help get your body moving.

Quite often you can be doing exercise without even realising it!

The important thing is to try out different types of exercise and discover what’s right for you.

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Taking up a sport or an active hobby can also be a really good way to meet new people and make friends.

Team sports let us practice working together, sharing our skills – and help us to learn that, while winning is great, it’s also OK to lose sometimes as well!

Not all sports have to be competitive! There are lots of sports, like swimming or dancing, which let you express yourself or learn new skills.

If you’re the sort of person who likes to do their own thing, why not use sport as a chance to get some ‘me time’ and do something by yourself?

If someone you know is struggling to find the motivation to get active, why not be their ‘buddy’ and try something new together?

We should all try to regularly do some kind of exercise which gets our heart-rate up – but getting into the habit of doing ‘little things’ is important too.

Taking the stairs instead of the lift, riding your bike to school instead of going by car, having a walk at lunchtime – it all makes a positive difference.

Because everyone’s body is different, not every sport or hobby will suit each person.

You might have a disability or an illness which makes it difficult to, for example, run fast or jump – but that doesn’t mean you won’t be a brilliant swimmer or love yoga.

Don’t worry if the activities you enjoy are different from the things your friends or class-mates do – everyone is unique!

Not getting enough exercise can have a negative impact on our minds and bodies.

If your lifestyle isn’t very active, some effects you might notice are –

Sometimes people can exercise too much – which can also have negative effects – bodies need rest as much as they need exercise!

Your body might let you know if you’re putting it under strain (for instance you might pull a muscle or get aches from over-using part of your body). Your body responds best when exercise is supported by periods of recovery.

Sometimes people get wrapped up in feeling like they ‘must’ do an activity – and feel guilty or low if they don’t spend a lot of their time doing it.

If you’re putting yourself under pressure or worry you might be pushing yourself too hard, talk to a parent, teacher or friend about how you feel.

Overall, exercise should be fun and something you enjoy – with the added benefits that it’s really good for your physical and mental health!

Remember to give yourself praise for the things you have done.

Getting active isn’t all about winning trophies or coming first – you can set your own goals and be proud of your achievements, big or small.

For more information about organisations which offer advice and support, check out the Advice Helplines page.