Exercise
95
Welcome it, cultivate a love for it, and it will prove a precious soother
of the nerves. Air must be in constant circulation to be kept pure. The
influence of pure, fresh air is to cause the blood to circulate healthfully
through the system. It refreshes the body and tends to render it strong
and healthy, while at the same time its influence is decidedly felt upon
the mind, imparting a degree of composure and serenity. It excites
the appetite, renders the digestion of food more perfect, and induces
sound and sweet sleep.—
Testimonies for the Church 1:702
(1868).
Inactivity a Fruitful Cause of Disease.—Inactivity is a fruitful
cause of disease. Exercise quickens and equalizes the circulation of
the blood, but in idleness the blood does not circulate freely, and the
changes in it, so necessary to life and health, do not take place. The
skin, too, becomes inactive. Impurities are not expelled as they would
be if the circulation had been quickened by vigorous exercise, the skin
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kept in a healthy condition, and the lungs fed with plenty of pure, fresh
air. This state of the system throws a double burden on the excretory
organs, and disease is the result.—
The Ministry of Healing, 238
(1905).
Judicious Regulation of Exercise—Well-directed physical exer-
cise, using the strength but not abusing it, would prove an effective
remedial agent.—
Manuscript 2, 1870.
Prevents the Mind From Becoming Overworked—Physical la-
bor will not prevent the cultivation of the intellect. Far from it. The
advantages gained by physical labor will balance a person and prevent
the mind from being overworked. The toil will come upon the muscles
and relieve the wearied brain. There are many listless, useless girls
who consider it unladylike to engage in active labor. But their charac-
ters are too transparent to deceive sensible persons in regard to their
real worthlessness....
It does not require a frail, helpless, overdressed, simpering thing to
make a lady. A sound body is required for a sound intellect. Physical
soundness and a practical knowledge of all the necessary household
duties will never be hindrances to a well-developed intellect; both are
highly important for a lady.—
Testimonies for the Church 3:152
(1872).
Without Exercise, Mind Cannot Be in Working Order—For a
healthy young man, stern, severe exercise is strengthening to brain,
bone, and muscle. And it is an essential preparation for the difficult
work of a physician. Without such exercise the mind cannot be in
working order. It cannot put forth the sharp, quick action that will