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Do you have it? We all need it. It is very
valuable, but we are often careless about it. It is easy to
lose and difficult to get back. What is it? Physical fitness.
For
a long time, most people did not realize how important physical
fitness was. Today, however, we know that staying in good physical
condition not only makes life more enjoyable but also quite
possibly helps us live longer. That is why millions of people
today participate in some sort of strenuous exercise several
times each week.
There are
four foundations to physical fitness. First, you must eat in
an intelligent way, based on principles of good nutrition. Second,
you must get plenty of rest and sleep. This is vital when you
are growing, and it is important at all times of your life.
Third, you must practice good hygiene and health habits, and
you should avoid dangerous substances such as tobacco and narcotics.
Fourth, you must get plenty of exercise. Exercise keeps your
muscles, heart, and lungs in good working order. There are many
different exercises, but just three basic kinds are necessary
for physical fitness. They are aerobic exercises, stretchers,
and strengtheners.
Aerobics
It used
to be that doctors would recommend rest for their patients with
heart problems. This has changed. Now exercise is often recommended
to help strengthen weak hearts. Even normal, healthy hearts
benefit greatly from exercise. Doctors have discovered that
the heart is like any other muscle. Making it work strengthens
it. The heart is working hard when it is pumping hard.
Exercises
that strengthen the heart and lungs are called aerobic exercises.
The word “aerobic” means “with oxygen.” Muscles need oxygen
in order to produce heat and energy. Our lungs collect oxygen
and feed it into our blood. Our hearts pump the blood through
the arteries and veins of our circulatory system, delivering
oxygen to every muscle in the body.
The blood
also carries food to the muscles and takes away wastes produced
as the food and oxygen are used. When muscles have too much
waste, they do not work well. Your muscles become fatigued (tired).
They also become sore or develop cramps.
With an
efficient heart and a strong pair of lungs, however, you can
work your muscles hard for a long time without getting fatigued.
And you can be sure that every organ and tissue in your body
is receiving a healthy supply of food and oxygen.
What exercises
will strengthen your heart and lungs?
Running, jogging, bicycling, swimming, rope skipping, cross-country
skiing, basketball, soccer, and hockey are all aerobic activities.
Some people enjoy dancing as an aerobic exercise. Continuous
body movements, such as running in place, hopping in place,
or different exercises done without pauses between them may
all be aerobic. Even walking long distances has aerobic benefits.
Even long distances has aerobic benefits. |
