Our bodies were not designed to sit behind desks all day or to depress the accelerator pedal of our cars. Our heart, lungs, and muscles need vigorous, regular exercise in order to function properly and keep us physically and mentally fit.

When the activity required by our jobs and other duties falls below the level necessary to support good health, we must supplement it with planned activity. Our sense of well-being, our ability to perform, and even our survival depends on it.

PHYSICAL EFFECTS OF EXERCISE

Chronic levels of tension can produce the following physical effects on our bodies:

A. Inability to move freely and easily
B. Reduced circulation
C. Sore, tight muscles
D. Shallow, inhibited breathing
E. Psychosomatic illnesses

Exercise can reduce these negative effects and prepare us physically to cope with future stressors.

WHAT IS AEROBIC EXERCISE?

Whenever you move, your body must use up more oxygen than it requires in a resting state. More oxygen can be delivered to your body by either taking in more air into your lungs or by increasing your heart rate. Any vigorous, extended exercise that demands more oxygen than you customarily consume, but not more than you can take in is considered aerobic exercise.

TYPES OF EXERCISE

The key to aerobics is continued movement and motion. Any exercise which fulfills these requirements, while increasing your oxygen consumption is appropriate. The following are all appropriate:

1. Fast walking
2. Jumping Rope
3. Running
4. Cycling
5. Jogging
6. Swimming
7. Stationary running
8. Pickle Ball