Are you able to get through the day without tiring? Does your body respond quickly in an emergency? Are you mentally alert in class? Do you feel good about your body? Can you climb five flights of stairs without getting tired? All of these questions are directly related to what type of physical shape you’re in and how you respond to everyday things. You will find out within the next three days if you are physically fit or not. Let’s answer these ?’s

Physical Fitness is: the ability to carry out daily tasks easily and have enough reserve energy to respond to unexpected demands.

AT THIS TIME: Read the following article on the “Benefits of Exercise.” What are some of the important aspects you have found?

PHYSICAL HEALTH BENEFITS reduces your chances of acquiring diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, and crippling conditions, such as obesity, that are linked to inactivity. allows you to be more active and capable at any age. gives you higher energy levels for longer periods. improves your posture reduces feeling of chronic fatigue and stiffness improves motor responses strengthens the body’s muscles, skeleton, and other moving parts slows down osteoporosis enhances the body’s protection against disease by building up resistance recuperate faster improves functioning of the nervous system, circulatory system, and respiratory system

MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS makes you intellectually more productive. provides relief from stress helps depression gives you a sense of pride and accomplishment for taking care of yourself contributes to positive self-esteem because you will look and feel better about yourself. can be a healthy outlet for tension, anger, or frustration

SOCIAL HEALTH BENEFITS reduces stress that can interfere with good relationships. builds self-confidence, making you more able to deal effectively in social situations such as meeting new people. gives you the opportunity to interact and cooperate with others

SUMMING IT UP The emphasis should always be on that of enjoyment! Individuals often forget that the most important reason for keeping fit is because they enjoy it. People often mention weight control, feeling 'better' and gaining strength as priorities for working out. But you won't lose weight, get strong or feel 'better' if you can't find motivation to exercise. One way to increase enjoyment is to try several different things or find a new workout location. Following some simple fitness do's and don'ts will help keep your workout from becoming a chore!

CLOSURE Students are to answer journal question #1 How does your thoughts of physical health differ from before reading this article to after reading this article?