OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

What aspect of physical health does exercise improve?

1. Only cardiovascular strength

2. Bone strength and muscle strength

3. Flexibility but not strength

4. Only mental health

The correct answer is: Bone strength and muscle strength

Exercise plays a crucial role in improving various aspects of physical health, particularly bone strength and muscle strength. Engaging in regular physical activity stimulates bone remodeling, which helps to increase bone density and strength. This is especially important in preventing conditions such as osteoporosis later in life. Additionally, exercise is known to enhance muscle strength by promoting muscle hypertrophy, the process through which muscles increase in size due to strength training and resistance activities. While cardiovascular health is indeed a benefit of exercise, it is not the sole area improved by physical activity. Similarly, flexibility can be enhanced through exercise, particularly in practices such as yoga or stretching routines, but this does not encompass the full range of benefits exercise provides. Mental health is also supported by exercise; however, categorizing the benefits of exercise to only improving mental health overlooks the significant physical improvements that come from a consistent exercise regimen. Therefore, the correct answer reflects the comprehensive benefits that exercise provides to both muscle and bone health.