“One of the early studies on the relationship of exercise to aging was done by Dr. Herbert de Vries. In one study of his, more than 200 men and women, ages 56-87 in a California retirement community, participated in a fitness program that included walking, a walk-jog routine, calisthenics, and stretching. After just six weeks, their blood pressure dropped, body fat decreased, maximum oxygen transport increased and neuromuscular signs of nervous tension diminished.” Analyzing the results, Dr. Herbert de Vries concluded: ‘Men and women of 60 to 70 became as fit and energetic as those 20-30 years younger.’ And he added, ‘ The ones who improved most were those who had been the least active and the most out-of-shape.’1
“A walk, even in the winter, would be more beneficial to the health than all the medicine the doctors may prescribe.”2
“Morning exercise, in walking in the free invigorating air of heaven is the surest safeguard against colds, coughs, congestions of the brain and lungs… and hundred other diseases.”3
“Continued inactivity is one of the greatest causes of debility of body and feebleness of mind.”4
“Exercise aids the dyspeptic by giving the digestive organs a healthy tone.”5
“Outdoor exercise is best” MH 239. E.G. White6
“Proper exercise in the open air & general sunshine, ranks among God’s highest and richest blessings to men. It gives form & strength to the physical organism and, other habits being equal, is the surest safeguard against disease and premature decay… The tendency to feebleness and premature decay in American women is too evident to admit of a doubt, to no one thing it is so clearly traceable to their habit of staying so closely in-doors. The aboriginal women of our country are as strong as the men. And why? — Simply because their habits are so nearly like those of men — spending as they do so much of their time in open air. This is also true, to a large extent of European women who labor side by side with their husbands in the field.”7
Twenty Benefits of Regular Exercise
- 1 — Improved mental outlook
- 2 — Improved appearance (face too!)
- 3 — Enhanced efficiency of heart & lungs
- 4 — Increase blood flow & oxygen volume
- 5 — Increased muscle strength endurance
- 6 — Improved flexibility
- 7 — Protection from lower back pain
- 8 — Possible delay of aging process
- 9 — Reduction of body fat
- 10 — Weight control
- 11 — Speed up the flow of lymph - removing toxins
- 12 — Reduction of coronary heart disease by ⅓ over 7yrs.
- 13 — Causes muscles to relax - you will sleep better
- 14 — Reduction in allergies, asthma & respiratory problems
- 15 — Extend several years of life by exercise
- 16 — Lower blood pressure
- 17 — Increased clarity in vision
- 18 — Less tension, depression, anger and stress
- 19 — Memory & intellectual functions improve
- 20 — Bone marrow makes red cells at a fast rate
“More people die from want of exercise then through over-fatigue; very many rust out than wear out.”8
“Rebounding Benefits: sleep better, less tense, less tired, eat better, reduces cellulite and fat, improves vision, rejuvenates tired body.”9
1. Natural Remedies Encyclopedia, 4th Ed. p 54, Vance Ferrell. Harvestime Books (1998)
2. How to Live 571, E.G. White
3. How to Live 903, E.G. White
4. Ibid, 597, E.G. White
5. MH, 240, E.G. White
6. MH, 239, E.G. White
7. Shorter’s Health Manual, Gwen Shorter p.179 Homeward Publishing Ministries (2001)
8. Counsels on Health, E.G. White, p.173
9. Shorter’s Health Manual, Gwen Shorter p.180-181 Homeward Publishing Ministries (2001)