Chapter 57—Exercise and Health
[
Note: See
The Adventist Home, 493-530
, Section XVII, “Relaxation
and Recreation.”]
Well-regulated Employment and Amusement—In order for
children and youth to have health, cheerfulness, vivacity, and well-
developed muscles and brains, they should be much in the open air
and have well-regulated employment and amusement
Children should have occupation for their time. Proper mental
labor and physical outdoor exercise will not break the constitution of
your boys. Useful labor and an acquaintance with the mysteries of
housework will be beneficial to your girls, and some outdoor employ-
ment is positively necessary to their constitution and health
Exercise and Fresh Air—Those who do not use their limbs every
day will realize a weakness when they do attempt to exercise. The
veins and muscles are not in a condition to perform their work and
keep all the living machinery in healthful action, each organ in the
system doing its part. The limbs will strengthen with use. Moderate
exercise every day will impart strength to the muscles, which without
exercise become flabby and enfeebled. By active exercise in the open
air every day, the liver, kidneys, and lungs also will be strengthened to
perform their work.
Bring to your aid the power of the will, which will resist cold and
will give energy to the nervous system. In a short time you will so
realize the benefit of exercise and pure air that you would not live
[340]
without these blessings. Your lungs, deprived of air, will be like a
hungry person deprived of food. Indeed, we can live longer without
food than without air, which is the food that God has provided for the
lungs
Students Especially Need Physical Activity—Inactivity weak-
ens the system. God made men and women to be active and useful.
1
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 83
.
2
Testimonies For The Church 4:97
.
3
Testimonies For The Church 2:533
.
258