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.
