The Benefits of Exercise

By Nancy Grundy

President John F. Kennedy once said: "Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity. The relationship between the soundness of the body and the activities of the mind is subtle and complex. Much is not yet understood. But we do know what the Greeks knew: that intelligence and skill can only function at the peak of their capability when the body is healthy and strong; and that hardy spirits and tough minds usually inhabit sound bodies." 

You can improve your strength, endurance, reflexes and your overall condition by exchanging a few bad habits for a few good ones. This usually increases self esteem, the blood flows better, your reflexes are better and you definitely have less stress. Exercise is an insurance policy for the body. When we take care of our body it takes care of us. We look better, feel better, and have more pride and discipline in ourselves. Move every day. Get oxygen into your body every day and breathe, breathe, and breathe. GET INTO THE HABIT!

Exercise: decreases the risk of heart disease, decreases the risk of cancer, prevents diabetes, helps achieve and maintain a healthy weight, increases functional fitness, helps everyone lead fuller, happier, and more energetic lives, reduces anxiety, puts mental problems in perspective as oxygen cleanses the brain and increases the blood flow. IT'S A STRESS BUSTER.

When the cardiovascular system is in shape, studies at Arizona State University say, your heart rate stays lower and rises more slowly when you are found in an anxiety provoking situation. You tend to stay cool when times get hot. Exercises enhances relaxation, and lifts depression.

You eat every day, you sleep every day. Your body was made to move every day. Make exercise a habit for the rest your life. You have only one life and that body houses the temple of the living God. Take care of it!

Enjoy the paper!