The Joy of Exercise

There have been several studies of the physiology of exercise, and now it is generally agreed that the best sorts for overall fitness are aerobic activities—running, swimming, rowing, and bicycling. You can add to that list cross-country skiing, disco dancing (providing you do enough of it and really get your heart beating and lungs working). Walking is acceptable too if you walk fast and far enough and if you go over hilly ground as well as over flat terrain. For only these activities offer the kind of steady, sustained movement that builds muscle strength, increases the flexibility of joints, and also fortifies the heart and lungs. You may be able to exert yourself by playing tennis or squash or golf, but how well depends on how you play the game and whom you play with. You can win sets of tennis without moving more than a few feet from one place or you can be all over the court and totally exhaust yourself. A recent study of men from thirty-five to seventy-four at Stanford University concluded that these games do not give as effective protection as swimming or running or cross-country skiing. So play them and enjoy them, but take up something else too. Let’s take a look at aerobic exercises first. (more…)

A friend who is a physical training expert and another friend—a sports medical man—helped me put together:

FIRST WEEK

Take a brisk walk of one mile, breaking into 50- or 100-yard jogs when you feel like it. Walk at a steady pace in between the jogs but never force yourself. Fitness is gained by steady work. You only end up with injuries and anguish when you push too hard. Take a look around you and enjoy your surroundings. Explore the feeling of your body in motion and discover what it feels like to be you. (more…)