Stacey Tidwell, age 14, of Concord, N.H., for her question:
HOW IMPORTANT IS EXERCISE?
Medical experts tell us that a program of exercise is very important for everyone throughout life. Exercise aids health by improving blood circulation, breathing, digestion and metabolism which is the process by which the body transforms food into energy and tissue.
Growing bodies of young boys and girls need exercise in order to develop properly. In the adult years, exercise keeps the body in good physical condition.
By aiding physical health, exercise also improves mental health throughout life.
How much exercise is right for you depends upon your physical condition, age, general health and long term goals. It is recommended that anyone about to embark on a new physical fitness program should consult with a doctor before doing so.
The goal of any sound exercise program is to improve the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. A strong heart and strong lungs are the basis for a lifetime of good health.
According to the American Heart Association's Committee on Exercise and Fitness, the heart and lungs are improved only by exercise that is sustained for 15 minutes or more. Thus, although tennis can call forth sporadic bursts of great energy, it also allows periods of rest. Running, swimming or bicycling, on the other hand provides continuous exercise.
Of greatest importance, however, is that you choose an activity you enjoy. No one continues an exercise program that does not interest him or her. Benefits can be derived only when exercise becomes a regular part of your lifestyle.
Sports furnish one of the most popular ways of obtaining exercise. Americans play about 60 sports, including baseball, basketball, football, golf, tennis, handball, bowling and volleyball. Also providing exercise benefits are such activates as hiking, dancing, cycling, skating and calisthenics.
In addition to sports, work activates around the house can provide exercise.
The effects of exercise are often noticeable. Persons who obtain proper amounts and kinds of exercise usually develop firm muscles and have good posture. Exercise also improves the sense of balance and the general strength, power and endurance of the body.
Physical educators believe that exercise has become even more important today, because machines have taken over so many tasks once performed by hand. For example, electric and gas stoves and washing machines have greatly eased the work once required by housewives.
In factories, electric saws, cranes and other machines have reduced the amount of activity needed to perform many jobs.
Television, movies and similar nonactive recreations occupy much of the free time of Americans and make it difficult to get enough exercise.
Sitting burns about 100 calories per hour. Walking 2 1/2 miles per hour burns 210 calories in an hour.
Golf burns 250 calories per hour; rowing a boat burns 300 calories per hour; volleyball, roller skating and badminton burn 350 calories per hour; vigorous table tennis burns 360 calories per hour; ice skating burns 400 calories per hour; and bicycling at 13 miles per hour burns 660 calories per hour. Running at 10 miles per hour burns 900 calories per hour.