Fit to Defeat

Our human body is like a machine. The body uses fuel and produces heat and energy. But there are many differences, and one of those is the effect of activity. Constant use of a machine wears it out sooner than the ones used only occasionally.

Several interesting studies published in England show the relationship between physical fitness and comparative freedom from coronary artery disease. A physically fit youth avoids much illness. Also, body and mind are so interrelated that a physically robust youth can use his mind more efficiently and therefore can benefit more from his or her studies. The facts are that today’s youth do not possess the physical strength, the flexibility and the endurance compared to the youth in the past generations. They are frail because they didn’t follow the example of their elders in considering exercise necessary. Too often they rely on mechanical devices rather than their muscles. Most children and youth today do not even walk to and from the school. Youth is the ideal time for developing the heart and lungs. A heart never put to the stretch to supply the demands of active muscles will not develop strength and endurance necessary for lifelong physical fitness.

Lungs which do not expand to their limit will not develop their maximum capacity for transmitting oxygen to the bloodstream. Muscles remitted to remain flabby will not do their part in maintaining a good, correct, elastic posture.

What type of Exercise?     

The choice of physical activity will depend upon several factors: the age and vigor of the individual, the weather, the time a day available for exercise, the availability of funds for special equipment, the opportunity for combining exercise with recreational interests, and the preferences of the individual.

Of all possible forms of exercise walking comes first. It is adequate and is convenient to all. It requires no equipment, and is suited to individual tolerance. Walking brings into play most of the body’s muscles. Gymnasium activities are excellent especially when weather and climate make outdoor activity impractical. Setting-up exercises, taken at home, also serve well to keep a person in good condition.

These require no special equipment and can be varied to suit the tolerance of the individual. Push-ups, sit-ups, and other such forms of muscle development can be carried on systematically. By making the exercises a little more strenuous each week, a person can build up his physical fitness to a satisfactory level.

Warning  

Middle-aged persons particularly must be cautioned against letting their enthusiasm cause them to overdo. As with all other good things, there are extremes to be avoided.  The following danger signals serve as indication that the program of exercise is strenuous: The heart continuous to pound for more than ten minutes after exercise has ceased. (2) Breathing is still uncomfortable following a ten minute period of rest. (3) The muscle feel shaky for more than thirty minutes after the exercise. (4) it is hard to relax when bedtimes comes. (5) The person feels unusually tired on the following day.

Benefits of Exercise

Exercise builds muscles, increasing their blood supply, their power, their efficiency, and their endurance. (2) Exercise improves the circulation of blood throughout the body by increasing the capacity of the heart to pump blood. Improved circulation of blood throughout the body benefits the heart itself. Thus, exercise makes the individual less susceptible to the heart attack. (3) Exercise improves the efficiency of the lungs, thus providing a readily available supply of oxygen. (4) Exercise improves the functions of many tissues throughout the body by increasing the metabolic activity of all tissues. (5) Exercise helps in the control of body weight, using up surplus calories. (6) Exercise promotes a feeling of zest and well-being, and this provides greater vigor for the day’s activities. A person physically fit is likely to become more optimistic, enthusiastic, and successful. (7) Systematic exercise reduces end-of-the-day fatigue. (8) Exercise when properly chosen becomes an enjoyable form of recreation and thus relieves enervating monotony.

A well-nourished person provided to exercise regularly and follows a consistent program of healthful living possesses the following characteristic: He has abundant vitality. His facial expression radiates well-being, his eyes appear clear and alert and his hair is smooth and glossy. (2) his bones are well-formed. He has sturdy arms and legs, a straight back, well-shape head and chest, and well formed-teeth. (3) His muscles are well-developed and strong. He has a good posture when sitting, standing, or walking. His movements are graceful and he seems to find pleasure in physical activity. (4) he has sufficient fat beneath his skin to pad the underlying bones and muscles, but is not overweight. (5) His body functions efficiently. He enjoys food, and his organs of digestion and elimination functions normally. He has good endurance. In describing a well-nourished person, we have simply described a healthy person. This a logical for the food a person eats provides the raw material out of which all body processes are supported and maintained.

The ideal state of health comes partly from sufficient protein in the diet to provide for the formation and repair of body tissues. There must be an adequate supply of minerals to reinforce the body tissue, as in the formation and maintenance of teeth and bones. There must be sufficient carbohydrates for energy and the right amount of fat. There must also be vitamins to keep the tissues in good condition and to enable the brain, the nerves and other vital organs to function well.

-Glaiza Dazo