Science · Health Science
Heart Health and Exercise — Reading Comprehension Lesson
Reading comprehension passage and printable worksheet about how exercise strengthens the heart and improves cardiovascular health — for grades 3–6.
Subject
Science
Grade Level
Grades 3–6
Pages
3 pages
Skills
Reading Comprehension
Reading Passage
Heart Health and Exercise
The heart is a muscle, and like all muscles, it gets stronger with exercise. Regular physical activity is one of the most important things a person can do to keep their heart healthy. When you exercise, your heart beats faster and pumps more blood to your muscles. Over time, regular exercise makes the heart stronger and more efficient at its job.
The cardiovascular system includes the heart, blood vessels, and blood. The heart pumps blood through a network of arteries and veins that reaches every part of the body. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to the body’s cells and carries away carbon dioxide and waste products. When the heart is strong and the blood vessels are clear and flexible, the cardiovascular system works efficiently.
Aerobic exercise — sometimes called cardio — is the type of exercise that most benefits the heart. Aerobic exercise is any activity that raises your heart rate and keeps it elevated for a period of time. Walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, and jumping rope are all aerobic exercises. Doctors recommend that children get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day, and adults should get at least 150 minutes per week.
Regular aerobic exercise has many benefits beyond heart health. It helps maintain a healthy weight, strengthens bones and muscles, improves mood, reduces stress, and lowers the risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. Exercise also improves sleep and increases energy levels. People who are physically active throughout their lives tend to live longer and healthier lives.
Taking care of your heart also means making healthy lifestyle choices. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins supports cardiovascular health. Avoiding smoking is critical — smoking damages blood vessels and greatly increases the risk of heart disease. Reducing stress and getting regular checkups help keep the heart in good condition. Combined with regular exercise, these habits can protect your heart for life.
Printable Worksheet
Printable PDF · 3 pages
Heart Health and Exercise Reading Comprehension Worksheet
Printable worksheet includes the reading passage and comprehension questions about how exercise and healthy habits strengthen the heart and improve cardiovascular health. Includes answer key.
More Science Worksheets
Explore our full library of science reading comprehension worksheets and lesson resources.