Hi there. This is Active Annie and Jumping Jack, the Go!Kids Challenge™ mascots. We are so excited that you are participating in the 2010 Valero Go!Kids Challenge. While you are completing 30 minutes of physical activity six days a week and working on your push-ups and curl-ups, we are here to answer your questions about fitness and health. Feel free to ask us questions on our “Ask a Mascot” blog. We may not get to all of your questions, but we will try! Talk to you soon, and stay active!
From Max:
Do you jump rope?
Jumping Jack’s Answer:
Jumping rope is a great exercise Max! It doesn’t take much space and it is a great way to get your heart pumping.
From Alexander:
What is aerobic exercise? Is it good for you?
Jumping Jack’s Answer:
Aerobic means “with oxygen”, so aerobic exercises include running, walking quickly, dancing, swimming…anything that requires your heart and lungs to work harder to get oxygen to the muscles.
From Melissa:
How many push-ups should you do if you’re not good at them?
Jumping Jack’s Answer:
Melissa, keep practicing and you’ll get better. Check out the videos at gokidschallenge.com. They show a way to do push-ups if your just beginning, and ways to do them as you get stronger.
From Melissa:
How come you have to drink water before you play a sport like football or baseball?
Active Annie’s Answer:
Great question Melissa. It is important to drink water because our bodies are made up of 70% water. Every day we lose water just doing our normal activities. Not to mention, when we exercise or sweat, our bodies use even more water. We have to replace what we are using in order to be healthy and feel good.
From Cierra:
What is the best place to exercise?
Active Annie’s Answer:
Cierra, the best place to exercise is where ever you can do it. If the weather is bad, you can dance inside or even jump rope. If you like playing tag, or riding your bike, the best place is outside. What is important is that you move and do something that’s fun!
From Demi:
What kinds of fruit do you like?
Active Annie’s Answer:
Demi, I love most fruits. Different fruits are in season at different times, so I usually eat what is in season. In the spring and summer, I love to eat berries, peaches, and grapes. In the winter I eat apples, pears and bananas
From Ellie:
Dear Annie, How much should I exercise?
Active Annie’s Answer:
Exercising for 30 minutes to one hour everyday is a good amount of exercise, but if that seems like too much or you are just starting to become active you can do 3 small sessions of 10 minutes at a time. Sometimes if you break it up it doesn’t seem as difficult.
From Raistlynn:
Can vitamins help you stay healthy?
Active Annie’s Answer:
Vitamins are a good addition to your diet but should not replace a variety of healthy foods. Your body uses the vitamins in the food you eat a lot easier than what comes in vitamins.
