Time for Tendons
Skeletal muscles are held to the bones with the help of tendons (say: ten-duns). Tendons are cords made of tough tissue, and they work as special connector pieces between bone and muscle. The tendons are attached so well that when you contract one of your muscles, the tendon (and bone) moves along with it.

Some parts of the body have very small bones and not a lot of space, so the tendons in these parts are specially shaped to fit the area. Can you guess what parts? If you're thinking hands and feet, you're right!

The tendons in your hands and feet are shaped like long, skinny ropes. They extend all the way to the ends of your fingers and toes to allow you to bend and move them. These rope-shaped tendons give these parts power without making them too big. They get their power from muscles that are higher up in the arm or the leg. Test the true strength of the tendons in your hands by making a fist or grasping a pencil. And see what you can do with the tendons in your feet - like curling your toes or standing on tiptoe.

Making Muscles Marvelous
Your muscles are amazing - they keep your heart beating, let you move your whole body, and more. It's a good idea to take care of your muscles - and even better, it's fun, too!

When it comes to building cardiac and skeletal muscle, aerobic (say: air-oh-bick) exercise is where it's at. Aerobic exercise is great for your heart, because when you exercise and bring in more oxygen to your skeletal muscles, your heart becomes stronger. Since it's a muscle, it can become more and more powerful - and sometimes even a bit bigger! It's easy for kids to get aerobic exercise: things like bike riding, in-line skating, swimming, soccer, dancing, and jumping rope are just some examples of aerobic activity.

And to keep your skeletal muscles smiling, be sure to give them a good workout, too. When you exercise your skeletal muscles, it makes them stronger and sometimes larger. You can be active and have more fun for a longer time when your skeletal muscles are in shape - you're able to tug harder during tug of war and kick harder in karate. To build up your skeletal muscles, try things like push-ups or pull-ups, rowing in a boat, half sit-ups, running, or bike riding. Your pecs, abs, biceps, and quads will thank you!

One thing that's important to remember when exercising your skeletal muscles is to give them a proper warm-up. Muscles and tendons are usually pretty tough, but if they are pulled or twisted before they are warmed up, they can get damaged or strained. Usually damage to a muscle or tendon is only temporary, but it's best to be kind to your muscles ahead of time by taking 5 or 10 minutes to stretch them out before you exercise or play a sport. Be sure to sit properly when you're working or playing on the computer, and remember to take breaks - both of these things help prevent you from straining your muscles, too. Keeping your muscles marvelous means you will feel magnificent!

Updated and reviewed by: Kim Rutherford, MD
Date reviewed: June 2001
Originally reviewed by: Steve Dowshen, MD and Michael Stanwood, ATC, CSCS